Manufacturing Engineer

Octagon Group; Barnstaple; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Octagon Group, a leading aerospace engineering business near Barnstaple, is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to optimise robust manufacturing processes. You will work across production, quality and engineering to improve efficiency, reduce waste and drive continuous improvement throughout the facility.

The role involves supporting new product development, process industrialisation and capital projects, while applying Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to enhance product manufacturability.

Qualifications

• This role requires a strong foundation in Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methods.
• Experience with root cause analysis and structured problem solving (8D, 5 Whys, PFMEA).
• Familiarity with Six Sigma and process capability concepts is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain robust, cost-effective manufacturing processes in line with Lean principles.
• Support new product development and industrialisation of new processes.
• Investigate issues and perform root cause/failure analysis with corrective actions.
• Lead continuous improvement and cost-out activities across manufacturing.
• Apply Lean techniques to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
• Collaborate with production, quality and engineering to improve manufacturability.
• Support capital equipment projects and business cases.
• Train production personnel on new processes and methods.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Root cause analysis

Six Sigma

Statistical Process Control

Measurement systems (Gage R&R)

Effective communication

Education

Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering degree or equivalent

Job description

A fantastic opportunity for a Manufacturing Engineer based in or near Barnstaple is available to join a leading aerospace engineering business developing and manufacturing high-quality precision components for major aerospace customers.

This Manufacturing Engineer job offers the opportunity to work within a large-scale aerospace manufacturing environment, supporting the development and optimisation of robust manufacturing processes across new and existing products. The Manufacturing Engineer will work closely with production, quality and engineering teams to improve efficiency, reduce waste and drive continuous improvement across the facility.

Manufacturing Engineer Job Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain robust, cost-effective manufacturing processes in line with Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Support new product development and the industrialisation of new manufacturing processes.
• Investigate manufacturing issues and carry out root cause and failure analysis to identify effective corrective actions.
• Lead and support continuous improvement and cost-out activities across manufacturing.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing techniques to reduce waste, improve efficiency and deliver customer requirements.
• Identify and implement methods to reduce process variation and improve manufacturing capability.
• Support the use of Six Sigma techniques, SPC and process capability tools to improve product and process performance.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, process instructions and product structures.
• Participate in design reviews and concurrent engineering activities, providing manufacturing input to improve product manufacturability.
• Support Design for Manufacturing and value engineering activities.
• Work closely with production teams to provide manufacturing engineering and technical support.
• Support the introduction and development of new processes, equipment and manufacturing technologies.
• Assist with capital equipment projects, including developing technical requirements and supporting business cases.
• Work collaboratively with quality, design, production and other engineering functions to resolve technical and manufacturing issues.
• Train and support production personnel on new processes, equipment and manufacturing methods.

Manufacturing Engineer Job Requirements

• Degree qualification in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Previous experience in a Manufacturing Engineer, Process Engineer, Production Engineer or similar manufacturing engineering position.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
• Experience with root cause analysis and structured problem-solving techniques such as 8D, 5 Whys, PFMEA and corrective action.
• Understanding of Six Sigma principles and their application to reducing process and product variation.
• Experience with manufacturing process development, optimisation or NPI.
• Understanding of SPC, process capability and Gage R&R/measurement systems is advantageous.
• Experience working with engineering drawings and manufacturing specifications.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across production, engineering and quality teams.
• Experience within aerospace, automotive, defence or another highly regulated manufacturing environment would be advantageous.

What's on Offer

This Manufacturing Engineer job near Barnstaple offers an excellent opportunity to join an established aerospace manufacturing facility and work on technically challenging products supplied to some of the world's leading aerospace organisations.

The role provides the opportunity to develop your manufacturing engineering career within a collaborative engineering environment, working across NPI, Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, process development and advanced manufacturing technologies.

If you're looking for a Manufacturing Engineer job near Barnstaple where you can take ownership of manufacturing processes, solve complex production problems and make a measurable impact through continuous improvement, this is an excellent opportunity to join a growing aerospace engineering team.

For a confidential discussion or to apply for this Manufacturing Engineer job, please contact Will Drake