At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise manufacturing processes for lifesaving assets at RNLI.
- Company: Join the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity dedicated to saving lives at sea.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and health benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a transformative journey in a collaborative and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in lifeboat manufacturing and help save lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing engineering, process improvement, and team leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 42479 - 49976 € per year.
About us
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is a charity that provides, on call, a 24-hour lifeboat search and rescue service and a seasonal lifeguard service. Our lifeboat crews and lifeguards need a dedicated, professional, and talented team behind them.
The RNLI is undergoing a significant transformation as part of its industrial strategy. This includes the closure of the Inshore Lifeboat Centre in East Cowes and the transfer of its work to the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole. This role will play a key part in delivering this transition, ensuring a safe, effective and timely transfer of production capability by the end of 2027.
Some of the benefits:
- £42,479 to £49,976 (dependent on experience)
- Performance related pay scheme annually reviewed
- 26 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- Time off in lieu available
- Flexible working opportunities
- Competitive pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Health and dental cash plan
Your Role
As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a key role in ensuring RNLI has the manufacturing capability, processes and standards required to safely and consistently build lifesaving assets across all production sites. You will lead the development, validation and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes, ensuring they are robust, repeatable and aligned to design intent. A significant part of your role will involve leading manufacturing engineering activity for Production transfer, New Product Introduction (NPI) and major design changes, ensuring production readiness and successful transition into build.
You will act as a senior technical authority for manufacturing methods, working closely with Engineering, Production and Quality teams to ensure manufacturability, efficiency and compliance.
As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you will:
- Lead the development and optimisation of manufacturing processes across RNLI production facilities
- Own manufacturing readiness for NPI, including process design, validation and production sign-off
- Develop and maintain standardised manufacturing methods, process documentation, and Bills of Process
- Design and specify tooling, fixtures and equipment to support safe and efficient build
- Lead complex problem-solving activities related to manufacturing and process performance
- Drive cross-site Continuous Improvement initiatives to improve flow, quality and productivity
- Assess manufacturing capability, capacity and process performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and investment
- Ensure effective implementation of engineering changes from a manufacturing perspective
- Provide technical leadership and mentoring to engineers and production teams
- Support the development of manufacturing standards, best practice and future capability across the RNLI
About you
You’ll be a technically strong and collaborative engineer who enjoys developing and improving manufacturing processes, coaching others and leading cross-site initiatives. To be considered as Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you will need:
- Significant experience in a manufacturing or process engineering role, ideally involving composite structures, marine products or low-volume technical manufacturing.
- Strong experience developing manufacturing processes, tooling, verification activities and process documentation.
- Demonstrated ability to lead manufacturing engineering tasks and cross-functional projects.
- Proven competence in Lean/CI tools, including Standardised Work, 6S, flow mapping, and structured problem solving.
- Experience leading NPI and manufacturing process validation activities.
- Knowledge of digital manufacturing tools, CAD/CAM, ERP systems and manufacturing data models.
- Experience in leading or mentoring engineering teams.
You will have excellent communication skills, a proactive mindset, and the confidence to act as a subject matter expert for manufacturing engineering within a multi-disciplinary environment.
Join us in shaping the future of lifeboat manufacturing and help save lives at sea.
Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Temporary (up to 18 months) in Poole employer: RNLI
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to lifesaving efforts while being part of a dedicated and professional team. With a strong focus on employee growth, RNLI provides competitive benefits including flexible working opportunities, a robust pension scheme, and a culture that encourages continuous improvement and innovation in manufacturing processes. Working at the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole not only allows you to play a pivotal role in transforming lifeboat manufacturing but also offers a supportive environment where your expertise can truly make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Temporary (up to 18 months) in Poole
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current RNLI employees on LinkedIn. A personal connection can make all the difference when it comes to landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching RNLI's recent projects and their transformation strategy. Show us you’re genuinely interested in our mission and how your skills can contribute to saving lives at sea.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've tackled manufacturing challenges in the past. We love hearing about your hands-on experience and innovative solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Temporary (up to 18 months) in Poole
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Manufacturing Engineer role. Highlight your experience with manufacturing processes, tooling, and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the RNLI and how your background makes you a perfect fit for this role. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm and a personal touch.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples of how you've tackled complex manufacturing challenges. We’re keen on candidates who can demonstrate their ability to lead and innovate in a manufacturing environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our mission!
How to prepare for a job interview at RNLI
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of manufacturing processes, especially those related to composite structures and marine products. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've developed or optimised these processes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead cross-functional projects. Prepare to share instances where you've successfully led teams or initiatives, focusing on how you motivated others and drove results.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Lean Tools
Since the role requires a strong understanding of Lean/CI tools, be prepared to discuss how you've applied techniques like Standardised Work or 6S in previous roles. Have concrete examples ready to illustrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about RNLI's current manufacturing challenges or their transformation strategy. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
