Apply here --> https://forms.office.com/e/2ZbvGBEF4k/
1. About Aether Aerospace
Aether Aerospace is a South Wales-based drone development and service delivery company operating primarily in the defence and security sectors. We design, build, test, and operate uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) for demanding customers who need reliable capability in the field — spanning threat simulation, pilot training, logistics delivery, and beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations.
Our in-house engineering team works at pace to close the gap between what users need and what they get, rapidly developing modular solutions under live MoD contracts. We're a small, growing team where people wear multiple hats and take genuine ownership of their work. If you're looking for a role where you can shape how things are done — not just follow a process someone else wrote — this could be a great fit.
2. About the Role
We're looking for a Production, Prototyping & Procurement Manager to sit at the interface between our design organisation and our technician team. Your job is to make sure that what gets designed actually gets built — properly documented, with the right parts on the shelf, and to the right standard.
This is a hands-on role. You'll manage processes and people, but you'll also be on the production floor, understanding the work and unblocking issues. You'll work directly with Engineering and Commercial to understand what's being built and when it's needed — then make it happen.
3. What You'll Be Doing
* Working with design engineers to ensure documentation (drawings, build procedures, BOMs) is complete, clear and usable by the technician team
* Managing procurement — sourcing components, managing suppliers, tracking lead times and making sure parts arrive when they're needed
* Overseeing manufacturing and prototyping activities, ensuring work is progressing to schedule and to the required standard
* Contributing to the development and continuous improvement of our QMS and SMS
* Working with capability leads, planning and assigning work across the technician team, keeping workloads varied and development opportunities open
* Identifying and resolving bottlenecks in the build process, whether that's a documentation gap, a supply chain issue or a capacity constraint
* Maintaining configuration control and traceability of builds and modifications
* Getting hands-on — this isn't a desk-only role
4. What We're Looking For
* A technical background — engineering, manufacturing, prototyping or a related discipline
* Experience managing or coordinating production, prototyping or procurement in a technical environment
* The ability to read and work from engineering documentation, and to identify and resolve gaps before they become build problems
* Practical procurement experience — sourcing parts, managing suppliers, tracking deliveries
* Strong organisational skills and an eye for detail — you'll be keeping track of multiple builds, orders and timelines simultaneously
* Clear communication — you'll be the bridge between engineers and technicians, and need to work effectively with both
* A pragmatic, solutions-first mindset — you'll often need to make progress with incomplete information
* Familiarity with quality management systems and configuration control, or a willingness to learn and help build them
* Eligibility for UK Security Clearance (SC) — we may require the successful candidate to apply for and obtain SC. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria, including a minimum of 5 years' UK residency
5. Nice to Have
* Experience in aerospace, defence or a similarly regulated environment
* Familiarity with design organisation structures and approval processes
* Experience with ERP or MRP systems
* Background in lean manufacturing or continuous improvement
* An understanding of UAS technologies and the specific challenges of small-batch or prototype production
* Familiarity with MOD contracting, DEFCON conditions or DEF STAN standards
6. What We Offer
* Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) — profit share allocation tied to company performance
* 26 days of annual leave plus UK bank holidays
* Employer pension contribution (auto-enrolment and above)
Apply here --> https://forms.office.com/e/2ZbvGBEF4k/
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