Manufacturing Engineer – Heavy Fabrication
North West England | £50,000 | Permanent
A specialist defence engineering manufacturer is looking to recruit a Manufacturing Engineer to support heavy fabrication operations at its North West site. The role sits within a high‑integrity engineering environment, focused on large welded and fabricated structures used on military programmes.
You’ll work closely with production and engineering teams to improve build quality, efficiency and process consistency across complex fabrication and welding activities.
The role
This position is hands‑on and shop‑floor focused, with responsibility for improving how large fabrications are built and controlled. Key responsibilities include:
Reviewing, optimising and standardising manufacturing processes for welded and fabricated assemblies
Identifying opportunities to reduce waste, improve cycle times and improve tooling and fixture effectiveness
Analysing quality data and leading corrective and preventive actions
Developing and managing structured improvement plans with clear, measurable outcomes
Leading cross‑functional improvement activities to improve cost, quality and delivery
Supporting NPI activity with a strong focus on Design for Manufacture in fabrication and welding
Applying structured problem‑solving techniques such as 8D and CAPA
Ensuring fabrication processes comply with EHS, manufacturing and quality standards
Implementing short‑term containment and longer‑term corrective actions for process issues
What you’ll need
HND, higher or advanced apprenticeship, or degree in Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering
Proven experience in a manufacturing engineering role within a heavy fabrication or industrial environment
Background working with large welded structures or complex fabrication processes
Practical experience applying lean and continuous improvement methods
Strong problem‑solving skills with a hands‑on, shop‑floor‑led approach
Clear communicator, comfortable working across manufacturing, quality and engineering teams
Experience with ERP systems such as SAP is beneficial, but not essential
What’s on offer
£50,000 per annum
Pension: 4 percent employee, 7 percent employer contribution
Half‑day Fridays
Life assurance and enhanced sick pay, increasing with service
Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
Long‑service awards and additional holiday
Cycle‑to‑work scheme
Free on‑site parking and EV charging
Modern, collaborative engineering environment
This is a permanent role within a respected defence engineering business delivering complex mechanical and structural systems for demanding applications.
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