Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialist

leonardo company; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialist to enhance its manufacturing operations. This role is crucial for ensuring efficient production processes and adherence to quality standards. You will be involved in developing and improving manufacturing processes, leading investigations, and mentoring junior team members. The position offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for continuous learning and development. If you are passionate about engineering and want to make a significant impact in a high-tech setting, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Flexible Hours

Company-Funded Healthcare

Dental Benefits

Pension Plan

Lifestyle Allowances

25 Days Holidays

Employee Assistance Programs

Training via Coursera

Referral Incentives

Employee Bonuses

Qualifications

• Minimum HND in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
• Proven manufacturing engineering experience focused on process optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead failure investigations and champion solutions using known techniques.
• Develop manufacturing processes by studying product requirements and liaising with vendors.

Skills

Manufacturing Processes

Problem-Solving

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

RCCA Experience

DFx Principles

Relationship Management

Education

HND in a Relevant Discipline

Tools

Engineering Drawings

Job description

Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialist page is loaded

Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialist

Apply locations GB - Edinburgh time type Full time posted on Posted Yesterday job requisition id R0017842

Job Description:

The opportunity:

We have an exciting opportunity within the Manufacturing Engineering function for a Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialist, working as part of the DragonFire Team.

As a Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in our manufacturing operations, ensuring efficient production processes, adherence to quality standards, and timely project completion. You will develop, improve, and support manufacturing processes and equipment, enabling world-class production of Leonardo products. Your expertise will drive continuous improvement and contribute to our overall success. Experience in manufacturing of lasers, fiber lasers, optic fabrication, or optical coating design, along with extensive RCCA activities, is preferred.

Leonardo is an international leader in developing cutting-edge sensor products used across airborne platforms, pushing boundaries in technology, accuracy, and safety.

The role is based in Edinburgh on-site, with occasional remote work possible.

What you’ll do as a Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialist:

• Provide specialist input and knowledge to project teams to ensure technically sound solutions meeting stakeholder requirements.
• Lead failure investigations, prioritize issues, and champion solutions using known problem-solving techniques (e.g., 8D).
• Work with a highly skilled team, providing data and insights for operations decisions and failure review boards.
• Monitor external technological developments and share knowledge within the team.
• Develop manufacturing processes by studying product requirements, researching, designing, modifying, and testing methods and equipment, and liaising with operators and vendors.
• Act as a Manufacturing Engineering authority to approve product, process, or technology changes.
• Lead manufacturing sections of maturity reviews, maintain governance, and contribute to manufacturing plans.
• Advise on policy and process improvements within operations.
• Review production schedules, costs, and requirements to ensure robust decision-making.
• Analyze and summarize production data and trends.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement through innovative ideas, capacity analysis, and workflow planning.
• Review manufacturing documentation, including risk assessments and technical reports.
• Ensure product and process quality through validation, standards, and capability assessments.
• Maintain manufacturing data such as routings, control plans, and work instructions.
• Foster knowledge sharing and best practices.
• Mentor and develop junior team members.
• Support customer engagement and product roadmaps with domain expertise.
• Ensure compliance with government regulations to maintain product and company reputation.
• Travel approximately 10% within the UK and worldwide.

You will be provided with development opportunities in virtual and applied environments, supported by partnerships like Coursera for continuous learning.

What we need from you:

• Essential: Minimum HND in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
• Desirable: Experience in manufacturing lasers, fiber lasers, optic fabrication, or optical coating design, with extensive RCCA experience.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes and principles.
• Ability to apply DFx principles throughout the product lifecycle.
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills supported by data analysis.
• Knowledge of operational frameworks and business processes.
• Experience with product lifecycle phases and related processes.
• Experience peer reviewing work within product teams and implementing actions.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Confidence to challenge and resolve technical/process issues with systems thinking.
• Effective relationship management with customers and suppliers.
• Experience in capability or process development and implementing work practice changes.
• Proven manufacturing engineering experience focused on process optimization.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in engineering drawings and documentation.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

Security Clearance

You must be eligible for full security clearance. For more info, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels

Life at Leonardo

We offer a benefits package, learning and development opportunities, flexible working, and more, supporting a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

• Flexible hours and hybrid working options.
• Company-funded benefits including healthcare, dental, pension, and lifestyle allowances.
• Holidays: 25 days + bank holidays, with options to buy/sell leave.
• Employee assistance and wellbeing programs.
• Training via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Referral incentives and employee bonuses.

Visit our website for a full benefits list.

Leonardo is a global high-tech company in aerospace, defense, and security, with over 45,000 employees worldwide, including 8,000 in the UK.

We value diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture of safety, belonging, and growth.

Primary Location: GB - Edinburgh

Contract Type: Full-time

Hybrid Working: Onsite

About Us

Leonardo is a multicultural, innovative company driven by STEM expertise, committed to expanding its talent pool and offering opportunities for all.