Manufacturing Support Projects Engineer in Stockport

We currently have an opportunity for a Manufacturing Support Project 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 provide technical and project management support across CNC machining operations. The role focuses on developing and improving machining processes, delivering engineering projects, supporting documentation and SOP creation, managing machine installations, and training operators. The post holder will work collaboratively with production, engineering, suppliers, and contractors to ensure that equipment, tooling, methods, documentation, and training meet operational requirements for safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

Key duties include, but are not limited to:

• Apply knowledge of CNC machining processes to support production and resolve technical issues.
• Design and develop fixtures, jigs, tooling, and work-holding solutions.
• Select appropriate cutting tools and optimize machining strategies.
• Improve current tooling, machining methods, and process efficiency.
• Create, update, and maintain manufacturing instructions, documentation, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Deliver training to operators on processes, procedures, documentation, and best practices.
• Manage engineering and manufacturing projects using structured project management methods.
• Use Microsoft Project to plan, track, and report project activities.
• Lead and coordinate machine installations, commissioning activities, and contract management.
• Work with suppliers and contractors to ensure safe and effective delivery of tasks.
• Support Lean activities and continuous improvement across machining operations.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams, providing updates, technical support, and project reports.
• Work independently and collaboratively to deliver engineering outcomes.

What we’re looking for:

Candidates must have the following essential qualifications and experience:

• Strong understanding of CNC machining principles and manufacturing processes.
• Milling experience.
• Ability to design fixtures and select or specify cutting tools.
• Experience improving machining tooling, methods, or processes.
• Experience creating SOPs, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD.
• Demonstrable experience managing engineering or manufacturing projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project for planning and scheduling.
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems.
• Proven record of delivering cost savings or efficiency improvements.

The following are desirable:

• PRINCE2 certification (or equivalent project management qualification).
• Ex-machine operator.
• Experience with CAD software for fixture design (e.g. SolidWorks, Inventor).
• Experience in precision machining industries such as aerospace or automotive.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies beyond basic Lean (Kaizen, TPM, etc.).
• Previous experience in a Manufacturing Engineering or similar role.

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!

Recruiters please note that we have a list of approved recruitment agency partners in place and we will contact agencies directly should we require support. Any unsolicited CV’s received via an agency will be accepted with thanks but without fee.