At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative manufacturing processes in aerospace and defence.
- Company: Join a respected precision engineering firm with a focus on high-complexity components.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping production processes and driving growth.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in Manufacturing Engineering or related fields, with hands-on problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 68000 £ per year.
Are you a Manufacturing Engineer, Production/Process Engineer or NPI Engineer who enjoys turning ideas into robust, scalable production processes? Do you have experience improving or introducing manufacturing processes in sectors such as aerospace, defence, composites, precision machining, or TIG-welded fabrication—and want to see your work directly bring to life high-performance products? If so, this could be a positive and strong next career step.
About us
We are a precision engineering and manufacturing business specialising in low-volume, high-complexity components. We support highly regulated, performance-driven industries including aerospace, defence, and medical sectors. With continued growth in aerospace and defence, we are investing in our manufacturing capability and looking to strengthen our engineering team to support new product introduction (NPI), process development, and factory scaling.
The Role
As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a key role in the industrialisation of new and existing products and processes used in aerospace and defence applications. You will work across both NPI and continuous improvement, helping to design, build, and optimise efficient, repeatable manufacturing processes.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead NPI, industrialisation and scaling activities for new and existing products
- Specify equipment, processes, layouts, jigs, fixtures, and tooling
- Develop and improve SOPs, work instructions, and operator training materials
- Identify and eliminate waste, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies in production
- Apply core manufacturing engineering tools (PFMEA, capability studies, process controls, SOPs, etc.)
- Collaborate closely with Quality, Engineering, Operations, and Commercial teams
- Support capital equipment planning and manufacturing investment decisions
About You
We are open on background and seniority and are interested in speaking with Manufacturing Engineers with around 4+ years of experience through to more senior/principal-level engineers. You will likely bring:
- A degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or similar
- Manufacturing Engineering / NPI / Process Engineering experience (4+ years minimum)
- Experience in one or more of the following: NPI, industrialisation, or scaling manufacturing processes
- Aerospace, defence, motorsport, or other low-volume high-precision industries
- Composite manufacturing, precision machining, or TIG/brazing fabrications
- Strong understanding of structured manufacturing engineering tools and methods
- A practical, hands‑on approach with strong problem‑solving skills
- Eligibility to work in the UK indefinitely
- Ability to commute to Eynsham, Oxford, or willingness to relocate
Salary & Seniority
We are open to hiring across multiple levels of experience, from experienced Manufacturing Engineers through to Senior and Principal-level candidates. Salary range: £45,000 - £68,000, depending on experience and seniority. Level will be aligned to experience (Manufacturing Engineer / Lead / Senior / Principal). Package and responsibility will scale accordingly.
What You'll Get
- A role with real ownership and visible impact on production and growth
- The opportunity to shape processes as the business scales
- A chance to mentor and share expertise within a growing engineering team
- A well-established, respected mid‑sized engineering business
- On‑site parking and excellent working environment
Manufacturing Engineer - NPI (Aero & Defence) employer: NEUTRA
Join a respected mid-sized engineering business in Oxfordshire, where your role as a Manufacturing Engineer will allow you to take ownership of impactful projects in the aerospace and defence sectors. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have opportunities to mentor within a collaborative team, shape innovative processes, and enjoy a supportive work culture that values your contributions. Benefit from a competitive salary, excellent working environment, and the chance to see your ideas come to life in high-performance products.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Engineer - NPI (Aero & Defence)
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like NEUTRA, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Engineer - NPI (Aero & Defence)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to NEUTRA specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at NEUTRA
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with NEUTRA, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like NEUTRA value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
