Manufacturing Engineer

At G&H, we are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support our innovative and fast-paced operational environment. As a world leader in optical designing, testing and production, we provide optical systems, assemblies and components for demanding applications. Headquartered in Ilminster, Somerset, with primary operations across the USA and Europe, G&H is recognised for the breadth of its acousto-optic, electro-optic, crystal-optic, fibre optic and precision optic products. With over seventy-five years of quality and innovation, G&H is a trusted partner to OEMs across the life sciences, industrial, aerospace and defence industries.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Optical Systems Division at G&H Ilminster, supporting the research, development and engineering of optical elements for aerospace and defence applications. You will play a key role in developing and optimising production processes, equipment and workflows within a fast-paced AS9100 environment. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, you will help deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions while driving continuous improvement across the business.

You will also benefit from:

• 26 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Company pension with 6% contribution
• Performance-based company bonus scheme
• Health Cash Plan
• £500 employee referral bonus

The role will focus on supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), process development and continuous improvement initiatives across the Optical Systems Division. You will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to improve efficiency, quality and operational capability, while ensuring compliance with health, safety and AS9100 standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development and implementation of new processes, equipment and tooling.
• Support New Product Introduction activities, including DFx input and production readiness for new products.
• Drive continuous improvement and LEAN initiatives to improve quality, efficiency and cost performance.
• Lead PFMEA activities and support capability and repeatability improvement projects across operations.
• Specify, support and commission new manufacturing equipment and CAPEX projects.
• Evaluate and improve existing workflows, processes and production methods.
• Manage testing and replacement activities for obsolete production consumables.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and quality standards across all operational activities.

We are looking for a Manufacturing Engineer with:

• A degree in Mechanical or Production Engineering, or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience working within a Manufacturing Engineering role in an NPI environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a results-driven mindset.
• Experience leading or supporting multidisciplinary project teams.
• Knowledge of LEAN and Six Sigma methodologies such as DMAIC.
• Experience with process mapping, PFMEA/control plan development and tooling design.
• Experience using 3D CAD software and Microsoft Office applications.
• High attention to detail and willingness to learn new techniques and technologies.
• Awareness of glass machining, thin film coating, metal machining or advanced manufacturing techniques - desirable but not essential.

To apply for this role, please click apply online and upload an updated copy of your CV.

Notes: This job description is not intended to be exhaustive in every respect, but rather to clearly define the fundamental purpose, responsibilities and dimensions for the role. Therefore, this job description does not describe any individual role holder. In addition to the contents of this job description, employees are expected to undertake any and all other reasonable and related tasks allocated by their line manager.

The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates.

Potential candidates should be aware that many of the employment roles at Gooch & Housego are subject to government security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities that you may have previously held and your place of birth, could restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All UK applicants must, as a minimum, be able to successfully complete security vetting to the UK government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard, which includes a criminal record check being performed. Many roles may also require higher levels of security vetting to be completed, where applicants must typically have been continuously resident within the UK for the past five to ten years.