Production Preparation Engineer (UA)

Our client is a Ukrainian miltech startup developing advanced technological devices for Ukraine's defense sector, and is now looking for a Production Preparation Engineer to join the team.

Location: Ukraine (only)
Type: On-site|Hybrid, full-time
Start date: ASAP
About the Company and Role:

This is an emerging UAV startup rapidly expanding to support Ukrainian national needs with advanced drone technology.
They believe there is a strong need for new technological solutions in the defense of free people in conflicts around the world. Their team includes experienced leaders from non-defense Silicon Valley startups who have seen this need first-hand and are committed to delivering.

The company is looking for a hands-on Production Preparation Engineer to build and sustain the operational backbone of our drone manufacturing process. This role exists to bridge the gap between engineering design and shop-floor execution — ensuring that every assembly step is documented, optimized, and easy to follow. You will join the Operations team and work in close collaboration with design engineers, quality, and production personnel. Your work will directly determine how fast and how reliably the company scale production of the UAV systems to meet growing frontline demand.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain detailed work instructions, routing sheets, and assembly procedures for all production stages of UAV manufacturing. 
• Create clear visual work instructions (VWI) — diagrams, photo sequences, annotated drawings — to ensure unambiguous guidance on the shop floor. 
• Perform production line balancing: calculate takt times, cycle times, and workload distribution across workstations to maximize throughput and eliminate bottlenecks. 
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by translating engineering designs and BOMs into manufacturable, step-by-step production plans. 
• Develop and maintain process documentation: PFMEAs, control plans, tooling lists, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). 
• Identify and implement process improvements using lean manufacturing principles (5S, Kaizen, waste elimination).
• Collaborate with Design Engineering to provide DFM feedback and ensure smooth handoff from prototype to serial production.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field. 
• 3+ years of experience in production preparation, process engineering, or manufacturing engineering — preferably in electronics, aerospace, or hardware assembly. 
• Experience in assembly manufacturing of any kind — mechanical, electromechanical, furniture, automotive, or similar. 
• Exposure to production preparation activities: work instructions, routing, tooling setup, or process documentation — even in part. 
• Basic understanding of production flow and line organization principles. Solid understanding of production processes: assembly, soldering, testing, mechanical integration.
• Experience developing visual work instructions and technical documentation. 
• Knowledge of line balancing methods, takt time calculation, and production flow analysis. 
• Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar) for referencing drawings and creating visual aids. 
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems for BOM and routing management.
• English proficiency: B1+ (Upper-Intermediate to Proficient)

 Nice to Have:

• Experience in electronics assembly is a plus but not required. Lean / Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher).
• Experience with PLM or ERP/MRP systems. 
• Ability to create visual aids: 3D animations, video instructions, or illustrated SOPs.

The company offers:

• Work in a dynamic and mission-driven environment where your work has real impact. 
• Have the opportunity to build production processes from the ground up for innovative UAV products. 
• Work alongside a senior-level, multidisciplinary engineering team. 
• Full-time position & official employment. 
• Competitive salary (level to be discussed individually based on interview results). 
• Reservation from mobilization.