At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of composite material strategies for aerospace manufacturing.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce, a leader in innovation and engineering excellence.
- Benefits: Generous leave, retirement savings, life assurance, and share ownership opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and promotes career growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in aerospace while working with cutting-edge composite technologies.
- Qualifications: Must have experience in composite manufacturing and a relevant engineering degree.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Full time Derby/Hybrid
Why join Rolls-Royce? At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere. By joining Rolls-Royce, you'll have the opportunity to work on world-class solutions, supported by a culture that believes individuality is our greatest strength, and all perspectives, experiences and backgrounds help us innovate and enable our high-performance culture.
Position Summary
The Manufacturing Engineering Commodity Leader - Composites will be responsible for developing and implementing composite material strategies that support aerospace procurement and manufacturing excellence. Your role will focus on integrating composite materials expertise into procurement decision-making and influencing cost, quality, and technology outcomes across the supply chain.
What you will be doing:
- Develop and execute composite material strategies aligned with aerospace procurement objectives, including supplier selection, cost benchmarking, and risk mitigation inclusive of New Product Introduction (NPI) and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) workstreams related to composite supply chain development and materials/product strategy development.
- Collaborate with Procurement, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to ensure optimal sourcing and manufacturing considerations for composite components.
- Maintain expert knowledge of composite manufacturing technologies (prepreg, textiles, thermoplastics, resin processing, adhesive joining & assembly) and apply this to procurement strategy.
- Assess and manage the supply chain risk profile for composites, including supplier capability, materials innovation, and sustainability requirements with specific focus around timely and robust industrialisation.
- Support supplier engagement, negotiation, and onboarding processes related to composite materials and assemblies.
- Lead cross-functional reviews to ensure manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and compliance for composite commodity purchases.
- Share best practice, support continuous improvement initiatives, and deliver on cost-saving and quality targets for composite materials whilst also acting as the point of technical escalation and providing intervention support on manufacturing issues on composite products.
Position qualifications
You would be expected to have detailed knowledge and experience on the manufacturing of composite products and associated materials. Professionally qualified Engineer (UK minimum BEng degree or another national equivalent). UK CEng (Chartered Engineer) or another national equivalent.
Regional Benefits
- Generous Annual Leave
- Retirement Savings
- Group Life Assurance provides for a lump sum benefit if you die whilst employed by Rolls-Royce.
- Group Income Protection provides an income in the event that you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
- Your Shares: Matched is a simple way to own Rolls-Royce shares and invest in our future, together. Buy one share, get one free!
Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too.
Rolls-Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive.
Closing date: 8th September 2026
As part of our selection process, candidates in certain locations may be asked to complete an online assessment, which can include cognitive and behavioural aptitude testing relevant to the role. If required, full instructions for the next steps will be provided.
Manufacturing Engineer Commodity Leader – Composites in Derby employer: Rolls-royce
At Rolls-Royce, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in our Bristol/Hybrid location. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that shape the future of technology. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, we ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our collective success.
