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 with opportunities for career advancement and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping production processes and driving growth.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in Manufacturing Engineering or related fields, with a hands-on approach.
Manufacturing Engineer – NPI (Defence & Aerospace) Oxfordshire
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) in Oxford employer: NEUTRA
Join a well-established precision engineering and manufacturing business in Oxfordshire, where your contributions as a Manufacturing Engineer will directly impact the production of high-performance components for the aerospace and defence sectors. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor within a collaborative team, shape innovative processes, and enjoy a supportive work culture that values your expertise and offers competitive salaries and benefits.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Engineer - NPI (aero & defence) in Oxford
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with NEUTRA for a Manufacturing Engineer - NPI (aero & defence). This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Engineer - NPI (aero & defence) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at NEUTRA, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At NEUTRA, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at NEUTRA
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with NEUTRA.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with NEUTRA. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like NEUTRA love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
