Composite Manufacturing Engineer

Yolk Recruitment Ltd; Darwen; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Meritus Talent is recruiting for a Composites Manufacturing Engineer to join a leading advanced manufacturing organisation in Blackburn, supporting defence projects on a permanent basis. The role focuses on developing and optimising manufacturing processes for high‑performance composite structures and assemblies, working closely with design, production and quality teams.

The position requires a degree in mechanical engineering or materials science, and prior experience in a composites

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
• Experience in a composites manufacturing environment, ideally aerospace/defence.
• Strong understanding of composite materials (carbon fibre, advanced polymers).
• Experience with composites manufacturing techniques (Hand Lay-Up, AFP, RTM, Autoclave).
• Experience using CAD software for tooling or fixture design.
• Knowledge of quality standards and regulated industry practices.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and improve composite manufacturing processes.
• Support introduction of new products and manufacturing methods into production.
• Collaborate with engineering, production and quality teams to enhance performance.
• Design tooling, fixtures and production aids for efficient manufacture.
• Conduct process validation activities, trials and capability studies.
• Investigate and resolve manufacturing and process-related issues.
• Drive continuous improvement focused on quality, cost, efficiency and waste reduction.
• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation, including process instructions and specs.

Skills

Composite materials

Manufacturing engineering

Quality assurance

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Mechanical engineering

Materials science

Tools

CAD software

Job description

MERITUS are recruiting for a Composite Manufacturing Engineer to join our client in Blackburn in a permanent position as they continue to scale their workforce against defence projects.

Composite Manufacturing Engineer – Greater Blackburn – Up to £55,000 per annum – Permanent – Sector: Aerospace

Meritus Talent is recruiting on behalf of a leading advanced manufacturing organisation operating within the aerospace sector. We are seeking a talented Composites Manufacturing Engineer to join a growing engineering team responsible for developing, improving, and supporting the manufacture of high-performance composite components.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a technically challenging environment where innovation, quality, and continuous improvement are at the heart of the operation.

The Opportunity

As a Composites Manufacturing Engineer, you will be responsible for developing and optimising manufacturing processes for advanced composite structures and assemblies. Working closely with design, production, and quality teams, you will play a key role in ensuring products are manufactured efficiently, safely, and to the highest industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve composite manufacturing processes.
• Support the introduction of new products and manufacturing methods into production.
• Work collaboratively with engineering, production, and quality teams to enhance manufacturing performance.
• Design and develop tooling, fixtures, and production aids to support efficient manufacture.
• Conduct process validation activities, trials, and capability studies.
• Investigate and resolve manufacturing and process-related issues.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost, efficiency, and waste reduction.
• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation, including process instructions and technical specifications.
• Ensure compliance with relevant aerospace quality and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical guidance and support to production teams.
• Evaluate emerging composite technologies and identify opportunities for implementation.

Candidate Requirements

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Previous experience within a composites manufacturing environment, ideally within aerospace, defence, automotive, or another highly regulated industry.
• Strong understanding of composite materials, including carbon fibre and advanced polymer systems.
• Experience with composite manufacturing techniques such as:
  • Hand Lay‑Up
  • Automated Fibre Placement (AFP)
  • Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM)
  • Autoclave Processing
  • Bonding and Assembly Techniques
• Experience using CAD software for tooling or fixture design.
• Knowledge of quality standards and manufacturing best practices within regulated industries.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.