The Manufacturing Engineer - NPI is responsible for leading and executing manufacturing and industrialisation activities in alignment with the Airbus Work Transfer (WT) and NPI processes for machined aluminium wing structural aerospace components. This role ensures robust, capable, and compliant machining processes are established from design release through first article, industrial maturity, and serial production, supporting successful gate progression and on-time transfer to Operations. The position operates within a multi-functional team (MFT/IPT) environment, working closely with Quality, Engineering, Industrialisation, Supply Chain, and Program teams to meet Airbus manufacturing readiness, maturity, and delivery requirements.
Perks and Benefits
* A company culture that promotes work life balance
* Access to mental health support
* Business performance related bonus
* Career development opportunities
* Commitment to continued learning and development
* Long Service Awards
* Enhanced Holiday Entitlement based on length of service
* Free parking
* 25% off local gym membership
Manufacturing Planning & Industrialisation
* Lead manufacturing process definition and industrialisation activities aligned to Airbus WT milestones
* Develop and maintain manufacturing routings, process flows, and work instructions
* Support industrial maturity and Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) assessments for machining processes
* Ensure processes are production‑ready prior to gate progression and serial release
Machining Engineering - Aluminium Structural Parts
* Develop and validate CNC machining processes for aluminium wing structural components
* Define machining strategies, tooling concepts, fixtures, and cutting parameters
* Collaborate with CAM programming teams to optimise toolpaths, cycle time, and machining stability
* Ensure machining processes meet Airbus technical, dimensional, and capability requirements
First-Off & Process Validation
* Support first‑off manufacturing builds and process prove‑out activities
* Support First Article Inspection (FAI) activities in accordance with EN/AS9102 and Airbus requirements
* Ensure gate‑required validation activities are completed, including:
o Dimensional conformity
o Process capability
o Tooling and fixture validation
* Support closure of manufacturing‑related open points prior to gate approval
Production Ramp‑Up & Industrial Support
* Provide hands‑on manufacturing engineering support during LRIP and rate ramp‑up
* Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and process issues on the shop floor
* Support transition from NPI to stable serial production
Risk Management & Issue Resolution
* Identify and manage manufacturing risks affecting gate progression (capacity, process stability, tooling readiness)
* Lead or support root cause analysis and corrective actions for NPI and work transfer issues
* Ensure robust containment and corrective actions are implemented prior to serial release
Compliance & Audit Support
* Ensure compliance with
o AS9100
o Airbus customer requirements
o Internal quality procedures
* Support Airbus, internal, and regulatory audits related to NPI and work transfer
* Maintain accurate and auditable manufacturing documentation supporting gate decisions
Continuous Improvement & Lessons Learned
* Capture lessons learned during NPI and work transfer activities
* Feed lessons learned back into standard machining and industrialisation processes
* Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, yield improvement, and industrial risk reduction
Additional Responsibilities
* Attend daily/weekly sessions to update on progress
* Support the NPI process as and when required
Academic
* Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Aerospace Engineering
Experience
* 3-7 years of manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace machining
* Experience supporting NPI, industrialisation, or work transfer activities
* Strong understanding of CNC machining for aluminium structural aerospace components
* Direct experience working with Airbus programs or within the Airbus supply chain
* Familiarity with Airbus Gated Work Transfer, Manufacturing Gates, or MFT/IPT environments
* Experience with machining of aluminium alloys (e.g., 2024, 7050, 7075)
* Knowledge of industrial maturity, MRL, and process capability concepts
* Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma Green Belt (preferred)
Key Competencies
* Strong stakeholder management in a gated, milestone‑driven environment
* Ability to assess manufacturing readiness using objective evidence and data
* Structured, risk‑based problem‑solving approach
* Strong communication across manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams
* High attention to detail and documentation discipline
* Hands‑on, shop‑floor‑focused mindset
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