Propulsion Manager

Are you ready to revolutionise the world with TEKEVER?

At TEKEVER, we lead innovation in Europe as the European leader in unmanned technology, where cutting-edge advancements meet unparalleled innovation.

Digital | Defence | Security | Space

We operate across four strategic areas, combining artificial intelligence, systems engineering, data science, and aerospace technology to tackle global challenges — from protecting people and critical infrastructure to exploring space.

We offer a unique surveillance-as-a-service solution that delivers real-time intelligence, enhancing maritime safety and saving lives. Our products and services support strategic and operational decisions in the most demanding environments — whether at sea, on land, in space, or in cyberspace.

Become part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and mission-driven team that is transforming maritime surveillance and redefining global safety standards.

At TEKEVER, our mission is to provide limitless support through mission-oriented game-changers, delivering the right information at the right time to empower critical decision-making.

If you're passionate about technology and eager to shape the future — TEKEVER is the place for you.

Mission:

Build and run the propulsion manufacturing capability for Tekever UK Swindon Site propulsion / power unit manufacture. From concept to a fully equipped and staffed cell producing the engines that power every aircraft we build.

This is a build-it-from-scratch role. You will design the space, define how the product is made, recruit the team and then drive to hit the production rate the business needs. You will own the area end to end: layout and footprint, make-vs-buy and vertical integration, fuel and engine test capability, quality checks and an in-house 3D printing technology to support rapid iteration and low-volume parts.

You will spend your time on the shop floor as much as at a desk. Priorities such as designing layouts, interviewing and onboarding your team, creating dedicated test cells and driving production to hit rate. You will also work across our European plant network, drawing on proven layouts, processes and lessons learned from sites that are already established and building the supply chain relationships needed to outsource key components where it makes sense to do so.

Key Responsibilities

Facility design and footprint

• Design the space allocation and factory footprint for propulsion unit manufacture layout, workflow, material flow, workstations, test, validation and storage.

• Specify, source and commission the equipment, tooling and fixtures needed to build engines at target rate. Partner with Facilities, Manufacturing Engineering and Supply Chain on selection and installation.

• Plan the physical build-out in phases, aligned to the wider factory ramp and production milestones.

• Visit and benchmark our established production plants across Europe, and translate proven layouts, equipment choices and ways of working into the design of the facility.

• Design and deploy dedicated fuel and engine test cells specifying equipment, safety systems, instrumentation, data capture and processes.

• Design and deploy an in-house 3D printing / additive capability to support prototyping, jigs, fixtures and production parts for the propulsion manufacture.

Cross-plant collaboration and best practice transfer

• Build working relationships with your counterparts at our established production plants across Europe key learning of proven layouts, tooling, processes and test methods.

• Lead knowledge-transfer exercises to capture, validate and adapt existing build processes, work instructions and lessons learned into your facility.

• Represent this facility's own innovations and lessons learned back into the network, so best practice flows in both directions.

Supply chain and outsourcing

• Work with Procurement/Supply Chain to select outsourcing partners against cost, quality, lead time and supply security ensuring key component rate achievement is protected. Ensuring all outsourced components meet quality standards.

Team build and leadership

• Recruit, build and lead the propulsion unit manufacturing team scaling in line with the production ramp.

• Define the team structure, role profiles, shift pattern and skills matrix; identify training needs and own the training plan.

• Onboard new team members set clear performance expectations and manage performance throughout.

• Build a culture of safety, ownership and continuous improvement within the team.

Quality and test

• Own the fuel and engine test regimes — defining pass/fail criteria, test procedures and data capture ensuring every unit that leaves the cell meets specification.

• Partner with the Quality function on root-cause analysis, corrective and preventive action, and non-conformance management and drive measurable improvement in first-pass yield, scrap and rework.

• Ensure the area operates within the relevant quality management system (e.g. AS9100 / ISO 9001) and any applicable safety or export-control requirements.

Production delivery

• Own the daily, weekly and monthly output of the power unit area against the production plan delivering to schedule, to quality and to cost.

• Ensure production rate as volumes ramp is achieved, identifying and resolving constraints in real time.

• Run a structured day-start / shift routine with clear KPIs across safety, quality, delivery, cost and people.

• Plan and balance capacity across machining, assembly, fuel system build, test and integration.

Continuous improvement

• Own the lean operating system for the area: 5S, standard work, visual management and structured problem-solving and Kaizen.

• Lead improvement projects with measurable gains in safety, quality, throughput, lead time and cost.

• Use data to drive decisions, and champion a data-led approach across the team.

Health, safety and compliance

• Hold ultimate accountability for the safety of everyone working in the power unit area, including fuel handling and engine test operations.

• Ensure full compliance with UK health and safety legislation, COSHH, fuel and fire safety requirements and site procedures.

What You'll Bring:

Essential

• Experience in engines or power units — motorcycle, model/UAV aircraft engines, automotive powertrain, marine or similar products.

• Experience in building a new manufacturing cell, line or facility including layout design, equipment selection, process definition and ramp to rate.

• Hands-on experience of industrialising a product into volume production in close partnership with engineering, including make-vs-buy and vertical integration decisions.

• A track record of recruiting, building and retaining a shop-floor or workshop team.

• Working knowledge of quality systems and process control in a regulated or precision-engineered environment.

• Practical continuous improvement experience: Lean, 5S, standard work, structured problem-solving.

• Confidence with ERP/MES systems and shop-floor data.

Desirable

• Experience working across a multi-site or multi-country manufacturing network, including transferring processes or best practice between plants.

• Comfortable with European travel and working with colleagues across languages and sites.

• Experience with additive manufacturing / 3D printing as a production support capability.

• Experience in aerospace, defence, motorsport or automotive engine/powertrain manufacture.

• Experience commissioning a new factory, cell or line as part of a capacity expansion.

• Six Sigma Green Belt or above.

• Engineering qualification (HNC / HND / Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing or related discipline) — or equivalent demonstrated experience.

• Eligible for UK security clearance (SC) if the role sits within a defence-related programme.

What we have to offer you:

At TEKEVER, we offer a comprehensive package designed to reward, support, and develop our people. This includes a highly competitive salary with a discretionary annual bonus and a company pension contribution match of up to 10%. To support your wellbeing, we provide 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, Private Medical Insurance (with optional family cover), Private Dental care, and an Employee Assistance Programme. We are deeply committed to investing in future talent; our scale allows us to provide clear career development opportunities and dedicated initiatives to boost your skill sets, ensuring you remain future-ready for the evolving workplace. Furthermore, our team enjoys a flexible hybrid working model, typically three days a week at our core UK sites like Bristol, and access to a bespoke rewards platform featuring a variety of high street discounts and salary sacrifice schemes, including Electric Car, Cycle to Work, and Technology options.

Do you want to know more about us ?

Visit our LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/tekever/