Production Manager

SPS Automation is seeking a highly capable and hands-on Technical Assembly & Production Manager to lead our expanding Timaru based production team and oversee the build, configuration, and commissioning of our advanced unmanned aircraft systems (drones).

This role combines senior technical assembly expertise with day-to-day production leadership. You will be responsible not only for assembling and configuring complex drone systems, but also for managing production staff, coordinating workflow, and ensuring that aircraft move through the build pipeline efficiently, safely, and to SPSA's high airworthiness standards.

Key Responsibilities
Technical Assembly & Integration

• Perform advanced mechanical and electrical assembly of SPSA drone systems in accordance with engineering drawings, specifications, and controlled procedures.
• Program and configure flight controllers, ESCs, avionics, power systems, and onboard compute modules.
• Conduct end-to-end system setup including firmware installation, calibration, sensor alignment, fail-safe configuration, and integration testing.
• Diagnose and resolve complex electrical, mechanical, or configuration issues during assembly and pre-flight validation.
• Maintain accurate build records, configuration logs, batch tracking, and documentation to meet SPSA's airworthiness and quality requirements.
• Provide technical feedback to Engineering, R&D, and Airworthiness teams to support prototype development, design iteration, and manufacturability improvements.

Production Management

• Lead, supervise, and develop production staff to ensure consistent, high-quality output across assembly operations.
• Allocate tasks, manage daily workflow, and monitor progress through the production pipeline to maintain delivery timelines.
• Oversee production scheduling, resourcing, and coordination with procurement for components, tooling, and long-lead items.
• Uphold SPSA's safety, quality, and compliance standards across all production activities.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to optimise build efficiency, reduce production bottlenecks, and enhance process reliability.
• Support onboarding, training, and upskilling of new team members, ensuring adherence to SPSA production procedures and SOPs.

Qualifications & Experience

• 3+ years' experience in drone assembly, aerospace production, electronics manufacturing, or relevant technical field.
• Demonstrated experience in a leadership or supervisory role within a production or technical environment.
• Strong understanding of electronic systems, harnesses, embedded hardware, mechanical assembly, and system integration.
• Experience configuring autopilot platforms (PX4, ArduPilot) and using diagnostic, calibration, and programming tools.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex systems methodically and efficiently.
• Excellent communication, task-allocation, and team leadership skills.
• Strong documentation discipline and familiarity with quality-controlled production environments.
• Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail and build quality.

Internal Training & Capability Development

SPS Automation develops and operates highly specialised unmanned aircraft systems, manufacturing processes, and airworthiness frameworks. The successful candidate will undergo structured internal training to ensure full competency across SPSA's platforms, procedures, and quality standards. This includes:

• Training on SPSA's aircraft architectures, avionics systems, hybrid propulsion systems, and assembly methods.
• Familiarisation with SPSA's production documentation, controlled procedures, and airworthiness requirements under our CAR Part 102 framework.
• Hands-on training in system configuration, calibration, commissioning, and validation testing specific to SPSA platforms.
• Instruction in SPSA's safety management processes, workshop protocols, and quality assurance practices.
• Ongoing coaching and technical development to support progression into senior technical leadership roles.

All training is delivered internally by SPSA's engineering, production, and airworthiness leads, ensuring consistent standards and a deep understanding of our unique systems.

SPS Automation has a strong team culture, and we are looking for an applicant who fits our team, is enthusiastic and likes working collaboratively. This is a permanent full-time position (Monday to Friday). If this sounds like you, Please apply through Seek with your CV and Cover letter

Applicants for this position must be able to legally work in NZ

Applicants must be Timaru based or willing to relocate.

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