At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead advanced manufacturing initiatives and collaborate with industry and academia to drive innovation.
- Company: Join the MOD at Abbey Wood, Bristol, a leader in Defence engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engage with senior stakeholders and contribute to national defence objectives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Defence manufacturing strategies and work with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Strong engineering background and experience in advanced manufacturing required.
The predicted salary is between 35806 - 43762 £ per year.
Subject to ECR approval, a vacancy may arise for a Squadron Leader (Engineering) to serve as Lead Advanced Manufacturing Engineer at MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol on Full Time Reserve Service (Limited Commitment) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCo S), with an initial proposed start date of 23 November 2026 or earlier/later, subject to candidate status.
The role requires an individual with a strong Engineering Support background, with up-to-date expertise in Defence advanced manufacturing adoption, across the Joint environment and Defence industrial base.
The incumbent will be responsible for delivering discrete aspects of the Defence Advanced Manufacturing Programme to achieve the aspirations outlined in the Defence Advanced Manufacturing Strategy.
They will be required to provide support to the Logistics and Support senior team; work alongside colleagues across the MOD, industry, academia and allies to ensure coherence and de-confliction in activities and that opportunities are identified and seized.
Responsibilities Include
- Direct delivery, and management of delivery by others, of key technical and engineering artefacts outlined within the Advanced Manufacturing Programme plan.
- Providing technical expertise to the Programme Team, Logistic and Support Policy, Assurance and Compliance, and wider Defence colleagues pivotal in supporting the successful progression of the Defence Advanced Manufacturing Programme through the application of Project, Programme and Portfolio management (P3M) methodologies, to subsequently enable delivery within agreed performance, cost and time (PCT) baselines.
- Providing deep technical knowledge from experience of Advanced Manufacturing based on the post holder’s breadth of experience and understanding of Advanced Manufacturing adoption across the MOD, industry, academia and allies and using this to input into the next iteration of the Defence Advanced Manufacturing Strategy.
- Supporting the overall co-ordination of the Advanced Manufacturing Programme as well as being personally engaged in communicating the Programme broadly to pan-Defence stakeholders, enabling the Programme to cohere, coordinate and exploit further opportunities where possible and practical.
- Lead on the Digital Thread Interface Requirements as the UK’s lead interlocutor with NATO on Repository for Advanced Manufactured Products in a Digital Environment (RAPi D-E) and support Head of Capability in delivery of a UK RAPi D-e capability.
- Ensuring the Programme remains aligned with the broader National Armaments Director Group outcomes and Government objectives as described in the Modern Industrial Strategy and Defence Industrial Strategy, specifically aspects relating to engineering management.
- Ability to brief senior staff up to 3* level (Civilian and Military) and wider equivalent stakeholders across industry and academia.
Engineering Profession and experience would add benefit to the role and its outputs.
Lead Advanced Manufacturing Engineer employer: Serve
Joining the team at Northwood HQ as an SO2 IWC Ops Delivery offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the mission of the IWC while enjoying a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. Employees benefit from structured development pathways, flexible working arrangements, and the chance to engage in high-level strategic operations that directly impact the Joint Force. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on employee well-being, Northwood HQ stands out as an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in defence operations.
