Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialist in Caddington

Leonardo’s Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) programme represents a significant next-generation defence avionics development in Europe. This is a career-defining opportunity to assume a pivotal national technical leadership role within a world-class engineering organisation with decades of expertise. Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialists are responsible for developing robust solutions with broad experience across lifecycle phases and a through-life approach to manufacturing engineering. They are expected to achieve objectives over longer-term planning horizons and provide complex technical advice to internal and external customers. As a Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialist you will join the team to develop the operations manufacturing requirements of the future, taking innovative processes and equipment into account to enable world-class production of future Leonardo products. This role may require travel to Edinburgh, Basildon and Southampton, with occasional opportunities to work from home.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist input and apply expert skills and knowledge to help deliver technically sound solutions that meet stakeholder requirements.
• Lead and deliver Manufacturing Engineering sections of Manufacturing Maturity Reviews; maintain governance through Lifecycle Management; create, contribute to and review Manufacturing Plans; contribute to design and phase reviews including Manufacturing Readiness Level assessments.
• Track external developments and disruptive technologies to identify exploitation and knowledge sharing opportunities within the project team.
• Enable future development of innovative manufacturing and testing processes for the EW domain by studying product requirements, materials, and manufacturing methods; liaise with equipment vendors or external suppliers.
• Ensure robust manufacturing and test decision-making by preparing product and process reports through collecting, analysing and summarising information and trends.
• Assure product and process quality by designing methods, validating/verifying process capabilities, establishing standards, and confirming manufacturing processes.
• Create a culture of improved manufacturing efficiency by developing ideas and solutions related to infrastructure, cyber security, and security requirements for the factory of the future; support capacity analysis, simulation planning, workflow, space, and equipment layout.
• Develop manufacturing and test requirements for future designs in collaboration with engineering to influence concepts for the design and development stage.
• Advise and participate in improving policies and processes within the operations framework; promote best-practice sharing and knowledge exploitation.
• Mentor, coach and develop junior team members to build overall capability.
• Provide domain experience to support customer and user engagement and product road maps.
• Maintain product and company reputation by complying with government regulations.

What you’ll bring

• External Approvals (may include) Registration as a Chartered Engineer or other relevant Professional Body.
• In-depth understanding of manufacturing and test processes and principles.
• Ability to influence and negotiate using data and analysis to support reasoning.
• Understanding of the operational framework and business processes; awareness of cross-functional/commercial processes and their impact.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of multiple phases of the Product Life Cycle and related processes.
• Experience of peer reviewing work within a product team and ensuring actions are implemented.
• Ability to communicate concepts in a non-technical way; confidence to challenge and respond to technical/process issues with systems thinking.
• Ability to interact effectively and manage relationships with customers and suppliers.
• Experience in capability and/or process development and implementing changes to working practices.

Qualifications

• HND or above in an engineering-related discipline.

This is not an exhaustive list. We welcome candidates who may not meet every item but show a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, potentially including eligibility for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Why join us

• Leonardo offers a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package supporting wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance.
• Time to Recharge: Generous leave with up to 12 additional flexi-days per year.
• Secure your Future: Pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
• Rewarding Performance: Bonus scheme for management level and below.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Financial rewards through referral program.
• Tailored Perks: Flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech and lifestyle discounts, gym memberships, and more.
• Flexible working: Hybrid working options; part-time opportunities may be considered.

For a full list of benefits please visit our website. Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security with a large UK presence. We are committed to an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. If you have accessibility requirements during the recruitment process, please let us know. Be part of something bigger - apply now!

Primary Location: GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid