Manufacturing Engineer – Defence Engineering
Location: North West – Engineering Centre of Excellence
Salary: £50,000 + Benefits
We’re representing a leading UK defence engineering business with over a century of heritage in delivering world-class mechanical and structural systems for global military applications. Recognised for precision, innovation, and reliability, this organisation continues to expand its North West Engineering Centre of Excellence and is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support ongoing growth and continuous improvement within its production operations.
About the Role
The core focus of this role is to support and enhance manufacturing processes — improving product quality, manufacturability, and production efficiency. You’ll apply modern manufacturing techniques and continuous improvement methodologies to drive operational excellence across the plant.
Key Responsibilities:
* Support and optimise manufacturing processes for complex, large-scale fabrications.
* Identify and deliver improvements in areas such as changeover time, cycle time, and fixture design.
* Analyse quality data to prioritise corrective and preventive actions.
* Create, manage, and deliver structured improvement action plans.
* Lead and support cross-functional teams to drive lean manufacturing and cost performance.
* Contribute to new product introduction (NPI) activities, ensuring design for manufacturability (DFM).
* Drive a continuous improvement culture through lean and structured problem-solving tools (e.g. 8D).
* Ensure compliance with Environmental, Health & Safety, manufacturing, and quality standards.
* Implement effective containment and permanent corrective actions for process issues.
What We’re Looking For
* HND, Higher/Advanced Apprenticeship, or Degree in Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering.
* Proven track record of manufacturing excellence in a technical or industrial environment.
* Experience with large, complex fabrications or heavy manufacturing processes.
* Knowledge of lean tools and continuous improvement methodologies.
* Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with hands-on shop floor engagement.
* SAP or ERP system experience (training can be provided).
* Excellent communication and team collaboration skills.
What’s on Offer
* Competitive salary £50,000.
* Attractive pension scheme (4% employee / 7% employer).
* Half-day Fridays.
* Life assurance and enhanced sick pay (increasing with service).
* Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing initiatives.
* Long service awards and additional holidays.
* On-site parking and EV charging points.
* Cycle to Work Scheme and a modern, collaborative working environment.
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