Manufacturing Improvement Engineering Lead
Manufacturing Improvement Engineering Lead

Manufacturing Improvement Engineering Lead

Preston Full-Time 54793 - 61000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to improve manufacturing processes and product quality.
  • Company: BAE Systems is a leading aerospace and defence company committed to innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible health benefits, employee share plans, and a competitive pension scheme.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on airframe production while growing your career in a diverse environment.
  • Qualifications: HNC/HND in Engineering and experience in leading improvement projects required.
  • Other info: Opportunities for professional development and clear career progression available.

The predicted salary is between 54793 - 61000 £ per year.

Job title: Manufacturing Improvement Engineering Lead

Location: Samlesbury (Full-time onsite)

Salary: £54,793+ depending on skills and experience

What you\’ll be doing:

• Leading a team of engineers to deliver product improvement projects

• Coaching and development of team members to optimize their contributions while meeting role demands

• Supporting detailed product analysis of inspection and non-conformance data to support RCCA

• Working alongside manufacturing business teams (Engineering, Quality and Operations etc.) to formulate robust RCCA plans

• Reviewing and interrogation of Product Engineering (CAD, Plannings, PLM, Product and Tooling drawings etc.) for improvement opportunities

• Liaising with Engineering Design teams to optimised Product Engineering when and where required

Your skills and experiences:

Essential:

• Minimum HNC/HND in an Engineering discipline or equivalent

• Experience in leading improvement projects and teams, demonstrating competence in Change Management, Stakeholder Management, Communication to drive successful product improvement projects

• Experience in the engineering and manufacture of airframe products, mechanical product manufacturing and assembly in aerospace, automotive or similar industries

• Experience of complex problem solving, process improvement tools and techniques e.g. DMAIC, 8D (PPS)

Desirable:

• Working knowledge of big-data analytics and statistical analysis tools e.g. Lighthouse Shopfloor Online, Minitab statistical analysis software

• Knowledge of process capability studies, statistical quality control (SQC) and understanding of statistical metrics e.g. Cp/Cpk, yield etc

• Experience of using PLM, MES (Product Life-cycle management, Manufacturing Execution Systems (e.g. Teamcenter & SAPCAMS)

Benefits:

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

The Enablement Team:

As part of the Enablement Team, you will play a key role in driving product improvement initiatives in collaboration with our manufacturing teams. You will lead projects focused on ensuring that design intent is effectively realised in the production of airframe components. Using Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) tools and techniques, you will identify and resolve manufacturing challenges, delivering robust solutions that enhance product quality and performance.

This is a highly rewarding opportunity to contribute to our Typhoon contracts, with clear pathways for career progression and ongoing professional development.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you\’ll be able to make a real difference. You\’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you\’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date:24th July 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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Manufacturing Improvement Engineering Lead employer: BAE Systems.

BAE Systems is an exceptional employer located in Samlesbury, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, extensive health and lifestyle perks, and clear pathways for career advancement within a culture that values diversity and integrity. Join us to make a meaningful impact on cutting-edge aerospace projects while enjoying professional growth and a supportive team atmosphere.
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Contact Detail:

BAE Systems. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Improvement Engineering Lead

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific improvement tools mentioned in the job description, such as DMAIC and 8D. Being able to discuss these methodologies confidently during your interview will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight any previous experience you have in leading teams or projects, especially in aerospace or similar industries. Prepare examples that showcase your leadership skills and how you've successfully driven product improvements.

✨Tip Number 3

Research BAE Systems and their current projects, particularly those related to the Typhoon contracts. Showing knowledge about the company’s initiatives and how you can contribute will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with current or former employees of BAE Systems on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which you can leverage during your application process.

We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Improvement Engineering Lead

Leadership Skills
Change Management
Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills
Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA)
Complex Problem Solving
Process Improvement Tools (e.g. DMAIC, 8D)
Engineering Design Knowledge (CAD, PLM)
Manufacturing Process Knowledge (Aerospace, Automotive)
Statistical Analysis Tools (e.g. Minitab)
Process Capability Studies
Statistical Quality Control (SQC)
Understanding of Statistical Metrics (Cp/Cpk, Yield)
Team Development and Coaching
Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in leading improvement projects and teams. Emphasise your skills in Change Management and Stakeholder Management, as these are essential for the role.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are passionate about product improvement in the aerospace industry. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and familiarity with tools like DMAIC and 8D.

Showcase Technical Skills: Include any experience with big-data analytics and statistical analysis tools in your application. Highlight your knowledge of process capability studies and statistical quality control metrics, as these are desirable skills for the position.

Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience with RCCA tools and techniques. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've resolved manufacturing challenges in previous roles.

How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Systems.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Manufacturing Improvement Engineering Lead, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences, how you motivate your team, and any successful projects you've led. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to drive change and improve processes.

✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Expertise

Highlight your experience with complex problem-solving and the tools you’ve used, such as DMAIC or 8D. Be ready to walk through a specific challenge you faced in a previous role and how you applied these techniques to achieve a successful outcome.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Tools

Since the role involves using big-data analytics and statistical analysis tools, brush up on your knowledge of software like Minitab or PLM systems. Mention any relevant experience you have with these tools during the interview to show you're well-prepared for the technical aspects of the job.

✨Understand the Company Culture

BAE Systems values diversity and inclusion, so it’s important to align your answers with their culture. Research the company’s values and be ready to discuss how your personal values and experiences contribute to an inclusive workplace. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the company.

Manufacturing Improvement Engineering Lead
BAE Systems.
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