Job Description
About Mettis
We design, manufacture and assemble precision forged and machined components at our fully integrated facility in the heart of the UK. Our vision is not only to be the best at what we do but to continually set new standards in the industry by investing and innovating. That’s why we have been pioneers in our industry for over seventy years. We are forging the future today.
About the Role
The Manufacturing Engineer will play a key role within the Engineering function, supporting the delivery of safe, capable, and efficient manufacturing processes that meet demanding aerospace quality, cost, and delivery requirements. This role is focused on optimising existing processes, improving product quality and production efficiency, and supporting the successful industrialisation of New Product Introductions (NPI) into serial production.
Working closely with Design Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and Special Processes, the postholder will ensure manufacturing processes are robust, well-controlled, and continuously improved in line with Mettis business objectives and customer requirements. The role requires a high level of technical capability, structured problem-solving, and the ability to lead improvement activity in a high-compliance aerospace environment.
As a condition of employment successful candidates are required to satisfy ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance and must fulfil the following before commencing this role:
i. Currently hold the legal Right to Work in the UK
ii. Fulfil a DBS clearance
iii. Provide a consistent 5-year UK domicile
iv. Pass Drugs & Alcohol screening at the start of their Mettis employment
Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
Analyse, develop, and optimise manufacturing processes to improve quality, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and employee health & safety
Drive effective process control and process capability across manufacturing operations to ensure consistent and reliable production outcomes
Apply Lean Manufacturing and industrial engineering techniques including kaizen, time studies, line balancing, and value stream mapping
Lead and deliver continuous improvement initiatives focused on Right First Time (RFT), waste reduction, productivity, and quality performance
Support the industrialisation of New Product Introductions (NPI), including process definition, tooling, work instructions, and validation activity
Collaborate with Design Engineering to ensure manufacturability and smooth transition of new designs into production, applying DFMA principles
Apply APQP methodologies to ensure product and process readiness for production and on-time delivery
Lead PPAP activity to validate that product designs and manufacturing processes meet customer and regulatory requirements
Identify, propose, and implement process improvements, technology upgrades, and innovative manufacturing approaches
Troubleshoot production issues using structured root cause analysis and lead corrective and preventive actions using 8D and DMAIC methodologies
Define, document, and maintain manufacturing routings, SOPs, work instructions, and process controls
Develop, specify, and validate tooling, jigs, fixtures, gauging, and measurement systems
Monitor manufacturing KPIs including yield, scrap, RFT, and throughput, driving data-led improvement actions
Contribute to capital investment projects supporting new capability introduction, equipment modernisation, and capacity growth
Provide technical support and training to production teams on new processes, tooling, and operational best practices
Safety Responsibilities
Comply with all EHS and legislative requirements
Adhere to PPE policies and site safety procedures
Promote safe working practices across engineering and operations
Participate in risk assessments and near-miss reduction activities
Quality Responsibilities
Ensure compliance with AS9100, NADCAP, and customer-specific aerospace requirements
Support the development and maintenance of PFMEAs, control plans, SPC, and process validation activity
Ensure manufacturing processes remain stable, capable, and compliant with contractual requirements
Delivery Responsibilities
Support Operations to ensure manufacturing processes meet delivery and capacity demands
Work cross-functionally to minimise disruption caused by process nonconformance or instability
Cost Responsibilities
Reduce scrap, rework, and inefficiency through improved process capability and control
Support value-for-money investment decisions through fact-based engineering analysis
People Responsibilities
Work collaboratively across Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain
Communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues and external stakeholders
Support a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and shared ownership
Business Responsibilities
Act as an ambassador for Mettis
Role model the company’s Vision, Mission, and Values
Comply with all Mettis policies, procedures, and governance requirements
Qualifications
Degree or HND in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline
Demonstrable manufacturing engineering experience within aerospace, defence, automotive, or similarly regulated industrial environments
Practical experience of forging, machining, fabrication, or other high-integrity manufacturing processes (advantageous)
Working knowledge of AS9100 and aerospace quality system requirements
Understanding of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, control plans, SPC, and process validation methodologies
Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T
Familiarity with ERP systems (advantageous)
Required Skills
Proven experience in process optimisation, continuous improvement, and manufacturing problem-solving
High level of analytical capability with a data-driven approach to decision-making
Competence in Lean Manufacturing and industrial engineering tools
Effective project planning and prioritisation skills
Ability to lead cross-functional improvement activity
Clear written and verbal communication skills
Capability to engage effectively with internal teams and customers
Structured approach to change management and process control
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Location: Redditch, Worcestershire (on site, 5 days)
Hours: M-T 07:30 – 16:30 & F 07:30 – 12:30
Benefits
Pension: 3% Employer & 5% Employee contribution
33 days holiday including 8 statutory Bank Holidays p/a
Employee benefits, rewards, and wellbeing platform (Perkbox)
Free on-site parking
Cycle to work scheme
Bereavement leave
Company events
Employee referral programme
Sick pay
This job description is not exhaustive and may be reviewed periodically in agreement with the job holder. The postholder must comply with all policies and procedures issued by or on behalf of Mettis Aerospace.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Mettis Aerospace is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported.