Production Line Manager

At Northrop Grumman UK, our mission is to solve the most complex challenges by shaping the technology and solutions of tomorrow. This mindset goes beyond our customer solutions; it’s the foundation for your career development and the impact we have within the community. This role outlines your technical engineering roles and responsibilities, which are expected to take approximately 50% of your time.

As a senior member of the Hardware Engineering team, you will lead, coordinate, and develop the production team in the successful manufacture of control systems within the defence industry. This role is ideal for a highly experienced Production Engineer with a background and working knowledge of both Electrical & Mechanical Engineering to grow the Production Engineering capabilities. This role requires developing close working relationships with our production team, design & engineering teams, senior leadership, and procurement teams.

The primary tasks include planning and leading engineering work packages and supporting project delivery by working closely with suppliers to ensure their production activities meet timescales, standards, and project objectives. Most manufacturing will be performed by third parties, requiring customer interaction and potential site visits to support manufacturing, testing, and inspection as needed. Specialist engineering knowledge of Electrical/Mechanical systems on various defence programmes from a manufacturing perspective is preferred.

This role involves both technical engineering activities and line management responsibilities, each expected to occupy about 50% of your time. Line management duties include providing leadership, people management, and development support to staff. Responsibilities also include addressing team issues, escalating concerns when necessary, supporting career and personal development, and driving initiatives to improve team capacity, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and maintain company and programme-specific processes to enable successful manufacturing.
• Oversee production progress reports and communicate with internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers and customers.
• Lead and support the production team across multiple disciplines and projects.
• Implement process improvements within the department and the wider company, aligning with practice panels.
• Manage change control processes during customer, supplier, or internal design changes throughout production.
• Line management responsibilities for a team of Engineers, including career development, talent management, performance reviews, resource, and leave management.

Benefits:

We offer flexible and hybrid working options, including an optional compressed schedule with every other Friday off. Our benefits include private healthcare, career development opportunities, and performance bonuses.

We are looking for:

• 5+ years of experience as a manufacturing/production engineer
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Capability to perform under pressure in a dynamic environment
• Experience with cabinet wiring and installation
• Knowledge of electrical build standards IPC certification
• Security clearance: You must be able to obtain and maintain UK Government security clearance (SC).

Why join us?

• Be part of a global team of 100,000 colleagues – Your future career possibilities are limited only by your drive.
• A mission to believe in – We contribute to a safer, more connected world through innovations in engineering, maritime navigation, and command systems for the UK and NATO.
• A place to belong and thrive – We value diversity and inclusion, supporting Employee Resource Groups, Pride sponsorships, and partnerships with various community organizations.
• Your career, your way – We provide diverse roles, mentorship, and development opportunities, with flexible work arrangements, health and wellbeing benefits, discounts, pensions, and investment in your future.

Ready to apply? Yes – Submit your application online. We will review and contact you. Interested in more information? – Reach out to our team for support. Not the right role for you? – Discuss your career goals with us, as new opportunities arise regularly.