At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development and industrialisation of innovative aerospace products.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aerospace and defence with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, flexible leave, and comprehensive health plans.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving innovation and excellence in aerospace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and experience in Manufacturing Engineering required.
Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.
Safran Electronics & Defense is an international company with more than 19,000 employees who bring together expertise and team spirit to design high-technology solutions for the aerospace, defense and space sectors. By combining human and technological intelligence, the company develops products and services for both civil and military customers, operating on land, at sea, in the air and in space.
About Safran Actuation Systems UK: Safran Actuation Systems UK is a world-class centre for the design, manufacture and support of cutting-edge actuation and flight control solutions used across commercial, military and rotary platforms. With major sites in Wolverhampton and Banbury, our teams play a critical role in delivering innovative, reliable and safe systems that keep aircraft performing at their best.
Role Overview: As NPI Manager - Product development & Industrialisation, you will lead the Manufacturing Engineering NPI team responsible for the development and industrialisation of new and modified products across the Actuation business. With involvement from the early stages of product development, you will support design maturity, manufacturability assessments and manufacturing readiness throughout the full NPI lifecycle, ensuring safe, on-time and cost-effective delivery while meeting quality and operational requirements. Working closely with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, Programme Management and suppliers, you will provide both technical and people leadership to deliver robust manufacturing solutions and support business growth.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead Manufacturing Engineering activities across the early development, NPI and industrialisation phases of new and modified products.
- Support product development activities from the early stages of the lifecycle, contributing manufacturing engineering input to design and programme decisions.
- Define and deliver NPI plans aligned to programme milestones.
- Drive the application of APQP, DFx, Systems Engineering, PFMEA, Control Plans and production readiness processes.
- Lead the development and industrialisation of robust, scalable manufacturing processes.
- Work closely with Engineering teams to ensure product requirements are understood and translated into manufacturing methods, tooling, equipment and process controls.
- Support design reviews and manufacturability assessments to help de-risk product introduction and production readiness.
- Develop, mentor and lead a high-performing NPI Manufacturing Engineering team.
- Manage resource planning, performance, capability development and succession planning.
- Establish engineering standards, best practices and continuous improvement across the function.
- Manage manufacturing engineering plans, resources, risks and recovery actions.
- Represent Manufacturing Engineering at programme reviews and business forums.
- Drive Lean, Six Sigma and structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Identify opportunities to improve industrialisation processes, manufacturing technologies, automation and digitalisation.
Looking after the people who make Safran great is our priority. We offer a range of flexible benefits designed to support you both in and out of work, including:
- 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
We understand that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger. We are committed to fair and equitable employment practices for everyone. We encourage anybody to apply if you can demonstrate a variety of skills and experience relevant to the requirements of this role.
What you'll bring:
- Degree or apprentice trained in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
- Proven experience in Manufacturing Engineering, with successful delivery of NPI and industrialisation programmes from product development through to production launch.
- Experience supporting products during the early stages of development and contributing manufacturing engineering input to design, DFx and product maturity activities.
- Experience leading and developing technical teams.
- Strong knowledge of NPI, APQP, DFx, Systems Engineering and requirements management.
- Good understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, tooling, equipment and process development.
- Experience working cross-functionally with Engineering teams to support product development, design reviews and manufacturing readiness activities.
- Strong understanding of PFMEA, Control Plans, process validation, capability studies and production readiness.
- Experience managing projects, technical risks, budgets and programme milestones across the product lifecycle.
NPI Manager - Product Development & Industrialisation M/F in Wolverhampton employer: Safran UK
At Safran, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters diversity, innovation, and collaboration. As a Production Planning Apprentice in our Fareham facility, you will not only gain invaluable hands-on experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment but also benefit from a comprehensive apprenticeship programme that supports your professional growth. With opportunities to engage in various employee forums and initiatives, you will be part of a community that values your contributions and encourages a sustainable future for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPI Manager - Product Development & Industrialisation M/F in Wolverhampton
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Safran UK for a NPI Manager - Product Development & Industrialisation M/F. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace NPI Manager - Product Development & Industrialisation M/F in Wolverhampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Safran UK, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Safran UK, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran UK
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Safran UK.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Safran UK. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Safran UK love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
