Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Barnes Aerospace, Inc.; Highweek; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace engineering company in Highweek is looking for a Manufacturing Engineering Leader. This critical role involves directing a team to develop manufacturing processes and overseeing new product introductions. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, possess a minimum of HNC in Engineering, and demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills. The position focuses on optimizing processes and continuing improvement within the aerospace industry.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing environments.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities and develop coherent plans.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Current knowledge of aero-engine industry standards.
• Ability to work independently and in team settings.

Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate activities of a manufacturing engineering team.
• Set objectives and drive team performance.
• Lead New Product Introduction and Continuous Improvement projects.
• Manage engineering resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Engineering Management

Team Leadership

Process Optimization

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Project Management

Education

HNC in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

MB Aerospace Newton Abbot Ltd, a Barnes Aerospace Company, is an international group providing complex engineering solutions to some of the key names in the Aerospace and Defence market. Operating from sites close to our key customers in North America, Asia and Europe, the MB Aerospace group provides advanced technological solutions to the Aerospace Newton Abbot Ltd and Defence industry, leveraging an in-depth knowledge of fabrications, machining and the global supply chain to support complex aero‑engine component manufacture and repair.

The Role

This is a key role within the Newton Abbot business reporting directly to the site Engineering Manager. The successful candidate will direct and coordinate activities of a team of around eight manufacturing engineering personnel designing and developing manufacturing processes, programming and tooling for a range of projects. The Manufacturing Engineering Leader will have overall responsibility for planning, organisation, control, integration and completion of all engineering projects for the team. This role will also be accountable for ensuring technical support in estimating and launching new programmes (NPI) and measuring and improving existing programmes within the business continuous improvement programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the Core ME team activities
• Set clear SMART objectives and drive the team forward to achieve these goals.
• Develop the team by generating a skills matrix, identifying training requirements.
• Manage team holidays and sickness.
• Succession planning – develop the team for the future.
• Plan for engineering resource requirements and allocation against project timelines.

Lead New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Lead NPI to deliver programme timescales and financial budgets.
• Inclusion of new products introduced to the plant and new machine tools.
• Develop process for costing new quotes, ensuring all costs and NRC’s are completely understood and captured before submitting.
• Make sure all equipment and capital cost are justified by using ROCE and be able to present findings in a robust and coherent manner.

Lead New Continuous Improvement (CI) projects

• Deliver CI projects in time and to financial forecasts.
• Use data analysis to optimise and prioritise cost‑reduction opportunities.
• Champion the role of SPC monitoring and control across the plant.
• Champion six‑sigma tools such as PFD, PFMEA, etc.

Lead a new Advanced Development Program

• Define and deliver a roadmap for the future state of technology in MBANA.
• Machine‑tool technology / strategy (high‑speed machining / laser technology / additive manufacturing).
• Automation (lights‑out factory).
• Part traceability for internal tracking and poka‑yoke on all processes (target zero escapes).
• Industry 4.0.
• Develop new standards for the business and engineering team.

Standard Machine purchasing

• Technical Specification and RFQ.
• Machine qualification procedure (MQ1 & MQ2).
• Machine sign‑off procedure.
• Health and safety sign‑off procedure.

Standard engineering reporting

• Standard weekly review meetings.
• Standard presentation and Excel templates.
• Standard folder structure.

Work with project manager to develop and define clear process and RASIC between ME, QE and Operations.

Job Requirements

• HNC minimum in Engineering and 5+ years of experience.
• Experience required in an aerospace corporate or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to understand and manage conflicting priorities in order to maximise profitability of the business; develop and implement coherent plans which address these issues.
• Current knowledge of aero‑engine industry standards and requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently.
• Ability to prioritise responsibilities under pressure and be self‑motivating and able to recognise and introduce improvements.
• Exhibit confidence in self and others; inspire and motivate others to perform well.
• Effectively influence actions of others; accept feedback from others; give appropriate recognition to others.
• Ability to use technology effectively and efficiently to manage workload.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and ability to create documents, reports and briefing materials in Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Must have a valid passport.

The duties of the post may change from time to time without altering their general character or the level of responsibility entailed.

The job holder must

• Be aware of the Company’s aims, organisational values and behaviours and their impact on this post.
• Carry out the duties of the post in accordance with the Company’s Equality & Inclusivity in Employment Policy.
• Carry out all duties and responsibilities with reasonable care for the health and safety of you and any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work and to cooperate fully with the Company in health and safety matters.
• To comply with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act.

MB Aerospace Newton Abbot Ltd, A Barnes Aerospace Company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

MB Aerospace Newton Abbot Ltd, a Barnes Aerospace Company, is a subcontractor to the United States Government and provides defence services involving technical data and products governed by the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. parts 120–130 and the Export Administration Act and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 15 C.F.R. parts 730–774 (“Export Laws”). All candidates are subject to review and governance under such Export Laws and any offer of employment may be subject to additional considerations and/or conditions.