Production Engineering Manager

Cambridgeshire - UK

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 18 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Company Profile

Location: Waterbeach UK
Department: R&D Production Engineering
Reports to: Engineering Manager
Type: Full-time Permanent

Company Profile
Thermoteknix Systems Ltd founded in 1982 and based in Cambridge is a world leader in thermal imaging night vision and augmented reality systems. Our award-winning technologies are trusted by defence security and industrial customers in over 70 countries. With in-house R&D cutting-edge innovation and a global reputation for quality we design and manufacture solutions that perform in the toughest environments.

Role Overview
Thermoteknix is establishing a new Production Engineering team within R&D to transition products from development into robust scalable manufacturing by performing hands on technical engineering.

The Production Engineering Manager will lead and develop this new cross-disciplinary function ensuring seamless transfer of products from R&D into repeatable compliant and cost-effective production. Will deliver efficient reliable and quality focussed manufacture.

This role provides strategic and operational leadership across electronics mechanical and software production engineering. The manager will define standards processes and tools for New Product Introduction (NPI) production test automation documentation control and continuous improvement ensuring products are production-ready scalable and supportable throughout their lifecycle.

About You

Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Function Development

Build lead and develop a high-performing Production Engineering team covering electronics mechanical and software disciplines.
Define the structure responsibilities standards and best practices for the Production Engineering function.
Provide technical oversight and mentorship across all production engineering activities.
Set objectives KPIs and performance expectations aligned with company goals.
Foster a collaborative solutions-focused and continuous improvement culture.

New Product Introduction (NPI) & Transfer to Manufacturing

Own the structured transfer of products from R&D into engineering and manufacturing.
Establish and govern the NPI framework to ensure readiness for:
- Assembly
- Test
- Calibration
- Programming
- Scale-up
Ensure Design for Manufacture (DFM) Design for Assembly (DFA) and Design for Test (DFT) principles are embedded early in development.
Chair production readiness reviews and sign off manufacturing release criteria.
Ensure BOMs tooling test systems documentation and processes are in place prior to production launch.

Production Test & Manufacturing Capability

Oversee development of:
- Electronic test strategies and ATE solutions
- Mechanical fixtures jigs and tooling
- Automated software test and programming systems
Ensure robust end-of-line testing calibration processes and configuration control.
Standardise production test architecture traceability and data capture.
Ensure secure and repeatable firmware/software programming processes.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

Drive manufacturing efficiency yield improvement cost reduction and throughput optimisation.
Establish structured root cause and corrective action methodologies (e.g. 8D FMEA SPC).
Implement lean manufacturing principles within production engineering activities.
Ensure systematic feedback loops from production into design engineering.
Identify automation opportunities to improve repeatability and reduce manual risk.

Production Support & Issue Resolution

Provide escalation-level technical leadership for complex production issues.
Oversee resolution of electronic mechanical and software-related manufacturing problems.
Ensure effective handling of non-conformance concessions CAPA and quality investigations.
Maintain strong collaboration with Quality and Operations to protect delivery and product integrity.

Documentation Configuration & Engineering Control

Establish clear standards for:
- Work instructions
- Test procedures
- Programming instructions
- Tooling documentation
- Calibration processes
Ensure robust configuration management and engineering change control (ECN) processes.
Maintain traceability of hardware and software versions through the product lifecycle.
Ensure compliance with ISO9001 and other relevant standards.

Cross-Functional & Supplier Collaboration

Act as the senior interface between R&D Production Quality Supply Chain and Operations.
Support supplier selection and development for:
- PCB assemblies
- Mechanical components
- Test systems
- Programming solutions
Ensure manufacturability and scalability are considered in supplier engagement.
Support make/buy decisions and outsourcing strategies where appropriate.

Required Skills & Experience

Degree (or equivalent experience) in Engineering (Electronic Mechanical Software Manufacturing or related discipline).
Significant experience in production engineering manufacturing engineering or NPI leadership within a technology-based environment.
Proven experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Strong understanding of:
1. Electronics manufacturing and PCB assembly
2. Mechanical production processes
3. Production test systems and automation
4. Software release and configuration control in manufacturing
Experience leading NPI from prototype through to volume manufacture.
Strong knowledge of DFM DFA DFT principles.
Experience working within ISO9001 (AS9100 desirable).
Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis capability.

Desirable Skills & Experience

Experience scaling complex electromechanical products into volume production.
Experience working in an SME i.e. adaptability & versatility
Experience with CAD (e.g. Solid Works) and hardware design (e.g. Altium)
Knowledge of ERP-driven BOM control and manufacturing data systems.
Familiarity with LabVIEW automated test systems and calibration environments.
Experience working with contract manufacturers and international suppliers.
Exposure to thermal imaging embedded electronics or ruggedised electronic product development.

Personal Attributes

Pragmatic hands on and detail focussed leads by example.
Strategic thinker with strong execution focus.
Hands-on leader comfortable engaging on the shop floor.
Strong communicator able to influence across engineering and operations.
Calm under pressure with strong decision-making capability.
Passionate about building robust systems and high-performing teams.
Motivated to shape and mature a new function within a growing organisation.

Why us

Opportunity to build and lead a newly formed Production Engineering function.
A key role bridging cutting-edge R&D and real-world manufacturing.
Collaborative environment working on advanced thermal imaging technologies.
Career development and growth within a high-technology engineering organisation.
Training and career development opportunities.
Competitive salary and benefits package.

Required Experience:

Manager

Company ProfileLocation: Waterbeach UKDepartment: R&D Production EngineeringReports to: Engineering ManagerType: Full-time PermanentCompany ProfileThermoteknix Systems Ltd founded in 1982 and based in Cambridge is a world leader in thermal imaging night visi...