Barnes Aerospace is seeking a Director, Engineering for our new-make and repair engineering teams in the Europe and Asia regions. This leader will oversee a multi-site engineering organization supporting OE production and component repair, including NPI, product engineering, process and manufacturing engineering, tooling, automation, and sustaining technical support. Working closely with the global engineering organization, the Engineering Director will deploy standardized processes, common technical methods, and scalable engineering practices while strengthening the regional skills and capabilities needed to position Barnes as an engineering-led solutions provider. In partnership with the Regional President, site leadership, operations, quality, commercial, and global engineering teams, this role will develop new capabilities, deepen existing technical expertise, improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance, and ensure clear role ownership and disciplined execution across the region.
This will be a remote role within the UK or Asia with up to 50% travel.
Core Responsibilities:
- Deploy regional engineering leadership and operating model which includes establishing a clear, scalable organization with defined accountability across NPI, product engineering, process engineering, tooling, special processes, automation, and technical support functions to meet customer and business demands.
- Provide technical leadership and coaching for the introduction of new product lines. Review and challenge process plans, manufacturing sequences, CNC strategies, grinding methods, tooling and workholding, inspection plans, equipment selections, and production-readiness assumptions. Create and deploy standards regionally.
- Partnering with central engineering and site leadership; build, coach, and retain an inclusive, accountable engineering organization with clear technical and managerial career paths, succession plans, and development experiences.
- Review and support regional resource planning, technical risk, program reviews, customer escalations, performance management, and talent decisions.
- Partner with program management and commercial teams to provide credible technical estimates, milestone plans, risk assessments, and customer-facing status. Ensure NPI readiness reviews address technical maturity, manufacturability, process qualification, tooling, materials, special-process controls, training, capacity, quality requirements, and customer approvals.
- Own regional engineering operating model, technology and capability roadmap, and executive governance of investment priorities with alignment to corporate engineering initiatives.
- Support and manage manufacturing excellence and technology and automation initiatives to improve yield, first-pass quality, throughput, cycle time, labor productivity, and cost through disciplined engineering, structured problem solving, and lean operating methods.
- Create and manage engineering quality, compliance and technical authority. Ensure engineering methods and technical data support applicable customer, regulatory, quality-system, and special-process requirements, including AS9100, NADCAP, and FAA or EASA requirements where applicable. Lead regional technical escalations involving chronic quality, yield, process stability, supplier issues, repair performance, or customer risk.
- Region technical lead for customer and commercial partnership. Represent regional engineering capability in customer, OEM, supplier and strategic-partner discussions. Support regional growth through engineering-led customer solutions.
- Represent corporate initiatives and manage technical strategic relationships and management of technical consortiums in Europe and Asia.
Qualifications:
- 10+ years of progressive engineering experience within aerospace, gas turbine, precision manufacturing, or another highly engineered manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary engineering teams and leaders in multi-site operations, with a record of developing people and delivering business results.
- Experience leading technical activities across multiple manufacturing facilities and influencing teams in a matrix organization.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, technical-writing, and executive/customer communication skills.
- Ability to travel routinely within the region and internationally as needed to support sites, customers, suppliers, program gates, and leadership reviews.
Education Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing, metallurgical and related engineering discipline. Advanced degree in engineering or business preferred.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Director, Engineering- Europe/ Asia in Motherwell employer: Barnes
Barnes Aerospace is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work environment, ideal for professionals eager to leverage their global management skills in the aerospace sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company offers extensive training and development opportunities, alongside competitive benefits that support work-life balance. Located in the UK/EMEA, employees enjoy the unique advantage of being part of a leading aerospace firm that prioritises innovation and strategic sourcing, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Engineering- Europe/ Asia in Motherwell
✨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 Barnes, 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!
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 Barnes 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 Barnes
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Barnes, 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 Barnes 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.
