Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer – Composite Armour Systems

Reports To: Lead Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Coventry, UK

Core Hours: 08:00-16:35 (Mon – Thu), 08:00-15:10 (Fri)

Vacancy Type: Full-time, Permanent; onsite

Salary: £35,000 – £42,500 per annum + Discretionary Bonus

Job Summary

If you are meticulous and have a passion for delivering exciting new products and enhancing processes, you may be the person we are looking for to fill this unique and challenging role within the Defence sector! The Manufacturing Engineer works with engineering, quality, and project teams to deliver new defence protection products, such as armour plates, shields and helmets, and applies continuous improvement techniques to the manufacturing processes.

Benefits

• Discretionary Half Year Bonus
• Holidays – 25 days + 8 Bank Holidays + Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Two weeks paid leave for Reservists to attend yearly training/camp
• Pension – ER/EE – 4%/5% = 9% combined

Please note: If successful, you will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and successfully pass the necessary checks before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace.

Main Duties

• Lead manufacturing readiness reviews including facilities specification and implementation, process design and work balance, standard ops, and manufacturing instruction creation, PFMEA completion, process development and training.
• Interface between Operations, Programme and Engineering, using DFM, in the introduction of new manufacturing processes to fully support new business development.
• Support the ongoing Process Engineering requirements of established manufacturing processes including process related problem resolution and process.
• Lead process improvements, including single piece flow and cost reductions to include optimised standard hours and material utilisation.
• Work to KPI\’s in the Manufacturing Engineering team and manage performance and related problem solving.
• Apply a Lean Management approach in Manufacturing Engineering, and introduce where necessary Lean methodologies and tools such as standard ops, line balancing and flow, 5s, etc.
• The ability to evaluate/interrogate CAD models and supervise or perform production prototyping and initial production runs.
• Deliver Poke Yoke solutions for repeatable assembly and responsible for the generation and optimisation of press and CNC programmes.
• Maintaining the accuracy of engineering released BOM\’s and actively encourage and work to business safety targets.
• Assist in the training of manufacturing personnel and support safe, healthy, and environmentally sound working practices within the Manufacturing Engineering team.
• Work with tooling and equipment suppliers to ensure right first-time delivery to support project deadlines.

The above is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required.

Experience

Essential

• Experienced Manufacturing Engineering practitioner in variety of Operational environments with experience of multiple manufacturing and assembly processes and facilities.
• Understanding of Lean concepts and methodologies with an ability to effectively implement them.
• Proven experience in relevant manufacturing industry.
• Experience of press moulding and CNC machining.
• Experience using practical problem-solving methodologies (5 whys, Ishikawa, 8D, etc.).

Desirable

• Preferably Degree or HNC qualified in a relevant discipline.

What We Do At NP Aerospace

NP Aerospace is a global leader in armour technology manufacturing and vehicle integration, delivering high-performance, lifesaving solutions for the defence and security industry. Our mission is to improve and protect lives, and our vision is to be a leading provider of innovative solutions that solve our customers\’ complex challenges. Our values – Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, and Dedication – form the bedrock of our culture.

Our extensive range of combat‑proven body armour, from ballistic helmets, plates, and shields to bomb disposal suits, highlights some of the most advanced composite materials. With a team of R&D engineers working on next‑generation solutions, we also excel in highly engineered vehicle systems and armour platforms used by some of the world’s largest defence organisations.

Founded in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years, evolving into an agile and diverse company. Our Business Development team is expanding both in the UK and North America.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: NP Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, colour, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are also fully committed to supporting the Defence Community and actively advertise roles on Defence specific platforms such as CTP, Force Families, Forces Employment Charity, and Veterans Job Board.

Data Privacy: NP Aerospace respects the privacy of all applicants. Personal information provided during the application process will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable data protection laws.

Seniority Level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

• Full‑time

Job Function

• Engineering, Manufacturing, and Science

Industries

• Defense and Space Manufacturing, Industrial Machinery Manufacturing, and Plastics Manufacturing