At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the charge in advanced manufacturing technologies and automation for aerospace solutions.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aerospace, defence, and space innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, flexible benefits, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values innovation and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a sustainable future with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering; experience in new tech implementation.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace, 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 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.
Your Role: You will be responsible for defining, developing, and implementing advanced manufacturing technologies that enhance capability, efficiency, flexibility, and competitiveness across the Actuation business. Acting as the technical expert for advanced production systems, you will lead the evaluation, validation, and deployment of new manufacturing methods, equipment, automation, robotics, and digital technologies. You will define technology roadmaps, lead feasibility studies, trials and proof-of-concept activities, and support business cases and capital investment justification. You will ensure new technologies are aligned with product requirements, manufacturing processes, and strategic objectives, with risks mitigated through validation, capability studies, and technology readiness assessments. You will support the transition of new technologies from concept through industrialisation and into production, ensuring operational readiness, knowledge transfer, and process documentation.
Overall, you will provide technical leadership in advanced production systems, accelerate technology adoption, reduce technical risk for future programmes, and deliver sustainable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and manufacturing capability.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as the technical authority for advanced manufacturing technologies and production systems.
- Define technology roadmaps and identify opportunities to improve manufacturing capability, flexibility, efficiency, and competitiveness.
- Lead feasibility studies, trials, proof-of-concept activities, technology validation, and readiness assessments.
- Support NPI activities and ensure manufacturing technology requirements are incorporated into production systems.
- Lead the introduction of new technologies into production and conduct capability and validation activities.
- Drive automation, robotics, digitalisation, connected manufacturing, and Smart Factory initiatives.
- Lead data-driven improvement activities.
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.
Essential:
- Degree or apprentice trained in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field
- Experience developing and implementing new manufacturing technologies or automation solutions
- Strong understanding of process validation, capability studies, and industrialisation principles
- Experience leading trials, proof-of-concept activities, and production implementation
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing and structured problem-solving methodologies
- Ability to build business cases and support capital investment justification
- Strong data analysis and decision-making capability
- Effective stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills
Desirable:
- Experience in regulated or safety-critical manufacturing environments (aerospace, automotive, or similar)
- Experience mentoring or supporting the development of junior engineers or apprentices
- Experience of Implementing digital and Automated systems
Manufacturing Engineer - Advanced Manufacturing & Automation in Birmingham employer: Safran
At Safran Actuation Systems UK, we prioritise our employees' well-being and professional growth, offering a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and flexible working options in a family-friendly environment. Our commitment to innovation and excellence is matched by our supportive work culture, where ongoing training and mentorship empower you to thrive in your career. Join us in Wolverhampton, where you can make a meaningful impact in the aerospace sector while enjoying onsite amenities and a collaborative team atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Engineer - Advanced Manufacturing & Automation in Birmingham
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Safran, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Engineer - Advanced Manufacturing & Automation in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Safran specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Safran, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Safran value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
