Lead Manufacturing Engineer

Collins Aerospace; Havant; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global aerospace leader is seeking a Lead Manufacturing Engineer at their Havant facility. This role involves guiding a team of engineers through the manufacturing process with a focus on New Product Introduction (NPI) and assembly. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering and a solid background in production engineering, preferably in aerospace. Responsibilities include leading initiatives for efficiency, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and supporting process improvements. This position offers competitive pay and substantial benefits.

Benefits

25 days Annual Leave & 9 Public Holidays

Attractive Compensation Package

Early finish Fridays

Professional Development

BUPA medical insurance

Generous Employer Contribution Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in production engineering within aerospace or regulated industries.
• Experience leading or mentoring engineers.
• Solid understanding of aerospace quality standards (AS9100, ISO 9001 desirable).

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of engineers to achieve production goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturability.
• Implement lean manufacturing practices for efficiency.

Skills

Production engineering experience

Lean manufacturing principles

Problem-solving skills

Strong communication abilities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering or related field

Tools

CAD tools

PLM systems

ERP systems

Job description

As a Lead Manufacturing Engineer – NPI & Production, you will lead a team of 3-5 engineers, providing guidance and oversight across all stages of the manufacturing process, with a primary focus on New Product Introduction (NPI). This role is centred on assembly and manufacture, but you’ll also bring broad expertise across the full operations process – from logistics to testing and inspection.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop your team to achieve production and development goals.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (design, operations, quality) to ensure manufacturability of aerospace interior products.
• Develop and maintain clear, accurate assembly instructions, processes, and work instructions.
• Support production facilities and provide technical expertise to resolve engineering challenges.
• Participate in design reviews, offering feedback to optimise manufacturability, cost‑effectiveness, and efficiency.
• Manage outsourced manufacturing processes, ensuring suppliers meet cost, quality, and delivery requirements.
• Implement lean manufacturing practices and continuous improvement initiatives to optimise efficiency and reduce waste.
• Drive compliance with standards, processes, and requirements across NPI and production activities.
• Support APQP implementation, including process control and risk assessments for new designs.
• Collect and analyse KPIs to identify improvements and ensure high efficiency.
• Lead problem‑solving initiatives (8D, RCA) for customer and production issues.
• Investigate new processes, equipment, and tooling to enhance production capabilities.
• Oversee plant maintenance planning and ensure tooling and equipment resources match production demand.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in production/manufacturing engineering, ideally within aerospace or other regulated industries.
• Experience leading or mentoring engineers, or strong senior‑level engineering background with cross‑functional collaboration.
• Strong knowledge of assembly processes, including electronic and high‑aesthetic products.
• Experience creating and developing assembly instructions, processes, and work instructions (SolidWorks Composer desirable).
• Solid understanding of lean manufacturing principles with a proven track record of process improvement.
• Familiarity with APQP and its application in product development (advantageous).
• Knowledge of aerospace quality standards (AS9100, ISO 9001 desirable).
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex production issues.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with internal teams, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in engineering tools and software such as CAD, PLM, and ERP systems (advantageous).

Ready to shape the future of aerospace manufacturing? Join Collins Aerospace at our WASP Havant facility, where we’re seeking a Lead Manufacturing Engineer to drive innovation in production and New Product Introduction (NPI).

As a global leader in aircraft interiors, we deliver world‑class cabin solutions for both commercial and private aviation – from First Class luxury to cutting‑edge Business and Premium experiences. At WASP Havant, our manufacturing team brings these designs to life, combining precision engineering, lean practices, and technical excellence to create products that set new standards in quality and performance.

Benefits

• 25 days Annual Leave & 9 Public Holidays (+/- 5 d buyback)
• Attractive Compensation Package
• Early finish Fridays
• Professional Development
• Support with professional fees
• EAP (Employee Assistance Programme)
• BUPA medical insurance and immediate family discount
• Staff Discounts
• Wellness Programs
• Death in Service Benefit
• Generous Employer Contribution Pension Scheme