Lead Carbon Composites Manufacturing Engineer

Dowty, a GE Aerospace company; Tewkesbury; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Lead Carbon Composites Manufacturing Engineer to spearhead innovations in manufacturing processes. In this pivotal role, you will lead a dynamic team, focusing on enhancing production efficiency and quality of carbon composite systems. You'll navigate regulatory landscapes, ensuring compliance while driving continuous improvement initiatives. Your expertise will not only influence product quality but also shape the future of manufacturing practices within the organization. This opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact in a forward-thinking environment that values innovation and collaboration.

Benefits

Pension

Life Assurance

Income Protection

Medical Cover

Holiday Options

Flexible Working Arrangements

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in carbon composite manufacturing and resin transfer molding.
• Experience in manufacturing or engineering roles with a data-driven approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Composite Production Manufacturing Engineering team to improve processes.
• Conduct root cause analysis using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Train manufacturing staff on work instructions and techniques.

Skills

Carbon Composite Manufacturing

Resin Transfer Molding

Problem Solving

Statistical Process Control

Six Sigma

Education

BSc/MSc/HND in Technical Discipline

Tools

3D Catia

2D AutoCAD

Job description

Lead Carbon Composites Manufacturing Engineer

Join to apply for the Lead Carbon Composites Manufacturing Engineer role at Dowty, a GE Aerospace company

Job Description Summary

At GE Aerospace, we design, manufacture, repair, and overhaul a range of propeller systems for military and civil applications from our state-of-the-art facility in Gloucestershire, UK.

In this role, you will lead the Composite Production Manufacturing Engineering team, providing technical expertise, advanced problem solving, and process improvements to support the production of carbon composite Dowty Propeller Systems. You will focus on evolving manufacturing processes, reducing defects, and developing faster, higher-quality products, leading the team with expertise and engaging leadership to achieve continuous improvement.

You will need to navigate regulatory requirements, ensure internal procedure compliance, and collaborate with internal stakeholders to support daily operations and long-term transformational projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop deep expertise in carbon composite and resin transfer molding processes, becoming a key figure in manufacturing.
• Lead, support, and motivate a team of carbon composite manufacturing engineers.
• Lead root cause analysis activities using structured problem-solving methodologies (Six Sigma, Red X, 8D, Lean).
• Create and refine production techniques focusing on Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Inventory & Productivity (SQDCIP).
• Review and approve manufacturing work instructions aligned with technical specifications.
• Train and support manufacturing staff on work instructions and techniques.
• Establish control plans and data collection methods for process monitoring and analysis.
• Promote and embed Statistical Process Control across manufacturing processes.
• Approve business procedures and documentation.
• Drive improvements in manufacturing metrics such as throughput, yield, cycle time, and defect rates.
• Stay informed on industry changes and regulations (CAA, EASA, FAA).
• Represent the Manufacturing Engineering team in broader forums.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Deep expertise in carbon composite manufacturing, resin transfer molding, and NDT techniques.
• BSc/MSc/HND (or Level 6 equivalent) in a technical discipline or equivalent experience.
• Experience in manufacturing or engineering roles.
• Knowledge of engineering statistics, process capability, hypothesis testing, DOE, SPC.
• Ability to influence across organizational levels with a data-driven approach.
• Pragmatic, positive attitude towards manufacturing improvements.
• Experience with configuration control in regulated industries.

Desired Skills

• Experience in regulated industries, preferably aviation.
• Knowledge of robotics, automation, and controls installation and commissioning.
• Broad manufacturing and engineering experience related to product creation and delivery.
• Specialism in propulsion and propeller manufacturing.
• Facility design, commissioning, and automation experience (automotive, FMCG, logistics).
• Proficiency with CAD tools like 3D Catia, 2D AutoCAD, or similar.
• Knowledge of 3D printing from CAD to production.

Additional Information

Flexible working arrangements are supported. Total Reward includes pension, life assurance, income protection, medical cover, and holiday options. BPSS security clearance is required. UK right to work and sponsorship considerations apply. No relocation assistance provided.