Improvement Engineer

Outsource UK; Samlesbury; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Outsource UK is recruiting on behalf of a major aerospace and defence client for an Improvement Engineering Lead. You will drive product and manufacturing improvements on complex airframe programmes, leading cross-functional teams across engineering, quality and operations.

The role requires strong problem-solving skills, experience with RCCA, DMAIC/8D and practical knowledge of GD&T, SPC and manufacturing processes. SC clearance eligibility is a plus.

Qualifications

• Delivery of improvement projects in aerospace or other complex manufacturing.
• Strong RCA and corrective action knowledge.
• Experience with DMAIC / 8D problem solving.
• Understanding of GD&T and ISO GPS / ASME Y14.5.
• Experience with metallic machining, composites or tooling.

Responsibilities

• Lead product improvement projects across complex manufacturing programmes.
• Conduct RCCA investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Analyse inspection, quality and non-conformance data for trends.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality and Manufacturing to implement actions.
• Review CAD models, drawings, tooling and PLM data.
• Support design teams with product optimisation and manufacturability improvements.
• Drive continuous improvement across manufacturing processes.
• Manage stakeholders and communicate progress across the business.

Skills

Aerospace/defence manufacturing

Root cause analysis

DMAIC/8D problem solving

Change management

Mechanical manufacturing

Machining/composites/tooling

GD&T/ISO GPS/ASME Y14.5

Minitab/statistical tools

SPC/Cp/Cpk/quality metrics

Job description

5 days onsite per week

37 hours Monday – Friday

Clearance: SC clearance Eligibility

Overview

BAE systems are recruiting for an Improvement Engineering Lead to join a leading aerospace and defence team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in driving product and manufacturing improvements on complex airframe programmes, working with cross-functional engineering, quality and operations teams

Clearance Eligibility: Full SC clearance and UK eyes only

Key Responsibilities

• Lead product improvement projects across complex manufacturing programmes.
• Conduct Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Analyse inspection, quality and non-conformance data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Work closely with Engineering, Quality and Manufacturing teams to develop and implement corrective actions.
• Review engineering data including CAD models, product drawings, tooling information, planning documentation and PLM data.
• Support engineering design teams with product optimisation and manufacturability improvements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing processes.
• Manage stakeholders and communicate project progress effectively throughout the business.

Key Skills

• Experience delivering product or process improvement projects within aerospace, automotive, defence or another complex manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action methodologies.
• Experience using structured problem-solving tools such as DMAIC, 8D or similar.
• Knowledge of Change Management and stakeholder management.
• Understanding of mechanical manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Experience working with metallic machining, composites, additive manufacturing or tooling.
• Working knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) and ISO GPS and/or ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Experience using Minitab or other statistical analysis software.
• Knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC), process capability (Cp/Cpk) and quality metrics.

Inclusion statement

Outsource UK is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. You'll receive consideration for your application without regard to race, religion or belief, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, or age.