Lead Manufacturing Engineer in Rugby

GE Vernova is at the forefront of the global energy transition, powering the world, decarbonizing industry, and supporting global defence through advanced electrical systems. At Rotating Machines Rugby (RMR), we design and manufacture world‑class electrical rotating machinery. Specializing in large motors and generators for naval, aerospace, and industrial applications, our technology is vital to a sustainable and secure future.

As the Lead Manufacturing Engineer, you will drive operational excellence by applying Lean principles to spearhead initiatives across multiple manufacturing areas. You are responsible for delivering measurable improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) while ensuring manufacturing readiness, enabling new projects to meet the highest performance standards from day one. This role sits at the intersection of design and production, acting as the critical translator between the design office and the shop floor. The successful candidate will ensure that manufacturing lines — specifically Rotor Build and Field Coil — are fully prepared to build, transport, install, and commission complex machinery.

What you will do

• Provide technical leadership across the Rotor Build and Field Coil manufacturing lines, ensuring right‑first‑time execution.
• Lead Capex investment projects from initial proposal and cost‑benefit analysis through to installation, commissioning, and handover.
• Plan and coordinate preparation activities, including the installation and commissioning of new equipment and supervision of contractors.
• Lead Lean and Kaizen improvement studies to drive measurable gains in manufacturing efficiency, tracking and reporting on impact and cost savings.
• Analyse and plan workflow, space requirements, and equipment placement to maximise manufacturing effectiveness.
• Lead initiatives and present business cases to senior leaders to secure funding approval.
• Mentor and develop less experienced engineers, fostering a strong team ethos within the Manufacturing Readiness Team (MRT).
• Work alongside designers at the concept stage to drive improvements to tools and processes before production begins, acting as the critical link between the design office and the shop floor.
• Ensure manufacturing lines are fully prepared to build, transport, install, and commission complex machinery to the highest performance standards.

What you will bring

• A professional engineering qualification, ideally gained within the aerospace or automotive sector or an equivalent highly regulated industry.
• Proven Lead Manufacturing Engineering experience, with a strong track record of driving change within a manufacturing organisation.
• Strong CAD design skills, preferably in Creo, with the ability to model tooling concepts and develop them through to detailed design.
• Demonstrable experience leading Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives, with a practical, hands‑on approach to implementation.
• The ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Demonstrated experience leading engineering design activities and formal design reviews.
• Experience training shopfloor operators and communicating complex engineering processes in a clear and accessible way.
• A broad knowledge of manufacturing processes, their associated engineering challenges, and industry best practices.
• Excellent organisational, time management, and decision‑making skills, with a methodical and detail‑focused approach to work.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including negotiation and presentation, with the ability to engage effectively up to Senior Management level.
• Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in CAD tools and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while delivering against EHS, Quality, Delivery, and Cost metrics within a multi‑disciplinary team environment.
• A collaborative and influential approach — an effective change agent who motivates others and drives continuous improvement.
• A self‑motivated, driven mindset with the ability to set and meet ambitious goals and respond positively to challenges.
• Flexibility to work extended hours and travel when required.

Location: Site based in Rugby, UK. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

What we offer

• Competitive compensation including performance‑related bonus, flexible pension, employer‑funded private health insurance, income protection, and life assurance (Total Reward).
• 26 days of holiday, plus bank holidays (Time to Recharge).
• Corporate benefits such as the option to buy and sell holiday, cycle‑to‑work scheme, financial planning, critical illness insurance, personal accident cover, dental cover, optional family coverage for private health scheme, child‑care vouchers, travel insurance, and gadget cover (Flex Choice).
• Opportunities for continuous development, including mentorship, professional qualifications, and career path mapping (Career Growth).

Additional Information: Relocation assistance provided: No.