FC/ASW Equipment Manufacturing Engineer Manager

MBDA S.A.S.; Bolton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in the UK seeks a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to oversee manufacturing systems from design to production. The role involves leading a multi-disciplined team, validating the internal supply chain, and driving manufacturing improvements. Candidates should have significant experience in similarly complex environments and demonstrate strong leadership and project management skills. This position offers competitive benefits and a dynamic working environment.

Benefits

25 days of paid annual leave

Dynamic working policies

Defined contribution pension scheme

Financial and wellbeing initiatives

Varied insurance coverage

Health and leisure perks

Performance bonus up to 21%

Enhanced parental leave

Qualifications

• Considerable relevant experience in a complex electronic or electro-mechanical manufacturing environment.
• Extensive experience in engineering leadership/management.
• Good understanding of project management and supply-chain principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-disciplined engineering team across FC/ASW.
• Conduct industrial validation of the supply chain.
• Investigate new manufacturing approaches and techniques.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Negotiating skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Project management

Financial acumen

Education

Degree qualified or equivalent

Job description

An exciting new opportunity for a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to join the team, responsible for the FC/ASW Equipment. You will be responsible for the day‑to‑day design, set‑up and implementation of manufacturing systems throughout the product life cycle, from prototype to rate production. You will influence the development of FC/ASW Equipment with a particular focus on design for manufacture, assembly and test.

Responsibilities

• Grow and lead a multi‑disciplined engineering team covering a number of equipment sub‑systems across FC/ASW, working closely with the Manufacturing SME and TX community.
• Conduct industrial validation of the internal and external supply chain, including support to MBDA NatCos through inter‑company trading contracts.
• Lead the FC/ASW Equipment through the manufacturing life‑cycle and validate the manufacturing system.
• Collaborate closely with the FC/ASW Missile MEM and Programme Manager to ensure the successful delivery of contractual milestones.
• Investigate new manufacturing approaches and techniques and evaluate their potential application within the specialised defence sector of MBDA.
• Drive change in the business, implementing manufacturing improvements using alternative approaches such as automation, robotics and the adoption of VR.
• Influence capital investment budgets, ensuring the facility remains at the forefront of missile manufacture and increases competitive advantage.
• Drive continuous improvement through the team to increase MBDA’s market share in a highly competitive environment.
• Provide direction for the development of skills and training required by Engineers to keep pace with emerging technologies in missile manufacture.
• Support bidding activities for future programmes/phases of work and take ownership of industrialisation work packages while working closely with project managers.

Benefits

• 25 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (plus additional days after 5, 10 and 15 years of service; optional purchase of up to five extra days).
• Dynamic working policies offering flexibility in hours and location, with options for paid overtime and dynamic leave.
• Defined contribution pension scheme (standard contributions 4% employee / 6% employer, up to 2% additional).
• Financial and wellbeing initiatives including free financial webinars, mortgage advice, critical illness lump‑sum, and employee assistance programme.
• Varied insurance coverage (private medical, dental, health cash plan, etc.).
• Health and leisure perks: on‑site gym access, annual gym membership, discounts on fitness clubs, seasonal ticket loan, and other lifestyle benefits.
• Performance bonus up to 21% of base salary.
• Enhanced parental leave (up to 26 weeks, with additional provisions for paternity, neonatal and fertility support).
• Compliance with UK Security or BPSS clearance requirements.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified or equivalent.
• Considerable relevant experience in a complex electronic or electro‑mechanical manufacturing environment.
• Extensive experience in engineering leadership/management.
• In‑depth knowledge of the design–make–prove interface role and Design for Manufacture and Test.
• Good understanding of project management and supply‑chain principles, practices and processes.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Excellent negotiating and influencing skills.
• Analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Demonstrated management of a large team in a dynamic / ambiguous part of the product life‑cycle.

About MBDA

MBDA is a leading defence organisation that partners with governments to support the Armed Forces. We pride ourselves on our employee‑led networks, championing diversity and inclusion, and we are recognised as a national employer of choice.