NPI Manufacturing Engineer - High-Precision Defense

NPI Manufacturing Engineer - High-Precision Defense

Full-Time 36900 - 45100 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive new product development from design to production in high-precision defence.
  • Company: Join a fast-growing aerospace company on a mission to enhance global security.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, stock options, private medical, dental, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for top talent.
  • Why this job: Be part of a team tackling real-world challenges with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing engineering, especially in precision machining and NPI.

The predicted salary is between 36900 - 45100 £ per year.

  • We are looking for an experienced
  • Manufacturing Engineer

NPI to play a key role in bringing new products from design through to scalable production.

This is not a purely maintenance or process-support role.

You will work at the intersection of design, CNC machining, and production-owning the industrialisation of high-precision components in a fast-moving, regulated defence environment.

You will collaborate closely with design engineers, CNC programmers, machinists, and quality teams to ensure parts are manufacturable, efficient to produce, and consistently delivered to tight tolerances.

If you enjoy solving complex manufacturing challenges, improving how things are built, and working in environments where processes are still being defined, this role is for you.

Responsibilities

  • Support New Product Introduction (NPI), taking components from design through to full production readiness.
  • Develop and implement robust manufacturing processes for high-precision aerospace and defence components.
  • Create and maintain manufacturing documentation, including process plans, work instructions, and setup sheets.
  • Work closely with design engineering to ensure manufacturability (DFM/DFA) is embedded early in the design process.
  • Collaborate with CAM programmers (e. g. hyper MILL, Siemens NX) to define efficient machining strategies.
  • Provide hands-on support to CNC machinists during setup, prove-out, and production.
  • Design fixtures, tooling, and workholding solutions to enable repeatable and efficient manufacture.
  • Analyse and improve machining processes to optimise cycle time, quality, and throughput.
  • Investigate and resolve manufacturing issues, non-conformances, and production bottlenecks.

Requirements

  • Proven experience as a Manufacturing Engineer within precision engineering or machining environments.
  • Experience working in aerospace, defence, motorsport, or similar high-performance industries.
  • Strong experience supporting CNC machining operations, including 5-axis milling and/or mill-turn.
  • Experience supporting NPI and transitioning products into production.
  • Strong understanding of machining processes, manufacturing methods, and production environments.
  • Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, CAD models, and GD&T requirements.
  • Experience working with aluminium, titanium, stainless steel, and nickel-based alloys.
  • Preferred Qualifications / Experience
  • Experience with hyper MILL, Siemens NX, or similar CAD/CAM platforms.
  • Experience working within AS9100 or similar regulated quality environments.

What We Offer

  • Competitive compensation and stock options
  • Private Medical & Dental
  • Cycle to work scheme

About Us

The mission of Cambridge Aerospace is to eliminate the risk of existential war in Europe.

That risk comes from the air - low-cost drones and cruise missiles now manufactured in colossal volumes by our adversaries, ballistic missiles capable of ending the world as we know it, and a new generation of hypersonic weapons that evade every existing defence.

We’re building low-cost interceptors that defeat these threats, and the surveillance systems to detect and target them - at a cost taxpayers can afford, at the pace the threat demands, and with sovereign supply chains that assure delivery.

We have immense backing from the world’s best venture funds.

We’re one of the fastest growing defence technology companies in history.

And we’re hiring the best engineers to prosecute the mission.

If you are in the top 1%, willing to work harder than you ever have, build technology better than anyone else, and contribute to the defining challenge of our time, now is the time to join us.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.

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NPI Manufacturing Engineer - High-Precision Defense employer: Cambridge Aerospace

Cambridge Aerospace is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Cambridge, where innovation thrives. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development alongside competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including private medical and dental care. Our inclusive workplace culture encourages collaboration and creativity, making it an ideal place for passionate engineers to advance their careers in radar technology.

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Contact Details:

Cambridge Aerospace Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land NPI Manufacturing Engineer - High-Precision Defense

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 Cambridge Aerospace, 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 NPI Manufacturing Engineer - High-Precision Defense

New Product Introduction (NPI)
Manufacturing Process Development
CNC Machining Operations
5-axis Milling
DFM/DFA (Design for Manufacturability/Design for Assembly)
CAD/CAM Software (hyperMILL, Siemens NX)
Engineering Drawing Interpretation

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 Cambridge Aerospace 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 Cambridge Aerospace

Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with Cambridge Aerospace, 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 Cambridge Aerospace 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.