At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead manufacturing strategies and optimise processes in aerospace and defence.
- Company: Join THALES, a leader in aerospace and defence innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, competitive pay, and flexible hours.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge projects in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing engineering with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and mentoring junior engineers.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Location: Templecombe
Working Pattern: 4-day week (Monday–Thursday)
Hours: 37 hours per week (9.25 hrs/day) with flexible start times (6:00–7:30am)
Type: 12 month contract (likely extension)
Rate: PAYE: £32.18 per hour + £3.88 holiday pay; Umbrella: £42.93 per hour
The role: Morson is currently recruiting an experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer to join our Aerospace and Defence client THALES at their Templecombe facility. Working within a Design for Manufacture (DFM) environment, you will provide end-to-end product lifecycle support—from initial design through to full manufacture—across mechanical and electronic build and assembly activities. You will play a pivotal role in shaping manufacturing strategy, improving industrial performance, and ensuring products are robust, cost-effective, and ready for production.
What You’ll Be Doing: As a key member of the manufacturing team, you will:
- Define, implement, and maintain industrial strategies for both existing and new products
- Lead Production Readiness Reviews (PRRs) and assess Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRLs) to identify and mitigate risk
- Own the setup, optimisation, and control of manufacturing processes, tooling, layouts, and infrastructure
- Drive Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFM/A) activities throughout the design lifecycle
- Lead FMEA reviews and actively manage design changes to improve manufacturability
- Identify opportunities for capital equipment investment, including cost-benefit and ROI analysis
- Support procurement as a manufacturing Subject Matter Expert
- Ensure compliance with Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) regulations
- Define and maintain manufacturing documentation, workflows, inspection processes, and ERP data
- Attend and contribute to Material Review Boards (MRBs) and Configuration Control Boards (CCBs)
- Lead the introduction of new manufacturing lines using lean principles such as 5S, Kanban, SMED, Six Sigma, and Value Stream Mapping
- Mentor junior engineers and promote lean manufacturing and industry best practice
- Support the build and proving of prototype, development, and pre-production units
About You: You’ll be an experienced Manufacturing Engineer, ideally with a time-served background and exposure to mechanical and/or electronic assembly environments. You’ll bring:
- Significant experience in low- to medium-volume, light mechanical or electro-mechanical manufacturing
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing systems (BOMs, routings, concessions, change control, etc.)
- Broad process understanding, including machining, mechanical and electronic assembly, and test
- Practical experience applying continuous improvement and lean manufacturing techniques
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to produce high-quality technical documentation
- Strong time-management skills with the ability to balance competing priorities
Locations
Senior Manufacturing Engineer in Somerset, Templecombe employer: Morson Edge
Contact Detail:
Morson Edge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manufacturing Engineer in Somerset, Templecombe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their manufacturing processes and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to shine, so practice answering common interview questions related to DFM and lean principles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through a portfolio! If you’ve worked on projects that highlight your expertise in manufacturing engineering, gather them together. We love seeing tangible evidence of your work, especially if it relates to improving industrial performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who can contribute to our team and help us drive innovation in manufacturing.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manufacturing Engineer in Somerset, Templecombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Manufacturing Engineer role. Highlight your experience in low- to medium-volume manufacturing and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in DFM/A activities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role at THALES. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description, especially around improving industrial performance and leading PRRs.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills in your application. Mention your knowledge of manufacturing systems and any continuous improvement techniques you've applied, like Six Sigma or Lean principles, as these are key for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Morson Edge
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of manufacturing processes, especially in mechanical and electronic assembly. Be ready to discuss specific techniques like DFM/A, lean principles, and FMEA reviews. Showing that you understand the technical aspects will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully implemented manufacturing strategies or improved processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's manufacturing strategies, team dynamics, and future projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your critical thinking and decision-making skills. Think about how you would handle challenges related to production readiness or risk mitigation. Practising these scenarios beforehand can give you the confidence to tackle them during the interview.