Manufacturing Engineer

Our client is a leading precision engineering and aerospace manufacturing specialist supplying high-integrity machined components and assemblies. Operating under strict aerospace regulatory frameworks, the business delivers complex machined parts to major aerospace and defence customers, working to AS9100 standards. They combine advanced CNC machining capability with strong engineering, NPI and process-control disciplines, ensuring excellent quality, repeatability and compliance across all product lines.

The Manufacturing Engineer & CNC Programmer will generate CNC programmes for 3-, 4- and 5-axis machining centres while developing and optimising manufacturing processes for new and existing products. The role requires strong manufacturing engineering experience and precision machining knowledge, especially within aerospace environments. You will create tooling plans, inspection requirements, routings, workholding and process documentation to support controlled, efficient and compliant production. A key responsibility is improving workflows, equipment layouts and overall manufacturing efficiency, while ensuring the lowest possible cost without compromising quality.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DELIVERABLES

• CNC Programming & Process Development

• Prepare CNC programmes from planned processes using CAD/CAM software (GibbsCAM preferred).
• Develop tool definitions, setup sheets, tooling plans and related documentation.
• Prove out CNC programmes into production and optimise for efficiency and repeatability.
• Own all supporting process elements including routings, tooling, gauges, fixtures, test equipment and CNC files.

• Determine materials, tooling and methods to meet product specifications at lowest cost.
• Analyse and plan workflow, space utilisation and equipment layout for efficiency gains.
• Improve current operations to enhance quality, output and cost performance.
• Support the development of transparent cost structures and identify cost-reduction opportunities.
• Ensure all processes comply with the Quality Management System and aerospace requirements (AS9100).
• Produce process documentation to strengthen process control.
• Research emerging manufacturing technologies to support long-term business strategy.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Strong proficiency in CAD/CAM software for 3D model generation and CNC programming (GibbsCAM preferred).
• Skilled in machine tool selection, cutting tool specification and application.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and engineering documentation.
• Experience using SOLIDWORKS.
• Knowledge of precision engineering processes including milling and turning.
• Prior experience working to AS9100 or similar aerospace standards.
• Ability to plan workloads and work to deadlines within a fast-paced production environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree / HNC / HND (or equivalent) in Mechanical, Manufacturing or Aerospace Engineering.
• Experience in a manufacturing or production engineering role within a precision engineering organisation (aerospace preferred).
• Trained and qualified in relevant CAD/CAM software systems.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with rapid containment decision-making.
• Excellent communication skills across all levels of the organisation.
• Ability to simplify complex problems and prioritise effectively.
• High levels of integrity, accountability and ownership.
• Highly motivated, self-managing and results-driven.
• Customer-focused approach with a desire to drive continuous improvement.

ADDITIONAL / DESIRABLE SKILLS

• Previous experience using GibbsCAM (or similar CAD/CAM software).
• Ability to measure, analyse and present capital investment opportunities for new technology.
• Project management skills advantageous.