At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise manufacturing processes for lifesaving assets at RNLI.
- Company: Join the RNLI, a charity dedicated to saving lives at sea.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 26 days leave, and health benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a transformative journey in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in lifeboat manufacturing and help save lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing engineering and strong leadership skills 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 employer: RNLI
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a vital mission of saving lives at sea. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a competitive benefits package, including a performance-related pay scheme and comprehensive health plans, RNLI fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in transforming manufacturing processes while enjoying the support of a dedicated team in the scenic location of Poole.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manufacturing Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching RNLI and its recent projects. Understand their manufacturing processes and challenges, especially with the transition to the All-weather Lifeboat Centre. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've tackled complex manufacturing issues in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the RNLI team and contributing to their mission of saving lives at sea.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manufacturing Engineer
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's mission and how your background makes you a perfect fit for this role. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Whether it's improving a process or leading a successful project, we want to know how you've made a difference in manufacturing.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you'll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there. We can't wait to hear from you!
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 of how you've developed or optimised these processes in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share instances where you've led complex problem-solving activities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting your ability to drive continuous improvement and efficiency.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Lean Tools
Since the RNLI values Lean/CI tools, be prepared to discuss your experience with Standardised Work, 6S, and flow mapping. Bring examples of how you've implemented these tools to improve manufacturing processes in the past.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Collaboration
As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you'll need to lead and mentor teams. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated across functions or led engineering teams, showcasing your communication skills and proactive mindset.
