Senior Additive Manufacturing Engineer (WAAM) in Ampthill

Senior Additive Manufacturing Engineer (WAAM) in Ampthill

Ampthill Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Advanced Resource Managers Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and optimise cutting-edge Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing processes for aerospace components.
  • Company: Join Lockheed Martin, a leader in aerospace innovation with a dynamic work culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, flexible hours, and a great work/life balance.
  • Other info: Inclusive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace manufacturing while working with advanced technologies.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and 3+ years of experience in Additive Manufacturing required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

Join our Production Operations Engineering Team as a Manufacturing Engineer! The Manufacturing Engineer (WAAM Bias) designs, implements, and optimizes large-scale Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing processes for aerospace components. This role focuses on the development of processes for complex, near-net-shape metallic structures from design to production, ensuring strict compliance with aviation quality and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

  • Process Development: Establish, validate, and optimize WAAM deposition parameters (current, voltage, travel speed, shielding gas flow) for aerospace alloys like Titanium, Inconel, and Aluminium.
  • Path Planning & Simulation: Utilize specialized additive software to generate, simulate, and optimize multi-axis robot/CNC deposition paths to prevent collisions and minimize thermal distortion.
  • Thermal Management: Design and execute thermal control strategies, including inter-pass temperature monitoring and in process cooling, to manage residual stress and microstructural integrity.
  • NPI Support: Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) by transforming aerospace CAD models into WAAM-optimized, near-net-shape geometries ready for post-process machining.
  • Equipment Integration: Program, configure, and maintain integrated WAAM cells, including robotic manipulators (ABB), power sources (Fronius) and environmental enclosures.
  • Quality & Qualification: Ensure all manufacturing processes conform to aerospace standards such as AS9100 and emerging additive manufacturing regulations (e.g., ASTM F42, SAE AMS7039).

Key Skills & Competencies

  • Additive Software: High proficiency in WAAM-specific slicing and path-generation software.
  • Robotics & Automation: Competence in programming multi-axis industrial robots and integrating sensor feedback loops for real-time process monitoring.
  • Aerospace Metallurgy: Deep understanding of solidification mechanics, phase transformations, and defect generation (porosity, cracking) in wire-fed arc deposition.
  • Subtractive Integration: Strong knowledge of how WAAM near-net shapes interface with subsequent precision CNC machining operations.
  • Root Cause Analysis: Mastery of problem-solving frameworks (8D, FMEA, 5 Whys) to troubleshoot deposition anomalies and microstructural defects.

Required skills, qualifications and experience

  • Good working knowledge of CNC Machining, turning and Milling up to 5 axis with Cam software experience or working knowledge of WAAM / Additive Manufacturing.
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and quality improvement tools.
  • Experience with CAD software for generating 2D technical drawings.
  • Solid understanding of MRP systems and experience managing BOMs and routings in SAP (or similar ERP systems).
  • Hyper Mill Cam experience would be an advantage.
  • Proven ability to drive cultural and process change, improving efficiency and quality.
  • A collaborative mindset with a passion for continuous improvement.

Education: Degree or Master’s in Manufacturing, Materials Science, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering (a PhD or research focus heavily centered on WAAM/DED is highly desirable).

Experience: Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in Directed Energy Deposition (DED), specifically Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing, within a high-integrity engineering environment.

Industry Background: Prior experience in aerospace, space-launch systems, or defence manufacturing is required.

Business Environment: Lockheed Martin (UK) Ampthill is a rapidly changing, dynamic part of the Lockheed Martin Corporation with both domestic and international customers. It consists of business areas focusing on Platform Integration, Ground Based Air Defence, Special Projects and Weapons, which provide a variety of products and services to the Ministry of Defence and other customers. We are looking for talented individuals to join the company, in return we offer an exciting and challenging career path and excellent work/life balance with a 4 day week (Mon‑Thurs) and flexible working arrangements.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Lockheed Martin is committed to upholding principles of equal opportunity, fostering a work environment that is aligned with our core values of integrity, respect, and exceptional performance. We recognize the importance of leveraging the unique talents and experiences of all our employees to drive innovation, deliver superior solutions, and maximize value for our customers. Our focus is on identifying the most qualified candidate for each role, regardless of their background. If you are interested in a position, we invite you to share how your skills and perspectives could bolster our team and encourage you to apply, even if you feel your qualifications do not fully meet all the job criteria outlined in our advertisement. Furthermore, Lockheed Martin is dedicated to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive for all individuals. We are prepared to accommodate reasonable adjustments for applicants as needed. If you require assistance or adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact.

Senior Additive Manufacturing Engineer (WAAM) in Ampthill employer: Advanced Resource Managers Ltd

Lockheed Martin (UK) Ampthill is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a unique 4-day work week and flexible working arrangements. Our dynamic work culture fosters innovation and collaboration, while our commitment to equal opportunity ensures a diverse and inclusive environment where every team member's contributions are valued. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence in aerospace manufacturing, with ample opportunities for career advancement in a rapidly evolving industry.

Advanced Resource Managers Ltd

Contact Details:

Advanced Resource Managers Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Additive Manufacturing Engineer (WAAM) in Ampthill

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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Additive Manufacturing Engineer (WAAM) in Ampthill

Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM)
Process Development
Path Planning & Simulation
Thermal Management
New Product Introduction (NPI)
Robotics & Automation
Aerospace Metallurgy

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!

Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Advanced Resource Managers Ltd specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!

Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!

How to prepare for a job interview at Advanced Resource Managers Ltd

Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with Advanced Resource Managers Ltd, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.

Technical Questions Are Key

Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.

Align Your Values with Quality and Safety

In a full-time role, companies like Advanced Resource Managers Ltd value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.