At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop manufacturing engineering teams while delivering hands-on technical work.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing advanced manufacturing business revolutionising lightweight composite technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and a profit share scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for immediate starts and career growth in an innovative tech space.
- Why this job: Shape the future of manufacturing and make a real impact in a high-growth environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in manufacturing engineering with strong composite knowledge and team leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 34200 - 41800 £ per year.
Revolutionising the future of lightweight manufacturing. WF Tech is recruiting on behalf of a rapidly growing advanced manufacturing business at the forefront of lightweight composite technology. The company has invented Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS), a proven technology for producing defect-free curved-fibre composite parts at industrial scale. Its technology enables customers across aerospace, automotive, defence and space to manufacture lighter structures with greater efficiency than traditional composite production methods.
The business operates manufacturing facilities in the UK and US, alongside dedicated hardware and software R&D centres. With more than 25 customers and significant investment secured to support its next phase of growth, the company is preparing for substantial expansion over the next two to three years.
This is a key leadership position responsible for the Manufacturing Engineering and Tooling capability within the Gloucester plant. You will lead the local Manufacturing Engineering and Tooling teams, working closely with Operations while reporting into the Director of Engineering. Operations will provide the day-to-day priorities, with Engineering providing technical standards, governance and longer-term strategy.
This is not a purely managerial position. We are looking for someone who enjoys remaining close to the engineering and production environment and who can deliver technical Manufacturing Engineering work themselves while leading, developing and supporting the wider team. You will play a key role in taking new products and processes from design through to production, ensuring manufacturing methods, tooling, documentation, training, quality controls and production readiness are all in place.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the plant's Manufacturing Engineering and Tooling teams, setting objectives and managing workload and priorities.
- Own the Manufacturing Engineering delivery plan, ensuring alignment between Operations and Engineering.
- Remain hands-on and deliver Manufacturing Engineering activity alongside the team.
- Support Business Development with quotations, manufacturing methodologies, process assumptions, tooling requirements and costings.
- Support Design Engineering with Design for Manufacture activities.
- Develop production and tooling routings and Bills of Materials.
- Create comprehensive Methods of Manufacture (MoMs), including: Step-by-step manufacturing instructions, Health & Safety requirements and COSHH assessments where required, Tooling and equipment requirements, Material specifications, Cure cycle specifications and programme numbers, Customer specifications and quality/compliance requirements.
- Develop process sheets, standard procedures and production documentation.
- Develop and implement quality control procedures and inspection plans.
- Support tooling design activities, including tooling concepts, fixtures and supporting equipment.
- Lead APQP activity for NPI, including process flow, PFMEA, control plans and PPAP/FAIR requirements.
- Take build-to-print components, tooling and parts from Design Engineering into production, identifying and controlling manufacturing risks.
- Own local manufacturing readiness for new products and processes.
- Review production data and identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency and process capability.
- Lead structured problem solving and root cause analysis across manufacturing, tooling, quality and process issues.
- Develop plant capability through skills matrices, SME ownership and training plans.
- Support Procurement and suppliers with technical guidance on materials, tooling, equipment, packaging and manufacturing requirements.
- Promote safe working practices, AS9100-aligned quality standards, lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with other sites to share best practice and standardise Manufacturing Engineering processes as the business scales.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- At least 5 years' industrial Manufacturing Engineering experience within a production, NPI or industrialisation environment.
- At least 3 years' experience managing, supervising or directly leading a technical team.
- Strong practical knowledge of composite manufacturing and processing.
- Strong understanding of composite materials and their behaviour.
- Experience working within an aerospace or advanced manufacturing environment.
- Understanding of AS9100 and quality control requirements.
- Proven experience leading Manufacturing Engineering, Tooling or production support activities.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing process development, routings, BoMs, process sheets, work instructions and Methods of Manufacture.
- Experience with PFMEA, structured problem solving, root cause analysis and continuous improvement.
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.
- CAD experience, ideally SolidWorks and Composer, together with good Microsoft Word and Excel skills.
- A hands-on approach, with the ability to combine technical delivery with team leadership.
- Strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work effectively across Engineering, Operations, Quality and Supply Chain.
- Comfortable working in a fast-moving scale-up environment where processes are continually being developed and standardised.
Desirable
- Experience across both composite manufacturing and metallic machining/tooling.
- Experience with AFP.
- Knowledge of CNC machining, jigs, fixtures, precision tooling and metallic components.
- Understanding of manufacturing cost drivers.
- Experience supporting NPI, APQP, production readiness or manufacturing gate reviews.
- Experience developing competency frameworks, training matrices and shop-floor training plans.
- Degree qualification in Composite Materials, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline.
- Six Sigma Green or Black Belt qualification.
Our Values - Uncompromising Excellence
- Discipline over excuses: We commit, follow through and hold ourselves and each other to high standards, particularly when the pressure is on.
- Push the edge: The business was built on challenging what was previously considered possible. We innovate where others hesitate.
- Aligned and accountable: Everyone owns their responsibilities, communicates openly and delivers without being chased. No silos. No ambiguity.
What Is on Offer?
- 25 days' holiday + bank holidays
- Pension scheme
- Private healthcare
- Car allowance via salary sacrifice
- Profit share scheme
- Opportunity to work at the forefront of advanced composite manufacturing
- A genuinely hands-on leadership role within a rapidly growing technology business
- The opportunity to help shape Manufacturing Engineering capability as the business scales internationally
Working Hours & Location
- Location: Gloucester, Gloucestershire
- Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00am-5:00pm, Friday 8:00am-2:30pm
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to join a business developing technology that has the potential to transform how lightweight composite structures are manufactured. As Manufacturing Engineering Lead, you won't simply be managing an established process. You'll have the opportunity to build capability, develop people, improve manufacturing processes and help establish the standards that will support the company's next stage of growth. If you are an experienced Manufacturing Engineer who enjoys being hands-on, has strong composite manufacturing experience and wants to play a significant role in a high-growth advanced manufacturing environment, WF Tech would like to hear from you.
Manufacturing Engineering Lead employer: Workforce Staffing Ltd
Join a dynamic and expanding organisation in Cheltenham as a Business Development Manager, where your ambition and commercial acumen will be rewarded with a competitive salary, car allowance, and bonus structure. Our supportive work culture fosters employee growth through continuous development opportunities and a focus on collaboration, allowing you to build meaningful relationships with key decision-makers while driving significant business growth. Enjoy generous holiday entitlement, healthcare benefits, and a chance to make a direct impact on our success in a fast-paced environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Engineering Lead
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Engineering Lead
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 Workforce Staffing Ltd 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 Workforce Staffing Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Workforce Staffing Ltd, 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 Workforce Staffing Ltd 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.
