At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative manufacturing projects and ensure seamless product transitions from design to production.
- Company: Join ALTEN, a global leader in engineering and technology consultancy.
- Benefits: Enjoy a personalised career path, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team and enjoy ongoing learning and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in engineering with experience in aerospace or regulated sectors.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement and support sustainable transformation.
As a Manufacturing Engineer you will join our team in Portsmouth and will act as the key manufacturing interface within multidisciplinary project teams, ensuring that product designs are aligned with manufacturing capabilities to achieve quality, cost, and delivery objectives. You will play a critical role in New Product Introduction (NPI), manufacturing process development, continuous improvement initiatives, and technical problem-solving throughout the product lifecycle.
Location: Portsmouth
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead Manufacturing Engineering activities for New Product Introduction (NPI) projects.
- Ensure seamless transition of products from design through to manufacture and production readiness.
- Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, process routings, and cost models.
- Assess manufacturing capability and identify any facility, equipment, or process limitations that could impact delivery.
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering and project teams to resolve technical and operational challenges.
- Support non-conformance investigations and drive corrective actions through structured problem-solving techniques.
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement preventative actions to improve manufacturing performance.
- Identify manufacturing risks and develop effective mitigation plans.
- Champion Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) principles to improve efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
- Drive continuous improvement projects focused on productivity, quality, and operational excellence.
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
- Support the implementation of manufacturing strategies and best practices across the business.
Qualifications Required Skills:
- Minimum of 3 years' engineering experience within the aerospace, space, defence, military electronics, or other highly regulated engineering sectors.
- Strong experience with electronic manufacturing, PCB assembly processes, Surface Mount Technology (SMT), and high-reliability electronic products.
- Experience working within high-complexity, low-volume manufacturing environments.
- Understanding of the full product lifecycle, from design and development through to production.
- Familiarity with manufacturing systems and tools such as CAD, CAM, MES, ERP/SAP, or equivalent.
- Demonstrated experience working within cross-functional or matrix organisations.
- Strong problem-solving skills with experience in root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies.
- Ability to identify and drive process improvements that deliver measurable business benefits.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Required Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.
Desirable Skills:
- Experience supporting aerospace, space, defence, or military electronics programmes.
- Knowledge of RF products and high-reliability electronic assemblies.
- Exposure to non-conformance management processes, MRB/NRB reviews, and production problem-solving activities.
- Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma knowledge.
Why join us?
We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies. At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.
In short you get:
- A personalised career path and a rewarding management style.
- A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries.
- Private Medical Insurance.
- Cycle & Tech Scheme.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Life insurance & Pension Scheme.
- Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings.
- Flexible way of working (role dependent).
We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant and actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance.
Manufacturing Engineer in Portsmouth employer: ALTEN
ALTEN is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of London. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth through engaging projects in the space industry, alongside a supportive environment that values creativity and technological advancement. Join us to be part of a team that not only drives significant impact but also prioritises your career development and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Engineer in Portsmouth
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like ALTEN, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Engineer in Portsmouth
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 ALTEN 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 ALTEN
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with ALTEN, 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 ALTEN 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.
