Development Lead ME

We are currently recruiting for a Development Lead (ME) at our South Molton site. This is an exciting opportunity for someone to join a global leader within the Aerospace sector. The South Molton plant is based in Devon, UK and has over 400 employees. The plant commenced production in 1973 and in 1975 an investment casting foundry opened on the site. The Foundry is the only one of its kind across Eaton’s Aerospace plants. Today the plant’s core focus is the design, manufacture and test of components primarily for the aerospace sector. The site’s main customer is the Eaton facility at Titchfield, Hampshire, UK and the external customers to the site include Airbus, Boeing, Embraer and Augusta Westland.

What you’ll do:

• Develops and maintains robust, cost efficient manufacturing processes and product structures consistent with lean manufacturing practices.
• Must be mindful of process and test capabilities and recognize organizational core competencies.
• Ensures root cause and failure analysis is performed as required.
• Leads cost‑out events and promotes culture of continuous improvement.
• Applies lean manufacturing techniques as means to eliminate waste and deliver products to customer’s expectations.
• Implements methods and practices to reduce variation.
• Develops team’s ability to understand source(s) of variation and identify impact of tolerance stacks in assemblies by applying Six Sigma Design and Development strategies.
• Understands application of SPC and gage R & R.
• Participates in concurrent engineering efforts and critical design reviews to minimize product development costs and maximize useful life of products.
• Conducts Design for Manufacturing and value engineering initiatives as applicable.
• Develops work breakdown structures as a tool to develop cost estimates.
• Participates in new product development projects using ProLaunch as a tool to articulate deliverables and a vehicle to commit to schedules.
• Coordinates manufacturing liaison(s) for products from inception through shipment to customer.
• Develops and integrates new processes and methodologies as to provide competitive advantages for the business.
• Recommends Capital Appropriation Requests (including payback and net present value analysis) for acquisition of equipment to support emerging and existing technologies.
• Trains associates as required.

Qualifications:

• Degree qualified (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
• Degree in Six Sigma or similar subject.

Skills:

• Detailed knowledge of lean manufacturing techniques – i.e. value stream mapping, one piece flow, etc.
• Understanding of Six Sigma concepts and tools and where they relate to minimizing process / product variability – i.e. regression analysis, design of experiments, hypothesis testing, etc.
• Thorough understanding of problem‑solving methodologies used in determining root cause and formulating corrective action(s) – i.e. thought maps, 8D, root cause analysis, Process Failure Mode Effect Analysis, Gage R & R, control charts, Pareto charts, etc.
• Proficiency in various software applications – i.e. Computer Aided Design, Computer Aided Manufacturing, MS Office suite, MiniTab, etc.
• Knowledge of manufacturing principles and technical specifications to support facilities competencies – i.e. metal cutting, tool design, injection molding, welding, soldering, etc.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional process improvement teams.

Advantageous:

• Detailed knowledge of engineering design and product reliability concepts as to facilitate analysis of fluid dynamics, thermal dynamics, electronic circuits, etc.
• Understanding of ProLaunch.
• Knowledge of industry and customer specific quality processes (i.e., ISO9001, AS9100 etc).
• Knowledge of product and end user application/specifications, including product testing requirements.

What we offer:

• Flexible working hours and a hybrid working model for the right candidate.
• A company culture committed to Inclusion & Diversity and Sustainability.
• Annual mentoring programme, Eaton University, and a robust reward and recognition framework.
• Ongoing learning and global career development opportunities, including internal mobility.
• Comprehensive induction support and a well‑structured onboarding experience.

The successful applicant will be in contact with US ITAR controlled technology, goods and information. As a condition of employment, employees with access to US ITAR controlled technology and goods may be required to undergo an additional screening process as part of the recruitment process. We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for job applicants and employees. Our recruitment processes use balanced selection criteria and avoid unlawful discrimination against applicants on the basis of their age, colour, disability, marital status, national origin, gender, gender identity, genetic information, race or racial origin, religion, sexual orientation or any other status protected or required by law.