Production Manager

Open Cosmos Ltd; Harwell; On-site; GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering space technology company is seeking a Production Manager to oversee day-to-day satellite production operations in Harwell, UK. The successful candidate will lead the production team, manage KPIs, and ensure adherence to quality systems. Ideal applicants will have experience in manufacturing environments, strong leadership skills, and the ability to work effectively under pressure. This role requires strong operational risk management and effective communication across multiple teams.

Benefits

Work at the cutting edge of space technology

Mission-driven company

Diverse and supportive team

Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Ability to maintain consistency across a shift-based operation.
• Knowledge of health & safety requirements in a technical setting.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day AIT production operations across all shifts.
• Translate production plans into shift rotas and priorities.
• Lead and support Production Team Leads to ensure quality delivery.
• Review production KPIs and take necessary actions.
• Manage operational risks and coordinate effective mitigations.
• Interface with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Facilities.
• Provide updates to the Head of Production on performance and risks.

Skills

Strong knowledge of day-to-day production operations

Ability to lead team leads

Understanding of production KPIs

Knowledge of ERP systems

Grasp of quality systems

Structured approach and calm under pressure

Job description

Overview

Aim high, go beyond!

At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before. Ready for the challenge? Then read on…

Working in our Chief Technology Office (CTO)

The CTO division is where Open Cosmos technology comes to life. Covering engineering, product development, and technical innovation, the team designs, builds, and operates the satellites, systems, and platforms that make our missions possible. It’s a highly collaborative environment where ideas become real hardware, software, and data solutions that deliver impact from space.

The Production team delivers Open Cosmos satellites on time, on cost, and on quality — across multiple global sites. At Harwell, the team is growing to support around-the-clock production of complex satellite systems.

What You'll Be Doing

We're looking for a Production Manager to take ownership of the day-to-day running of our UK production operation.

Reporting to the Head of Production, you’ll be responsible for the daily management of satellite assembly, integration, and test activities across multiple shifts.

You’ll lead our Production Team Leads, set the operational rhythm, and make sure plans turn into predictable outcomes ensuring our teams, shifts, and processes work smoothly together safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.

Duties include:

• Running the day-to-day operation of AIT production across all shifts.
• Translating production plans into shift rotas, priorities, and staffing coverage.
• Leading and supporting Production Team Leads to deliver safely, on time, and to quality.
• Owning production KPIs, reviewing performance, and taking action where needed.
• Managing short-term operational risks and coordinating effective mitigations.
• Ensuring consistent use of processes, build documentation, and ERP reporting.
• Acting as the main operational interface with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Facilities.
• Providing clear, structured updates to the Head of Production on performance and risks.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong knowledge of day-to-day production operations in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• The ability to lead team leads and maintain consistency across a shift-based operation.
• A solid understanding of production KPIs, capacity planning, and operational risk management.
• Knowledge of ERP systems, shop-floor reporting, and performance dashboards.
• A clear grasp of quality systems and health & safety requirements in a technical setting.
• A structured, decisive approach — organised, calm under pressure, and focused on execution.

This role will be based onsite in Harwell, UK

To apply, you must have the legal right to work in this location.

Why Open Cosmos?

• Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe.
• A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges.
• A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team.