Electronics Test Team Leader

Location: Crawley, United Kingdom

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

Electronics Test Team Leader

Thales – Crawley

At Thales, we innovate to make the world safer, more secure and more connected. We are looking for an experienced and supportive Electronics Test Team Leader to lead a skilled team of assembly, test and repair professionals.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment, enjoys developing others, and is passionate about delivering high-quality products while driving continuous improvement.

About the Role

As an Electronics Test Team Leader, you will lead a cell of assembly and test/repair technicians responsible for the manufacture and repair of customer and developmental products. Working closely with the APRU/Cell Manager, you will support planning activities, coordinate workloads, and ensure the team consistently delivers against quality, cost and delivery targets.

You will play a key role in creating a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture, ensuring processes are followed, standards are maintained, and team members are supported to achieve their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and support a team of assembly and test/repair personnel.
• Ensure production and repair activities flow efficiently between operations to achieve delivery plans.
• Support the resolution and escalation of operational issues impacting quality, cost and delivery objectives.
• Promote and ensure adherence to manufacturing processes, work instructions, routing requirements and material flow procedures.
• Support and contribute to effective daily SIM meetings.
• Ensure accurate completion of production documentation, route cards, timesheets and non-conformance reporting.
• Act as a point of contact for process and paperwork queries, providing guidance and education to team members.
• Drive workplace organisation and workplace management standards.
• Encourage a culture of continuous improvement and employee involvement.
• Take ownership of project and product deliveries, ensuring work is completed within planned routing times.
• Build strong working relationships and communicate effectively across functions and teams.
• Contribute to estimating activities for new builds and repairs.
• Support performance and development conversations, helping individuals achieve their career goals.
• Identify skills gaps and training requirements within the team.
• Contribute to load and capacity planning activities.
• Ensure tooling and test equipment are available, maintained and calibrated.

What We're Looking For

Skills & Knowledge

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage confidently with colleagues at all levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital systems.
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach to problem solving.
• Experience leading, motivating and supporting teams.

Experience

• Experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of MRP/PDM system principles.
• Knowledge of manufacturing methods and best practices.
• Experience of managing workloads and delivering against operational targets.

Qualifications

• Good standard of general education.
• Relevant professional qualifications or equivalent practical experience.
• At least 3 years of relevant industry experience.

Why Join Thales?

At Thales, we value diverse perspectives and believe that innovation thrives when people feel supported, respected and empowered. We actively encourage applications from women and underrepresented groups, even if you don't meet every requirement listed. If you're excited about the opportunity and believe you can make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

What We Can Offer

• 4 Day Working Week
• Pension Scheme
• 28 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
• Life Cover
• Progression and Development Opportunities
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and access to a mental wellbeing app
• Employee Discount Shopping Schemes on Major Brands and Retailers

#LI-AH1

At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. Read more about our benefits here.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.

If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community here.

Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!