At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and improve composites manufacturing for high-volume production in defence engineering.
- Company: Dynamic defence engineering business focused on unmanned systems and offensive drone capabilities.
- Benefits: Permanent position with opportunities for career growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Other info: Join a scaling team and contribute to innovative production strategies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the aerospace sector while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Strong background in composites manufacturing, ideally from F1, aerospace, or advanced engineering.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 44567 £ per year.
Location: London, West Sussex and South Coast; minimum 2 days onsite preferred
Type: Permanent
Sector: Defence / Aerospace / UAV
Overview
We are supporting a growing defence engineering business operating in the unmanned systems space, with a particular focus on offensive drone capability. As the business scales from product development into higher-volume delivery, they are looking to appoint a Manufacturing Composites Engineer to help shape and support the move toward a more scalable composites manufacturing operation. This role is likely to suit someone from an F1, aerospace, motorsport, or advanced composites manufacturing background who can bring practical experience of moving from lower-volume, development-led manufacture into more repeatable and efficient production.
Role purpose
The successful candidate will help define and improve the manufacturing plan for composite products, with a focus on building a clear route to higher-volume production. This will include reviewing current manufacturing methods, workforce and shift planning, production flow, and supplier capability to support ramp-up.
Key responsibilities
- Review and develop the manufacturing plan for composite products as the business moves toward higher-volume production
- Assess current and future production capacity, including labour, shifts, tooling, and process flow
- Support the transition from prototype or lower-rate manufacture into more efficient and repeatable production
- Identify manufacturing bottlenecks, process improvements, and opportunities to improve output, quality, and efficiency
- Work closely with engineering to ensure products are designed with manufacturability in mind
- Help define what the future manufacturing organisation should look like, including headcount, structure, and shift requirements
- Support supplier strategy where composite or specialist manufacturing inputs are outsourced
- Contribute to the development of a scalable manufacturing model aligned to business growth and customer demand
- Work closely with programme, operations, and engineering teams to ensure manufacturing readiness supports delivery
What they are looking for
- Strong background in composites manufacturing
- Experience in F1, aerospace, motorsport, UAV, or advanced engineering environments
- Experience moving from development / prototype manufacture into more production-led environments
- Strong understanding of production planning, manufacturing readiness, and process improvement
- Able to assess how many people, what shift structure, and what operational model is needed to support production ramp-up
- Good understanding of Design for Manufacture (DFM) and how engineering choices affect production outcomes
- Comfortable working in a fast-moving, scaling engineering business
Desirable
- Experience supporting high-volume or scaled composites production
- Exposure to outsourced manufacturing models
- Knowledge of aerospace or defence quality standards
- Experience in building or improving manufacturing cells, workflows, or production strategies
This is a strong opportunity for someone who understands composites manufacturing in detail and can help shape the route from specialist product build to scalable production capability.
Manufacturing Composites Engineer employer: Electus Recruitment Solutions
Join a forward-thinking company that values your contributions and offers a dynamic work culture where innovation thrives. With competitive salaries ranging from £40-50K, hybrid working options, and robust opportunities for professional growth, this role as a Scheduler allows you to engage in meaningful projects that impact the engineering landscape. Embrace the chance to collaborate with diverse teams and develop your skills in a supportive environment dedicated to your career advancement.
Contact Details:
Electus Recruitment Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Composites Engineer
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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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 Electus Recruitment Solutions, 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 Manufacturing Composites Engineer
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 Electus Recruitment Solutions 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 Electus Recruitment Solutions
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Electus Recruitment Solutions, 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 Electus Recruitment Solutions 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.