Job Title

Head of Digital Payload Production (TSEDP) – Airbus Defence and Space Limited

Job Summary

Lead all activities related to manufacturing, assembly and testing of high‑reliability electronic units for space applications. Ensure products meet the highest quality, performance and traceability standards required for space missions while driving operational excellence, continuous improvement and team development.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strong and visible leadership to a multidisciplinary team including production technicians, manufacturing engineers, test engineers and operators.
• Oversee daily operations of the production line for space‑grade electronic units (PCB assembly, integration, harnessing, mechanical assembly).
• Ensure compliance with applicable space industry standards (ECSS, NASA, IPC, etc.).
• Drive planning, scheduling and resource allocation to meet project milestones and delivery commitments.
• Support the HO Manufacturing Engineering team in defining, optimising and maintaining production processes, work instructions and tooling.
• Develop and improve manufacturing flows to increase efficiency, reliability and repeatability.
• Accountable for the deliveries of the test engineering teams responsible for developing test procedures, test software and test sites.
• Accountable for the successful preparation and execution of functional and environmental testing (Vibration, Thermal Vacuum, Electromagnetic Compatibility).
• Ensure full adherence to quality, safety and space‑level reliability standards.
• Lead initiatives focused on Lean manufacturing, process optimisation and digitalisation.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in electronics manufacturing, preferably in aerospace or other high‑reliability sectors.
• Strong knowledge of environmental and functional testing for space‑grade hardware.
• Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary engineering and production teams.
• Experience with Lean/Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with ECSS standards, space qualification processes and cleanroom production.
• Strong leadership, communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects in a fast‑paced, mission‑critical environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options, car leasing scheme.
• Free onsite parking, season ticket loan, tax‑free technology scheme.
• 37‑hour week with flexible working around core hours and Friday afternoons off.
• Up to 2 additional days per month as TOIL, option to buy/sell holiday.
• Personalised development plan, Airbus Leadership University and access to 10,000+ e‑learning courses.
• Well‑being benefits, 24/7 online GP and mental health support, Employee Assistance Programme.
• Discounted family health, dental insurance, eye tests, cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• On‑site canteen and coffee shop, lunchtime Pilates.
• Life assurance, enhanced pay for parental leave (23 weeks at 100% pay) and adoption/shared parental/caregiving leave.
• Inclusive environment with wellbeing room, multi‑faith room and employee representative groups.

Location & Employment

• Location: Portsmouth, United Kingdom
• Employment type: Full‑time, Permanent
• Travel required: Occasional travel within the UK and internationally.
• Security clearance: Eligibility to gain UK SC Security Clearance.

Equal Opportunities

Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to any applicant who considers themselves to have a disability or long‑term condition under the Equality Act 2010, provided they meet the minimum criteria for the role.