*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:
* Electronics manufacturing and PCB assembly
* Mechanical production processes
* Production test systems and automation
* 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.