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- Tasks: Lead and optimise manufacturing processes in aerospace and defence.
- Company: Join a pioneering aerospace and defence manufacturing company.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, career growth, and a chance to work on innovative projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the aerospace industry with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing engineering and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for continuous improvement and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A Lead Manufacturing Engineer is required to join an Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing and Engineering company at the forefront of aerospace forging, machining, and assembly, producing an extensive range of products and components. The successful Lead Manufacturing Engineer will be an experienced and proactive Manufacturing Engineer, and this critical role will focus on optimizing current manufacturing processes, improving product quality and production efficiency. The Lead Manufacturing Engineer will be supporting the successful industrialisation of New Product Introductions (NPI) into production and will lead the manufacturing engineering for one of the business units. The Lead Manufacturing Engineer will be working closely with cross-functional teams including design engineering, production, quality, and supply chain to ensure the manufacturing processes are stable, capable, and continuously improving to meet the high standards expected in the aerospace and defence industry.
Lead Manufacturing Engineer Responsibilities
- Lead the prioritisation & allocation of manufacturing engineering activities
- Analyse, develop, and optimise manufacturing processes to maximise quality and efficiency
- Drive strong process control and process capability across all manufacturing operations
- Apply Lean Manufacturing and industrial engineering optimisation techniques
- Lead and deliver continuous improvement initiatives targeting quality improvements
- Support and execute the industrialisation of New Product Introductions (NPI)
- Collaborate with design and development teams to ensure manufacturability and DFMA
- Apply APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) to ensure product/process readiness
- Lead the PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) to verify product designs
- Identify, propose, and implement process improvement and technology upgrades
- Troubleshoot and resolve production issues, applying structured root cause analysis (RCA)
- Define, document, and maintain robust manufacturing process controls including SOPs
- Develop and validate manufacturing tooling, jigs, fixtures, gauging, and other systems
- Ensure all manufacturing activities comply with aerospace and defence quality standards
- Support production teams by providing training on new processes, and operational practices
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as yield, scrap, RFT, and throughput
- Contribute to investment projects related to new capabilities, equipment modernisation, etc.
Lead Manufacturing Engineer Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- Demonstrable engineering team leadership experience in an industrial environment
- Engineering experience with good understanding of the associated tools/techniques
- Extensive practical experience in an industrial forging, machining, fabrication, or similar role
- Degree or HND in Manufacturing/Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, or similar
- Strong understanding of process control and process capability
- Experience with statistical tools to validate and monitor production stability
- Demonstrated experience in leading continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality
- Significant experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and 8D/DMAIC problem-solving
- Proficient in interpreting complex engineering drawings and GD&T
- Experience with validation, PFMEA, control plans, and Statistical Process Control (SPC)
- Lean Manufacturing and industrial optimisation and value stream mapping experience
- Good working knowledge of aerospace quality standards (e.g., AS9100)
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skill and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
- Experience with ERP systems and knowledge of forging, heat/surface treatments, machining
- Security Clearance (SC) may be required due to the nature of the products involved therefore only British and UK Candidates are Eligible
If you have experience of Manufacturing Engineering within an Industrial and Manufacturing environment and you want to be considered, please apply today.
Lead Manufacturing Eng – Aerospace and Defence in Birmingham employer: Jonathan Lee Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Jonathan Lee Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Manufacturing Eng – Aerospace and Defence in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aerospace and defence sector. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their manufacturing processes and challenges. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Be ready to discuss how you've tackled manufacturing issues in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Manufacturing Eng – Aerospace and Defence in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Manufacturing Engineer role. Highlight your experience in aerospace and defence, and showcase any relevant projects or achievements that demonstrate your skills in process optimisation and continuous improvement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for working with us at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role requires a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and quality standards, make sure to list your technical skills clearly. Include any relevant certifications like Lean Six Sigma, and mention your experience with tools like APQP and PPAP.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jonathan Lee Recruitment
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Make sure you brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to aerospace and defence. Be ready to discuss how you've optimised processes in the past, and think about examples where you've applied Lean Manufacturing techniques.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Manufacturing Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led engineering projects or initiatives, focusing on collaboration with cross-functional teams.
✨Understand Quality Standards
Familiarise yourself with aerospace quality standards like AS9100. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you approach quality control and process capability.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to APQP, PPAP, and problem-solving methodologies like DMAIC. Brush up on your knowledge of statistical tools and be ready to explain how you've used them to validate production stability.
