Lead Manufacturing Engineer

Lead Manufacturing Engineer

Full-Time 45149 - 55183 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the transformation of complex designs into production-ready solutions across various teams.
  • Company: Thales, a global tech leader in defence, space, and digital security.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, generous leave, and private healthcare.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects that enhance national security.
  • Qualifications: Experienced in Industrialisation/NPI principles with strong mechanical or electronic qualifications.

The predicted salary is between 45149 - 55183 £ per year.

Location: Templecombe, United Kingdom

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

Hybrid working arrangement: 3 days per week on site (based on full time hours)

Working hours: Full time 37 per week (8 hours Mon-Thurs and 5 hours on Fri)

Are you an experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer with a passion for turning complex designs into production-ready solutions? As a Lead Manufacturing Engineer you'll work across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and project teams to define and deliver industrial strategies that drive innovation, efficiency and business success. Acting as the link between business and industry functions, you'll shape industrialisation and production strategies for bids, projects and products, ensuring solutions are manufacturable, cost-effective and ready for the future.

Core Benefits:

  • Performance-related bonus up to 10% of annual salary
  • Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00
  • 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) plus opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)
  • 24 hours volunteering paid for
  • Private healthcare (couples cover through Aviva)
  • Pension scheme (Thales match + 2% up to max contribution of 8%)
  • Life Assurance
  • 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
  • Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
  • Gym membership discounts

Under Water Systems (UWS) Our purpose is to be the leading provider of underwater sensors and decision superiority, helping navies across the world keep our friends, families and all of us safe. We cover four sectors: Mine Counter Measures, Anti-Submarine warfare, Services and Future Capabilities.

Main Responsibilities:

  • Input to reviews throughout the Bid & Project lifecycle on behalf of Industry to define and approve industrial solution.
  • Create Industrialisation Plans for projects and products that deliver our Industrial Strategy and is linked to the Integration, Validation, Verification and Qualification Plans.
  • Agree the definition of estimates for Projects and Products and the associated financial commitments (inc. Capex).
  • Contribute to the design and deployment of the Industrial Strategy within the business.
  • Develop others in the team through mentoring & sharing knowledge. Assist in the development of the Manufacturing Engineering function.

Ideal Experience & Skills:

  • Proven specialist in Industrialisation/NPI principles.
  • Capable to influence and mobilise peer networks in relevant domains to support and improve the industrial activity.
  • Confident presenting to cross-functional groups.
  • Mechanical Engineer/Electronic Qualification (HNC or equivalent)

Security Clearance Requirement: UK Eyes Only:

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a non-ITAR country may be considered. To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here. If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community here. Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!

Lead Manufacturing Engineer employer: Thales

Thales is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Glasgow where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a performance-related bonus and generous leave policies, and a commitment to inclusivity, Thales empowers its employees to thrive while contributing to critical projects in the Sea sector. Join us to be part of a team that values your unique strengths and supports your professional growth.

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Contact Details:

Thales Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Manufacturing Engineer

Join Local Manufacturing Groups

Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!

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 Thales, 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 Lead Manufacturing Engineer

Industrialisation Principles
NPI (New Product Introduction)
Mechanical Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Project Lifecycle Management
Financial Estimation
Cross-Functional Collaboration

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 Thales 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 Thales

Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with Thales, 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 Thales 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.