Production Manager

Entrepreneur First; Harwell; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space technology company in Harwell is hiring a Production Manager to oversee daily operations of satellite production. The successful candidate will lead a team, ensuring effective management of satellite assembly, integration, and test activities. Key responsibilities include managing production KPIs, maintaining quality and safety standards, and coordinating with engineering and supply chain. This full-time position requires a strong background in production operations and a decisive approach to leadership.

Benefits

Cutting edge technology work

Mission-driven company

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of day-to-day production operations in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Ability to lead team leads and maintain consistency across a shift-based operation.
• Solid understanding of production KPIs, capacity planning, and operational risk management.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Production operations knowledge

Team leadership

Customer relations

Operational risk management

ERP systems knowledge

Quality systems understanding

Job description

Production Manager

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.

Division CTO Department ASSEMBLY, INTEGRATION & TEST Role AIT (Assembly, Integration & Test) Technician Locations Harwell, UK Employment type Full-time

About Open Cosmos

Open Cosmos is dedicated to solving customer problems with insights from space. Whether this is monitoring agricultural yields, assessing the damage of oil spills or providing navigation solutions, we believe that data from satellites is the most effective and sustainable way of achieving this.

Production Manager

Already working at Open Cosmos?

Let’s recruit together and find your next colleague.