Principal Manufacturing Engineer- Digital in Wickford

We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Manufacturing Engineer – Digital to join our team on a hybrid-working basis. In this role you will play a pivotal role in our manufacturing operations team, shaping the Future Manufacturing - Assy, Automation & Tooling and Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Strategy, ensuring efficient production technology (Tools & Systems) introduction, adherence to quality standards, and timely project completion.

Your Impact: The role on offer is supporting the Future Combat Air Line of Business, this role will help plan future manufacturing systems engineering activities to enable the delivery of products to schedule, quality and cost. The successful candidate will be supporting the business through developing & executing the Operations Future Manufacturing aligning with Leonardo lines of business throughout the UK in addition to National & International partners.

What you will do as a Principal Manufacturing Engineering Specialist – Digital:

• Interface with IT, Cyber and Future Factory Digital Lifecycle team to support ongoing integration activities.
• Engage with LEDUK, national and international partners on smart tooling, automation and integration into MES / Common Data Environment (CDE).
• Support the development of Supply Chain, Manufacturing and Repair elements of the digital thread.
• Engagement with Future Factory in tool selection and development of digital twins (plant / process) and simulations.
• Supporting MES solution architects in aligning solution options for MES.
• Lead integration of MES elements of the Smart Workbench as the Future Proof of Concept Work in a highly skilled team, providing key inputs and data to aid Operations decisions.
• Tracking external developments and disruptive technologies to identify exploitation and knowledge sharing within the project team.
• Ensuring the development of connected manufacturing processes by studying product requirements; researching, designing, modifying, and testing manufacturing methods and equipment; understanding feedback from Leonardo operators, conferring with equipment vendors or external suppliers.
• Support Manufacturing Engineering authority in order to formally approve product / process / technology change.
• Advising and participating on improving policies and processes within the operations framework.
• Support the development of robust manufacturing information to aid decision making aligned to objectives and results.
• Contribute to improving manufacturing efficiency through the generation of innovative ideas and solutions.
• Review manufacturing documentation, can include input to process specific risk assessments, COSHH data, technical reports, specification.
• Assure product and process quality by designing methods; validation/verification of process capabilities; establishing standards; confirming manufacturing processes.
• Promoting a culture of best practice sharing and knowledge exploitation.
• Mentor, coach and develop more junior members of the team in order to develop overall capability.
• Providing domain experience in support of customer and user engagement and product road maps.
• Maintain product and company reputation by complying with government regulations.

What we are looking for:

• Minimum HND in relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
• Experience working with manufacturing data systems, with a solid understanding of the underlying principles and structure of manufacturing software.
• Experience in supporting NPI Manufacturing Engineering Systems activities.
• Manufacturing systems & process knowledge including PLM, ERP, MES and QMS/BMS.
• Experience in early phases of the product/process development life cycle.
• Ability to influence and negotiate with others using data and analysis to support line of reasoning.
• A detailed understanding of the operational framework and business processes.
• An understanding of cross functional / commercial business processes and their own impact.
• Demonstrated knowledge, and experience of multiple phases of the Product Life Cycle and the associated processes.
• Experience of peer reviewing the work of others inside a product team and within a sub Engineering Unit and ensuring the resulting actions are implemented.
• Ability to communicate concepts in a non-technical way.
• Confidence and ability to challenge / respond to technical / process issues whilst understanding the broad impact of solutions (systems thinking).
• Ability to interact effectively and manage the relationships with customers and suppliers.
• Been involved in capability and / or process development, demonstrating an ability to implement a change to working practices.
• Proven experience in manufacturing engineering, with a focus on process optimisation.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in engineering drawings and production documentation.

It would be nice if you had:

• Experience with Electromechanical Systems.
• Experience / Knowledge of Agile working practices / methodologies.
• Experience in Aerospace / Automotive sectors.
• Experience of TRL and MRL assessments.

Experience:

• Successful management of Digital Manufacturing Engineering activities within high value, complex manufacturing programmes especially in the early stages of the project life cycle within a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrable Digital Manufacturing Engineering experience covering all product lifecycle phases with an extensive experience within the development & NPI phases at an appropriate level.

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is 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 Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Why join us: At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning 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: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options.

Primary Location: GB - Basildon. Additional Locations: GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane, GB - Edinburgh, GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300, GB - Newcastle, GB - Southampton. Contract Type: Permanent. Hybrid Working: Hybrid.