Job Description
Contract Manufacturing Engineer
Basildon | Defence Electronics | 6–12 Month Contract (likely extension)
We are seeking an experienced Contract Manufacturing Engineer to support the smooth transition of new defence electronic products from design into volume production at our client’s Basildon site.
You will work within their Integrated Sensing and Protection business, developing and improving manufacturing processes and equipment to enable world‑class production across land, air and sea domains.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and optimise manufacturing processes, methods and equipment for new and existing products
Lead Manufacturing Maturity Reviews and contribute to Manufacturing Plans and governance
Analyse capacity, workflow, space and layout to relieve bottlenecks and improve efficiency
Resolve complex production issues on the shop floor and support failure investigations (e.g. 8D)
Ensure robust manufacturing data: routings, control plans and electronic work instructions
Support quality through process validation/verification and standards adherence
Drive continuous improvement and coach/mentor junior manufacturing engineers
Liaise with internal stakeholders, customers, suppliers and equipment vendors
What We’re Looking For
Degree in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent experience
Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, principles and product lifecycle
Proven experience in NPI/transition from design to manufacture in a complex engineering environment
Confident in planning and owning work packages and influencing stakeholders with data‑driven decisions
Comfortable leading problem solving, reviewing others’ work and implementing process change
Strong communication skills; able to explain technical issues in an accessible way
Able to engage effectively with customers and suppliers
Desirable
Experience developing manufacturing capability with Industry 4.0 / Smart Factory concepts
Due to the nature of the work, you must be eligible for full UK security clearance.