Lead Manufacturing Engineer - NPI (New Product Introduction) 12mth Fixed Term Contract in Gloucester

Here at Dowty (a GE Aerospace company) we have an exciting fixed term contract opportunity for a Lead Manufacturing Engineer - NPI, to join our onsite team at our cutting edge manufacturing site near Gloucester. As the Lead Manufacturing Engineer, you will lead a small team to develop and optimize manufacturing processes for a new development program, covering composite, electro-mechanical, and hydraulic systems.

At GE Aerospace, we’re redefining flight with cutting‑edge propeller systems for Military and Civil applications, all from our state‑of‑the‑art facility in Gloucestershire, UK. As a Lead Manufacturing Engineer, you’ll play a pivotal role in a new development program, driving innovation across composite, electro‑mechanical, and hydraulic systems to create the next generation of electrified, sustainable aviation. This is your chance to lead a small team of talented engineers, influence designs, and develop advanced manufacturing processes that will shape the future of aerospace. You’ll be empowered to ensure design intent is flawlessly translated into production, while pioneering automation and new technologies to deliver repeatable, reliable, and lean manufacturing solutions.

Roles And Responsibilities

• Leadership and Team Management: Lead and mentor a small team of engineers, providing technical direction, guidance, and support to ensure project success. Foster collaboration and communication within the team and across departments to achieve program goals. Delegate tasks effectively while maintaining accountability for team deliverables.
• Technical Expertise Across Disciplines: Take a hands‑on approach to resolving manufacturing engineering issues using data, rationale, and logic. Influence design engineering to ensure manufacturing is represented during the product development process, prioritizing design for manufacture/assembly throughout the program. Lead hands‑on trials and manufacturing of development parts to validate processes and technologies across composite, electro‑mechanical, and hydraulic systems.
• Process Development: Develop test routines to establish process parameters around new technologies and systems, guiding manufacturing applications and determining feasibility of designed solutions. Employ virtual manufacturing tools to simulate workflow, automation sequences, and space requirements, informing capacity plans, resource requirements, and line balancing. Develop robust, lean solutions for equipment layouts, process design, and product flow to maximize ROI and reduce hours per unit.
• Continuous Improvement: Ensure process capability, cycle time, and equipment availability targets are achievable through automation, existing solutions, and new technology introduction. Define equipment lists, spare requirements, training requirements (production, ME, and maintenance), work instructions, and substance/equipment safety documentation. Lead the installation/commissioning process to deliver systems that meet delivery targets and operational requirements across safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC).
• Quality and Compliance: Be a key part of an APQP rollout and an FMEA critical characteristic cascade into internal and supplier quality operating systems. Ensure compliance with health & safety (H&S) and construction design & management (CDM) regulations.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or above in Engineering with considerable experience or equivalent knowledge in Technical Project/Program Management.
• Proven experience in leading small teams within a manufacturing environment.
• Extensive experience with the New Product Introduction (NPI) process, including project planning and execution.
• Strong manufacturing background with expertise in facilities development, engineering, robotics, automation, and conveyor technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to optimize existing processes for throughput, quality, and availability during both design and commissioning phases.

Technical Skills Across Disciplines:

• Knowledge of problem‑solving methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, 8D, PPS, RedX) and APQP requirements.
• Experience defining FMEAs, cascading critical characteristics into control plans, and developing manufacturing quality operating systems.
• Experience working with subcontracted suppliers and vendors.
• Knowledge of high‑volume composite (CFRP/RTM), electro‑mechanical, and hydraulic manufacturing processes.

Desired Skills

• Experience with 3D Catia, 2D AutoCAD, and/or other CAD packages.
• Experience working within a highly regulated industry (preferably Aviation but not essential).
• Knowledge of 3D printing/rapid prototyping tools, CAD packages, and part production.
• Experience incorporating condition‑based monitoring and real‑time data acquisition into a ‘factory of the future’ shop floor environment.
• Broad experience with virtual manufacturing and tooling/process flow simulation software solutions.
• Ability to define and discern GD&T product tolerancing requirements.

Flexible Working

GE supports and encourages flexible working arrangements, where possible, and recognises the benefits to employees of having a positive work‑life balance.

Total Reward

At GE Aviation we understand the importance of Total Reward. Our flexible benefits plan, called FlexChoice, gives you freedom, choice and flexibility in the way you receive your benefits, as well as giving you the opportunity to make savings where possible. As a new joiner to GE we are pleased to be able to offer you the following as default in your benefit fund, which you then can tailor to meet your individual needs:

• Non‑contributory Pension
• Life Assurance
• Group income protection
• Private medical cover
• Holiday Hourly equivalent of 26 days, with flexible option to buy or sell.

Security Clearance

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Please note that in the event that BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role and/or any offer of employment may be withdrawn on grounds of national security.

Right to Work

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, under the applicable UK immigration rules as may be in place from time to time, it may be that candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled candidate who does not require sponsorship is available to take up the post.

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes