Lead Manufacturing Engineer

Windracers Ltd; Fareham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Windracers Ltd is seeking a Lead Manufacturing Engineer to drive end-to-end production readiness for our large fixed-wing UAV platform. You will shape manufacturing processes, tooling, and workflows, ensuring scalable, repeatable build quality while coordinating with Design, Production, Supply Chain and Quality teams.

The role requires a strong background in aerospace manufacturing, hands-on problem solving, and a collaborative mindset to transition designs into efficient production.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience in Manufacturing/Production Engineering across mechanical and electrical assemblies.
• Experience transitioning new products from development to production.
• Strong understanding of aerospace/high-performance manufacturing processes.
• Experience creating manufacturing documentation and production workflows.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation including work instructions, process specs, drawings and BOMs.
• Develop and improve manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures and assembly methods.
• Collaborate with Design Engineers to ensure manufacturability throughout the lifecycle.
• Support prototype and production builds, identify issues and drive practical solutions.
• Drive DFM and DFA principles across the programme.
• Work with suppliers to deliver production-ready components and assemblies.
• Adhere to company policies and health and safety guidelines.

Skills

Manufacturing

Aerospace

DFM

DFA

Cross-functional

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

We are looking for a talented Lead Manufacturing Engineer to play a key role in bringing our large fixed-wing UAV platform from design to production.

Working within the Engineering team, you'll be responsible for developing the manufacturing processes, tooling, and production methods needed to build reliable, high-quality aircraft at scale. You'll work closely with multiple Engineering disciplines, Production, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to ensure our products are not only engineered to fly, but engineered to be built efficiently and repeatedly.

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys working at the intersection of design and manufacturing and wants to have a direct impact on the development of advanced aerospace systems.

Responsibilities/Tasks

• Creating and maintaining manufacturing documentation including work instructions, process specifications, assembly drawings, assembly procedures, and manufacturing BOMs.

• Developing and improving manufacturing processes, assembly methods, tooling, and fixtures.

• Collaborating with Design Engineers to ensure manufacturability is considered throughout the product lifecycle.

• Supporting prototype and production builds, identifying issues and driving practical engineering solutions.

• Driving Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles throughout the programme.

• Working closely with suppliers and manufacturing partners to deliver production-ready components and assemblies.

• Other responsibilities as agreed with your Manger.

• Conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times in accordance with the company expected behaviours and values

• Work in accordance with company policies, procedures and guidelines

• Act always in a safe manner and in support of our Health and safety agenda

Skills/Knowledge

• Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline.

• Significant experience in Manufacturing Engineering or Production Engineering roles, ideally across mechanical and electrical assemblies.

• Experience supporting the transition of new products from development into production.
• Strong understanding of aerospace or high-performance engineering manufacturing processes.
• Experience creating manufacturing documentation, assembly procedures, and production workflows.
• Proficiency in CAD software, preferably SolidWorks.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a practical, hands‑on engineering mindset.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple disciplines.

Desirable

• Experience within UAV, aerospace, defence, automotive, motorsport, or other advanced manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of bonded assemblies and sheet metal fabrication.
• Experience with PDM/PLM systems and configuration management.

• Experience supporting medium‑scale production and scaling manufacturing operations.

Qualification Requirements

• Right to work within the UK
• Ability to travel abroad to EU and non-EU territories
• Vetting and security clearance (as required by role, location or client)