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:
1. Currently hold the legal Right to Work in the UK
2. 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
* 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.
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