Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialist

Leonardo UK Ltd; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working options

Private healthcare

Pension scheme with employer contrib.

L&D via Coursera/LinkedIn Learning

Job summary

Leonardo UK Ltd in Southampton seeks a Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialist to drive NPI and sustaining activities, shaping manufacturing processes for GCAP products. You will lead manufacturing plans, collaborate across teams, and champion efficiency improvements.

The role requires deep knowledge of manufacturing methods, problem solving via data, and the ability to manage complex projects with stakeholders. Hybrid working arrangements are available.

Qualifications

• Requires strong understanding of manufacturing processes and principles.
• Ability to influence with data and analysis to support decisions.
• Knowledge of Product Life Cycle and related processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead NPI manufacturing activities and develop manufacturing plans for new products.
• Define and implement manufacturing requirements, capacity planning, and process improvements.
• Oversee failure investigations and drive corrective actions using structured problem solving (8D).
• Govern and review manufacturing documentation, routings, and control plans.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data-driven decisions

Cross-functional collaboration

Manufacturing processes

Problem solving (8D)

Education

HND or above in engineering

Job description

Job Description: Your Impact We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialist Lead to join us at Leonardo in Southampton. You will be part of the Integrated Sensing and Protection (ISP) line of business, which is a leader in delivering defence electronics, mission critical systems for situational awareness, electronic warfare, communications and surveillance across the land, air and sea domains. In this role as a Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialist, you will have the opportunity to provide leadership and vision in the realm New Product Introduction (NPI). You will act as the focal point to support with the Airborne Communications Team part of ISP focused on identifying the manufacturing requirements and planning NPI operational activities for products across the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). In this role you will play a pivotal role in our manufacturing operations team supporting the business to develop and execute the; NPI / Repair strategies, derive requirements for DFX activities, ensuring efficient production processes, adherence to quality standards, and timely project completion. NPI & Sustaining Through life approach to manufacturing engineering, during NPI defining & influencing key product KPI such as business winning (bid) budgets (e.g. NPI Budget and through life UPC) Providing specialist input including the application of specialist skills and knowledge into a project team to help ensure the delivery of a technically sound solution meeting all stakeholder requirements Lead failure investigations, aware of all the project issues, able to prioritise and championing the solutions and deliverables using known problem solving techniques (e.g. 8D) Tracking external developments and disruptive technologies to identify exploitation and knowledge sharing within the project team Ensuring the development manufacturing processes by studying product requirements; researching, designing, modifying, and testing manufacturing methods and equipment; understanding feedback from Leonardo operators, conferring with equipment vendors or external suppliers Act as a Manufacturing Engineering authority in order to formally approve product / process / technology change Lead and deliver Manufacturing Engineering sections of the Manufacturing Maturity Reviews, maintain governance through the Lifecycle Management process and create / contribute / review and/or lead Manufacturing Plans Advising and participating on improving policies and processes within the operations framework Ensure manufacturing decision-making information is robust with objectives and results by reviewing production schedules; reviewing production labor and material costs; estimating future requirements prepare product and process reports by collecting, analysing, and summarizing information and trends Create a culture which improves manufacturing efficiency by generating innovative ideas and solutions also ensuring capacity analysis, simulation planning workflow, space requirements, and equipment layout Review manufacturing documentation, can include input to process specific risk assessments, COSHH data, technical reports, specification Assure product and process quality by designing methods; validation/verification of process capabilities; establishing standards; confirming manufacturing processes Assure manufacturing data i.e. routings, production plans, control plans and electronic work instructions Promoting a culture of best practice sharing and knowledge exploitation Mentor, coach and develop more junior members of the team in order to develop overall capability Providing domain experience in support of customer and user engagement and product road maps Maintain product and company reputation by complying with government regulations.

What you’ll bring

• In depth understanding of manufacturing processes and principles
• Ability to influence and negotiate with others using data and analysis to support line of reasoning
• A detailed understanding of the operational framework and business processes
• An understanding of cross functional / commercial business processes and their own impact
• Demonstrated knowledge, and experience of multiple phases of the Product Life Cycle and the associated processes
• Experience of peer reviewing the work of others inside a product team and within a sub Engineering Unit and ensuring the resulting actions are implemented
• Ability to communicate concepts in a non-technical way
• Confidence and ability to challenge / respond to technical / process issues whilst understanding the broad impact of solutions (systems thinking)
• Ability to interact effectively and manage the relationships with customers and suppliers
• Been involved in capability and / or process development, demonstrating an ability to implement a change to working practices

Qualifications

• HND or above in an engineering related discipline

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
• For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers.

If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Primary Location: GB - Southampton

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Onsite International, multicultural, innovative, technological: this is Leonardo. The company’s passionate and talented team is strongly influenced by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) expertise, with a diverse range of experience that enables colleagues to share knowledge and know-how across the generations. Leonardo always wants to expand its talent pool, here you can find the right opportunity for you!