Senior Process Engineer in Bolton

Overview

A Great opportunity for an engineer with a flair for innovation and enthusiasm for new technology within the manufacturing industry.

Drive and support innovation across manufacturing on current and future programmes.

• Dynamic (hybrid) working: 3-4 days per week on-site due to workload
• Security

Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship.

Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply.

After offer, candidates will undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS) managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

Opportunity

The opportunity: Drive the future of defence manufacturing technology.

As a Senior Process Engineer within MBDA UK, you will lead the evolution of manufacturing capabilities by transforming cutting-edge concepts into high-impact, physical realities.

You will be a core catalyst for innovation within the Manufacturing Technology & Capability function, identifying, maturing, and deploying advanced technologies that optimise current operations and shape future infrastructure.

This role is highly collaborative, empowering you to disrupt traditional frameworks, lead cross-industry technology horizon scanning, and collaborate with international counterparts and strategic partners to deliver world-class Manufacturing Engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Technology
• Horizon

Scanning: Scout cross-industry technological breakthroughs to future-proof MBDA manufacturing, focusing on smart automation, intelligent robotics, and predictive digital twins.

• Industry 4.0 Horizon Scanning: Scout cross-industry technological breakthroughs.
• Applied Research: Expand business intelligence through targeted literature studies and technical research.
• Investment Governance: Lead concept studies, technical options assessments, and robust investment proposals.
• Productivity Optimization: Identify and exploit immediate factory-floor opportunities for technological advancement.
• Programme Management: Direct end-to-end research and innovation programmes from concept to proof.
• Strategic Collaboration: Partner with internal operations and external technology providers to architect robust, scalable automated systems.
• Innovation Oversight: Govern, mentor, and mature grassroots ideas submitted via our Open Lab ecosystem.
• What we’re looking for from you

Essential Technical Skills (Must-Have)

• Process Optimisation: Practical knowledge of factory-floor mechanics to identify and exploit immediate opportunities for technological integration.
• Smart Factory Infrastructure: Experience evaluating, piloting, or deploying automated systems and connected manufacturing environments.
• Technology Evaluation: Demonstrated ability to evaluate external technological trends, academic literature, and cross-industry innovations for business viability.
• Automation & Robotics: Experience designing, integrating, or programming industrial robotics, cobots, or automated guided vehicles (AGVs).
• Investment Governance: Experience leading concept studies, conducting technical trade-off assessments, and populating robust capital investment proposals.
• Technical Project Management: Proven ability to direct R&D programmes from early concept testing through to final proof of concept.
• Strategic Collaboration: Strong communication skills to bridge internal operations and external technology providers to architect automated systems.
• NPI & Technology Readiness (TRL): Experience scaling early-stage technologies (TRL 3-4) into live, fully operational scaled production environments (TRL 7+).
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Proactive, innovative approach with the confidence to challenge legacy frameworks and drive change.

Essential Leadership & Delivery Skills (Must-Have)

• Cross-Functional Delivery: Ability to align engineering, operations, and procurement teams around shared deployment goals.
• Technical Mentorship: Experience coaching junior engineers and guiding technical teams through problem-solving scenarios.
• Change Management: Experience leading floor-level teams through adoption of new machinery, software, or workflows.
• Risk & Resource Management: Competence in mapping delivery constraints, materials budgets, and engineering resource allocations.
• Clear Communication: Ability to translate complex automation data into straightforward progress reports.

Desirable Experience

• Highly Regulated Engineering: Background in aerospace, defence, or other safety-critical manufacturing environments (e. g., AS9100, cleanrooms, explosive safety).
• R&D Incubator Governance: Experience mentoring technical teams and managing idea selection within an internal technology accelerator or lab.
• Required Qualifications

Electrical or Mechanical Engineering / Manufacturing Apprenticeship (Advanced Level or L3 Standard) AND Electrical or Mechanical Engineering / Manufacturing Level 4 academic qualification (HNC, diploma, etc.) AND Electrical or Mechanical Engineering / Manufacturing Level 3 vocational qualification (NVQ).

Not required if a Level 3 apprenticeship standard has been achieved or degree in a relevant subject.

Our company

Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given.

MBDA is a leading defence organisation.

We support the Armed Forces and partner with governments to defend our nations.

We are proud of our employee-led networks and encourage you to speak to us about advice, support, or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

Follow us on Linked In, X, Instagram, and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.

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