Manufacturing Engineer in Stockport

We currently have an opportunity for a Manufacturing Engineer.

About KNDS UK: With over a century of engineering expertise and innovation, KNDS UK is a renowned world leader in rapidly deployable military bridging systems and a key partner in the UK MoD’s Boxer armoured vehicle programme. We are proud of our heritage and our reputation of providing the highest quality engineering solutions for over 100 years. As a trusted partner to military customers around the world, our employees are the very heart of our company. We have a skilled and experienced workforce dedicated to achieving excellence in all areas of the business such as Manufacturing, Engineering, Project Management and Business Support functions.

As our business evolves, we are looking to strengthen our workforce with talented and motivated individuals across a range of disciplines and currently have this opportunity available.

About the role: The role holder will be responsible for developing the AIT (Assembly, Integration and Test) element of the Boxer MIV program. The role will work with an existing team of Manufacturing Engineers to develop a future concept of vehicle manufacture.

Key duties include, but are not limited to:

• To transfer the knowledge and learning of the AIT production process from our parent company to KNDS at Stockport.
• Be present on the shopfloor and the focal point of knowledge for manufacturing engineering and tooling in the AIT area.
• Support the operators by enhancing their knowledge of the AIT process and parts.
• Lead and drive structured problem solving and process improvement activities during the ramp-up phase and onwards during stable production.
• Coordinate cross-functional team activities to optimise cost performance, operating standards and minimising waste through line balancing and the development of a continuous improvement culture encompassing lean principles.
• Provide design for manufacturing input at early stages in the product development process, coordinating with and supporting implement engineering changes to designs and developing effective processes to ensure manufacturability of product while maintaining quality, safety and environmental standards and cost targets.
• Create required Standard Operations and work balance charts.
• Provide point of contact and expertise for the production team during the assembly process.
• Support project management in cross-functional activity required for project execution.
• Ensure that Environmental, Health and Safety, manufacturing quality standards and procedures are adhered to.

What we’re looking for: Candidates must have the following essential qualifications and experience:

• Ideally educated to Bachelor level or equivalent, in Mechanical Engineering discipline or HND, or an Advanced/Higher Apprenticeship in Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering.
• Technical skill set developed in complex engineering environments.
• Successful track record of manufacturing excellence.
• Experience in a similar role within an industrial or technical environment.
• Understanding of Engineering Change processes.
• Operating in complex organisations.
• Structuring BOMs from Drawing to Manufacture.
• Computer literate (std office).
• Working knowledge of use and development of MES systems.
• Experience leading practical problem-solving teams and methodologies.

The following are desirable:

• Planning experience using SAP and ideally trained in SAP.
• Knowledge of vehicle build programs.

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following skills and aptitudes:

• Able to work under pressure to deadlines, be flexible, dependable and time conscious and to work with minimum supervision.
• Motivated and disciplined with an excellent work ethic, technical aptitude, continuous improvement mind-set and can demonstrate attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, ability to transfer knowledge, and able to work collaboratively within a high performing team and with other stakeholders.
• Takes responsibility for decision-making within the guidelines of the work instruction, for their workplace, the application of welding processes, and for their productivity.
• Committed to maintaining competence through Continuing Professional Development planning, preparation and reflection to ensure safety, quality and production and ensuring Continuing Professional Development goals are achieved.
• Intervene and challenge poor practices and have confidence to channel feedback to the appropriate authorities to implement change.
• Reflects on current and past performance and provide information and recommendations for continuous improvements in efficiency and effectiveness of working practices, and training and development requirements.

Why you should join us: When you become part of the KNDS UK team, you will enjoy employee benefits such as:

• Competitive salary.
• Attractive pension (4% employee contribution, 7% employer contribution).
• Half-day Friday.
• Life assurance scheme.
• Company sick pay scheme which increases with service.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Additional Holidays & Long Service rewards.
• Wellbeing initiatives, such as Free Fruit on Tuesday’s.
• Cycle-to-work Scheme.
• Free on-site car parking.
• On-site electric vehicle charging points.

We’re also very proud to be part of the Armed Forces Covenant since 2018, achieving their Silver Award in 2020 and Gold Award in 2024. We actively support and encourage service leavers, reservists and cadets to join our team, recognising military skills and qualifications in our recruitment and selection process.

If you are passionate about Manufacturing and eager to contribute to a thriving workplace environment, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. We look forward to receiving your application!