Location: Portsmouth, UK – On-site
Department: Manufacturing Engineering
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Working Pattern: 9-day fortnight
F.P.T. Industries Ltd is part of the DART Aerospace Group and specializes in the manufacture of safety-critical products for the commercial and defence aerospace sectors.
Our Portsmouth facility combines engineering, manufacturing and operational expertise to deliver high-quality aerospace products in a highly regulated environment.
We are looking for an experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer to support both New Product Introduction (NPI) and existing production programmes.
This is a hands-on engineering role with significant influence over manufacturing processes, product quality, productivity, industrialisation and continuous improvement.
What You’ll Do
As Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you will develop, improve and sustain robust manufacturing processes across the business.
You will:
- Evaluate and develop manufacturing processes and controls to improve quality, throughput, yield and cost performance
- Lead structured continuous improvement projects using DMAIC, root cause analysis and data-driven problem-solving
- Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to identify waste, optimise processes and improve productivity
- Support bids and New Product Introduction programmes through key lifecycle stages including PDR, CDR, Qualification, PRR and Industrialisation
- Ensure manufacturing readiness while supporting delivery, yield and cost targets
- Lead manufacturing risk reduction activities using APQP and PPAP methodologies
- Define manufacturing facility, tooling and equipment requirements and support the introduction of new production capabilities
- Develop and approve Process Specifications, Standard Operating Procedures and manufacturing documentation
- Design and develop production tools, fixtures and equipment
- Work directly with customers, suppliers, Engineering, Quality and Operations teams
- Develop manufacturing routings within SAP
- Support First Article Inspection (FAI) activities
- Identify recurring production issues and lead sustainable corrective actions
What We’re Looking For
Required experience:
- Significant experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Production Engineering or Industrial Engineering
- Minimum 5 years of experience supporting NPI and/or sustaining manufacturing programmes
- Previous experience within the aerospace industry
- Strong understanding of AS9100 quality systems and aerospace manufacturing standards
- Demonstrated experience improving manufacturing processes, productivity, quality or yield
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles
- Experience leading projects and structured problem-solving / root cause analysis
- Ability to prepare technical reports, procedures and formal documentation
- Confidence presenting technical information to internal stakeholders, suppliers and customers
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook
Experience in one or more of the following would be particularly valuable:
- APQP and PPAP
- Process Flow Diagrams
- PFMEA
- Process Control Plans
- Measurement System Analysis
- Statistical Process Control
- SAP, including Bills of Materials and routings
- Production automation and process control systems
- Rubber or polyurethane-based manufacturing processes
Education
Required:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- or a related engineering discipline
Preferred:
Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant engineering discipline.
Working Hours
Monday–Thursday: 07:30–16:15
Friday: 07:30–16:00
Employees work a 9-day fortnight, with every other Friday as a non-working day.
What We Offer
- Generous salary sacrifice pension provision
- Competitive company sick pay entitlement
- 9-day working fortnight
- Employee retail discounts through Perks at Work
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Health 365 – 24/7 wellbeing and healthcare support through Spectrum.Life
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Invitation to the Short-Term Incentive Bonus Scheme
About DART Aerospace
DART Aerospace develops and manufactures mission-critical aerospace equipment, related services, replacement parts and tools for customers worldwide.
Across the group, our teams support commercial and defence aerospace programmes where quality, safety, reliability and manufacturing excellence are essential.
If you are an experienced Manufacturing Engineer who enjoys solving production problems, improving processes and taking ownership of aerospace industrialisation projects, we would like to hear from you.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manufacturing Engineer in Portsmouth
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
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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!
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Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to DART Aerospace Company 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 DART Aerospace Company
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with DART Aerospace Company, 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 DART Aerospace Company 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.
