Composite manufacturing engineer

Job Description

MERITUS are recruiting for a Composite Manufacturing Engineer to join our client in Blackburn in a permanent position as they continue to scale their workforce against defence projects.

COMPOSITE MANUFACTURING ENGINEER - GREATER BLACKBURN - UP TO £45,000 PER ANNUM - PERMANENT - SECTOR: AEROSPACE

Meritus Talent is recruiting on behalf of a leading advanced manufacturing organisation operating within the aerospace sector. We are seeking a talented Composites Manufacturing Engineer to join a growing engineering team responsible for developing, improving, and supporting the manufacture of high-performance composite components.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a technically challenging environment where innovation, quality, and continuous improvement are at the heart of the operation.

The Opportunity

As a Composites Manufacturing Engineer, you will be responsible for developing and optimising manufacturing processes for advanced composite structures and assemblies. Working closely with design, production, and quality teams, you will play a key role in ensuring products are manufactured efficiently, safely, and to the highest industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve composite manufacturing processes.
• Support the introduction of new products and manufacturing methods into production.
• Work collaboratively with engineering, production, and quality teams to enhance manufacturing performance.
• Design and develop tooling, fixtures, and production aids to support efficient manufacture.
• Conduct process validation activities, trials, and capability studies.
• Investigate and resolve manufacturing and process-related issues.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost, efficiency, and waste reduction.
• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation, including process instructions and technical specifications.
• Ensure compliance with relevant aerospace quality and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical guidance and support to production teams.
• Evaluate emerging composite technologies and identify opportunities for implementation.

Candidate Requirements

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Previous experience within a composites manufacturing environment, ideally within aerospace, defence, automotive, or another highly regulated industry.
• Strong understanding of composite materials, including carbon fibre and advanced polymer systems.
• Experience with composite manufacturing techniques such as:
  • Hand Lay-Up
  • Automated Fibre Placement (AFP)
  • Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM)
  • Autoclave Processing
  • Bonding and Assembly Techniques
• Experience using CAD software for tooling or fixture design.
• Knowledge of quality standards and manufacturing best practices within regulated industries.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.