Lead UAV Manufacturing Engineer: From Design to Production

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

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.