Manufacturing Engineering Lead

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine\’s \’World\’s best companies 2024\’ ranking.

Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.

What do we offer?

• Competitive salary
• Company performance bonus scheme
• Pension scheme – up to 10% employer contribution
• Private medical insurance
• Comprehensive health cash plan
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Flexible benefits programme (buy & sell holiday allowance, discounted gym memberships, Maternity/ adoption leave- up to 52 weeks, first 26 weeks at full pay, subsequent 26 at 50% (basic pay) and Paternity/Non-Pregnant Parent/ Co-adopter leave 4 weeks full pay)
• Structured training & opportunities to progress

What does the role look like?

We\’re seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Lead to take on a key leadership role within our Wolverhampton site. You\’ll lead a team of Manufacturing Engineers-covering system engineers and module support engineers-supporting production areas and delivering high-impact project work packages. As a skilled people manager, you\’ll be responsible for driving performance, supporting technical excellence, and leading improvement initiatives across manufacturing systems, technology, and processes.

What will your day-to-day responsibilities look like?

• Lead and coordinate a team of technical contributors to deliver against business and engineering objectives.
• Set policy deployment goals and ensure alignment across your team to drive strategic outcomes.
• Develop and manage annual engineering plans, ensuring successful delivery of agreed objectives and KPIs.
• Represent the Manufacturing Engineering (ME) function at Tier process reviews and business project reviews.
• Oversee the commissioning and quality assurance of work packages related to production and system improvement.
• Drive best practice across manufacturing areas, establishing and upholding high standards.
• Coach, manage, and review performance of engineering staff, including supporting recruitment, training, progression, and succession planning.
• Lead multi-functional teams to resolve complex manufacturing issues.
• Manage risks and issues related to achieving engineering and business goals.
• Support the Head of Manufacturing Engineering in building a best-in-class ME function.
• Ensure accurate documentation and system transactions in line with customer and financial requirements.
• Provide regular progress updates to senior stakeholders on engineering and project performance.

Essential skills:

• Experience of aerospace manufacturing, assembly, or test.
• Project management experience.
• HNC or equivalent in Mechanical or Production Engineering.

Desirable skills:

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Business Management.
• Understanding of manufacturing concepts and processes.
• Project management qualifications (e.g., PRINCE2, APMP).
• Experience leading and developing technical teams.
• Knowledge of Lean principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).