Overview
In this role you will lead the design, implementation and ongoing improvement of MRO manufacturing processes within a Part 145 environment. You act as the technical authority across product families, guiding repair methods, documentation and capability expansion. You’ll drive defect reduction, throughput, and regulatory compliance while partnering with engineering, operations and suppliers. This is a chance to shape repair standards and leverage data and digital tools to speed diagnostics and decision-making.
Responsibilities
- Act as senior technical authority for MRO processes and escalated repair issues across multiple product families
- Approve and govern repair process documentation, special processes and test methods; standardise methods across shops
- Lead repair development and alternative repair introductions with Engineering and customer approvals as needed
- Define shop capability and technology roadmaps (advanced NDT, digital inspection, test automation, data analytics)
- Drive defect classification maturity, root cause eradication and yield recovery; mentor engineers/technicians
- Own TAT/yield strategy, WIP control and route standards; supervise repair routing across value streams
- Deputise for Manufacturing Engineering/Operations leadership as needed
- Lead cross-site initiatives to harmonise repair standards and test strategies
- Represent MRO engineering in customer/certification reviews; influence repairs and standards
- Mentor peers and certifying staff on complex repairs and diagnostics
- Build partnerships with OEMs, DERs/DOAs and suppliers to introduce best-in-class repair technologies
- Act as senior governance owner for Part 145 compliance, MOE updates and audit readiness
- Chair technical boards for repair approvals; define signature authorities
- Serve as SME during audits; close systemic gaps across shops
- Set configuration control for serialized components and life-limited parts
- Define MRO CI strategy (TAT, yield, cost-per-event, OTD) and drive cross-value stream programs
- Introduce digital inspection, data analytics, and test automation for faster decisioning
- Lead repair technology pilots (additive repair, advanced NDT) and scale successful methods
- Coach CI belts; embed problem solving across shifts and cells
- Own financial cases for new repair capabilities and test cell upgrades
- Optimise asset turns and pool availability with Planning/Commercial
- Evaluate CI-related contract impacts and prioritise investments
- Provide risk governance for MRO across value streams and readiness for changes
- Approve high impact PFMEAs and readiness gates; chair reviews
- Set strategic mitigation roadmaps (obsolescence, pool strategy, alternate sourcing)
- Mentor senior technicians/inspectors; standardise training across shops
- Lead training standardisation and human factors refreshers
- Act as escalation arbiter for complex technical disputes impacting release
- Lead and work with a multi-disciplined team to tight deadlines
- Read/write English proficiently
Key requirements
- Bachelor in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related engineering field
- Experience in manufacturing engineering, ideally in a regulated Part 145 environment
- Proficiency in CAD, CAM, and process simulation tools
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma
- Experience with ERP/MRP/MES systems and manufacturing documentation (BOMs, routers)
- Proven project management skills
- Experience in complex dynamic component manufacturing with NPI or CI
- Experience deploying APQP standards and tools
- Experience with assembly manufacturing processes
- Experience with mechanical, electrical and hydraulic products
- Experience reading engineering drawings and understanding GD&T, CMM manuals and repair schemes
- Relevant qualification or equivalent in mechanical, electronics or production engineering
- Good analytical problem-solving skills
- Ability to plan and prioritise, communicate effectively, and lead teams to deadlines
- English proficiency
- Proven experience leading technical support teams and cross-functional problem-solving workshops
- Approachability and team-engagement mindset
- Energetic, influential, pragmatic, results-driven
- Strategic thinking and stakeholder relationship building
- Ability to produce concise reports and presentations
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Leadership and mentoring capabilities
- Cross-functional collaboration
- CAD
- CAM
- process simulation tools
Continuous Improvement Engineer - Part 145 in Pitstone employer: Safran Group
At Safran, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of aerospace innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through extensive training opportunities and a culture that champions diversity and collaboration. With generous benefits including 33 days of holiday, a leading pension scheme, and a focus on sustainability, working at our Llantarnam Industrial Park location means being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence and making a meaningful impact in the industry.
