Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer Location: Coventry, UK (but based in Rustington until 31 Mar 25) Core Hours: 08:00-16:35 (Mon–Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri). Vacancy Type: Full-time, Permanent and Based Onsite Salary: £37,500 – £42,500 per annum (subject to experience) JOB SUMMARY If you are meticulous Manufacturing Engineer and have a passion for delivering exciting new products and enhancing processes, you may be the person we are looking for to fill this unique and challenging role within the Defence sector! The Manufacturing Engineer works with engineering, quality, and project teams to deliver new defence protection products for mainly military vehicles but could involve helmets, plates, shields, and bomb disposal suits. You will also apply continuous improvement techniques to the manufacturing processes. If this sounds like the role for you, keep reading as it only gets more interesting! This role is based at our Coventry Site 3 facility CV6 5RY but the successful candidate will need to be in Rustington 4 days per week (Mon-Thu) until approx. 31 March 2025. This will be subject to operational needs. Do you want to know more? Visit our LinkedIn page to find out more about us! BENEFITS Discretionary Half Year Bonus Flexible start and finish working hours (subject to manager approval and operational needs) Holidays – 25 days + 8 Bank Holidays + Holiday Purchase Scheme Two weeks paid leave for Reservists and Cadets to attend yearly training/camp. Paid leave for employees who are Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) Pension – ER/EE – 4%/5% = 9% combined Life Cover – 3 x base salary BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan JOB DUTIES 1. Lead manufacturing readiness reviews, facilities specification and implementation, process design and work balance, creation of standard ops and manufacturing instructions, PFMEA completion, process development and operator training. 2. Interface between Operations, Programme and Engineering, in the introduction of new manufacturing products and processes to fully support new business development. 3. Support the ongoing Process Engineering requirements of established manufacturing processes including process related problem resolution and corrective action implementation. 4. Lead process improvements, including single piece flow and cost reductions to include optimised standard hours and material utilisation. 5. Work to KPI’s in the Manufacturing Engineering team, manage performance and related problem solving. 6. Apply a Lean Management approach in Manufacturing Engineering, and introduce where necessary Lean methodologies and tools such as standard ops, line balancing and flow, 5s, etc. 7. The ability to evaluate/interrogate CAD models/drawings and supervise or perform production prototyping and initial production runs. 8. Deliver Poke Yoke solutions for repeatable assembly. 9. Generate and optimise press and CNC programmes for material and time efficiencies. 10. Maintaining the accuracy of engineering released BOM’s and actively encourage and work to business safety targets. 11. Assist in the training of manufacturing personnel and support safe, healthy, and environmentally sound working practices within the Manufacturing Engineering team. 12. Work with tooling and equipment suppliers to ensure right first-time delivery to support project deadlines. The above statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required. EXPERIENCE ESSENTIAL * Experienced Manufacturing Engineering practitioner in variety of operational environments. * Understanding of Lean concepts and methodologies with an ability to effectively implement them. * Experience with vehicles and fabrications. * Experience using practical problem-solving methodologies (5 whys, ishikawa, 8D, etc.) DESIRABLE * Preferably Degree or HNC qualified in a relevant discipline. WHAT DO WE DO AT NP AEROSPACE? NP Aerospace is a global leader in armour technology manufacturing and vehicle integration, delivering high-performance, lifesaving solutions for the defence and security industry. Our mission is to improve and protect lives, and our vision is to be a leading provider of innovative solutions that solve our customers’ complex challenges. Our values – Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, and Dedication form the bedrock of our culture. Our extensive range of combat-proven body armour, from ballistic helmets, plates, and shields to bomb disposal suits, highlights some of the most advanced composite materials. With a team of R&D engineers working on next-generation solutions, we also excel in highly engineered vehicle systems and armour platforms used by some of the world’s largest defence organisations. Founded in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years, evolving into an agile and diverse company. Our Business Development team is expanding both in the UK and North America. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: NP Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, colour, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are also fully committed to supporting the Defence Community and actively advertise roles on Defence specific platforms such as CTP, Force Families, Forces Employment Charity, and Veterans Job Board. Data Privacy: NP Aerospace respects the privacy of all applicants. Personal information provided during the application process will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable data protection laws. Please note: If successful, you will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and successfully pass the necessary checks before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace