Lead Facility, Automation & Process Engineer

Lead Facility, Automation & Process Engineer

Join to apply for the Lead Facility, Automation & Process Engineer role at Dowty, a GE Aerospace company.

Overview

In this pivotal role for GE Aerospace, you’ll support the latest NPI programmes as we work toward enabling electric, sustainable aviation to invent the future of flight. You’ll be responsible for turning a product vision on our latest generation of propulsion systems into a manufacturable reality. Working ahead of the development team, you’ll be the focal for manufacturing process design, facility footprint, technology selection and quality planning with the goal of demonstrating manufacturing proof of concept through a capable, reliable and efficient manufacturing pilot line. Keeping the production system at the heart of every decision you make, you’ll champion design for manufacture, develop a lean production process, leverage automation and actively work cross-functionally to resolve manufacturing issues as they arise.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Generate manufacturing plans such as optimized cell layouts, value stream maps, timing charts and process flow diagrams to provide robust solutions to maximise ROI and reduce hours/costs per unit whilst ensuring that process capability, cycle time and equipment availability targets are delivered.
• Work closely with the current product manufacturing engineering team and materials & process engineers to promote failure mode avoidance in future designs & equipment specifications as well as develop our combined industrialisation strategy.
• Influence design to ensure manufacturing is represented during the product development process and design for manufacture/assembly is a priority consideration for the duration of the programme.
• Champion APQP and PPAP within the NPI process; drive the creation of PFMEA, Control Plans and derive facility requirements for inline process control to demonstrate a delivered, capable process on site and within the supply chain.
• Liaise with suppliers and our internal Sourcing team to coordinate equipment and tooling acquisition as well as map out installation and commissioning plans.

Desired Skills

• Knowledge in the specification, installation and commissioning of robotics, automation and controls.
• Demonstrable expertise in one or more of the following: high volume composite manufacture (CFRP/RTM), CNC machining, hydraulic systems, high tolerance part assembly, and NDT (X-Ray/Ultrasonics).
• Experience with 3D Catia, 2D AutoCAD and/or another CAD package
• Experience in 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 & real time data acquisition & synthesis into a ‘factory of the future’ shop floor environment.
• Broad experience with virtual manufacturing and tooling/process flow simulation software solutions.
• Be familiar with Net Present Value and Future Value calculations.
• Lead the development of a pilot line to define the blueprint of a scalable facility to showcase how new technology, automation and a Lean manufacturing operating system can meet the requirements of GE Aerospace’s next generation propulsion system.
• Support value engineering activities to help the business make informed make/buy decisions on core/non-core parts and components.
• Employ virtual manufacturing tools to simulate workflow, automation and space requirements to inform manufacturing engineering plans and support investment.
• Be the point of contact between the NPI team and other support functions to efficiently coordinate and project manage the Manufacturing Engineering agenda.
• A hands-on approach to working directly with the manufacturing and engineering teams to help resolve manufacturing engineering issues using data, rationale and logic.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in an engineering discipline with experience in technical project / program management within a Manufacturing Engineering function.
• Direct experience with an NPI process including facility design, commissioning and technical specification in an automated manufacturing environment (automotive, FMCG, warehouse logistics etc.).
• Knowledge of problem-solving methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, 8D, PPS, RedX) and APQP requirements.
• An in-depth understanding and demonstrated experience implementing APQP in a product development process and manufacturing facility design with clear appreciation for its outcomes.
• Experience working with, managing and coordinating subcontracted suppliers and vendors.
• Knowledge of health & safety (H&S) and construction design & management (CDM) regulations and means of compliance.
• A self-starter, able to work independently with little direction towards a business goal.
• Ability to influence up and down the organisation with a data driven approach.

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 Aerospace 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 if 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 UK immigration rules, it may be that candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be appointed if a suitably qualified candidate requiring no sponsorship is available. For more information see the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management and Manufacturing

Industries

• Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing