Manufacturing Engineer

Argo Aviation International Ltd; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aircraft maintenance firm in the UK is seeking a Level 2 Manufacturing Engineer. The role involves enhancing shop floor operations, developing work instructions, and driving process improvements. Candidates should have an HND in a mechanical discipline and 3-5 years of relevant experience. The position offers competitive compensation and a full-time, permanent contract.

Benefits

Discounted Flights

Company Pension

Flexible Holiday Packages

Glasses & Eye Protection Vouchers

Internal Progression Opportunities

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience in managing manufacturing or engineering projects.
• Experience with process improvement initiatives.
• Strong problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Create and update manufacturing work instructions and documentation.
• Lead cross-functional projects with various teams.
• Investigate and develop new manufacturing processes.
• Identify process waste and implement improvements.
• Analyze and report production performance.

Skills

Project management

Process improvement

Structured problem-solving

Technical documentation

Manufacturing processes understanding

Engineering drawing interpretation

Lean manufacturing

Statistical analysis

ERP/MRP systems

Education

HND in Mechanical Discipline

Tools

SolidWorks

MS Office

Job description

Location: West London (Plating Lab / Manufacturing Facility)

Salary: Competitive

Hours/Shift Pattern: Flexible; may include shift work, evenings and weekends - To be confirmed based on business needs

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Company Benefits:

• Discounted Flights
• Company Pension
• Flexible Holiday Packages
• Glasses & Eye Protection Vouchers
• Internal Progression Opportunities
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• ...and more!

About the Client

Our client operates from one of the largest aircraft maintenance facilities in West London, spanning 13,400 square meters. The site is fully equipped to perform all aspects of aircraft undercarriage maintenance and support, including advanced manufacturing processes in plating and surface finishing.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Technical Process Manager (Manufacturing), the Level 2 Manufacturing Engineer provides advanced expertise to support and enhance shop floor operations at the facility. This role focuses on developing, reviewing, and improving work instructions, tooling documentation, critical inspection checks, and maintenance programs. The successful candidate will resolve production defects, drive continuous process improvements, and lead projects that deliver measurable gains in manufacturing performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Create, review, and update manufacturing work instructions and documentation, detailing tooling usage, inspection regimes, and critical checks.
• Lead and participate in cross-functional projects with Operations, IT, Tooling, Supply Chain, and Maintenance teams.
• Investigate and develop new processes, methods, and layouts to increase equipment flexibility, improve throughput, and maintain compliance with OEM requirements.
• Identify process waste, conduct root cause analysis, and implement sustainable improvement actions.
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver assigned projects from concept through completion, ensuring quality, cost, and timing targets are met. Lead problem-solving and troubleshooting activities to resolve production issues.
• Analyse and report on production performance, providing actionable recommendations.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean manufacturing, statistical analysis, and process mapping techniques.
• Support and optimise equipment maintenance programs.
• Develop and maintain master data for tooling and equipment in SAP.
• Conduct time and motion studies, workflow analysis, line balancing, and capacity analysis.

Education & Qualifications

• Minimum HND in a mechanical discipline, with significant CAD experience (SolidWorks preferred).
• Higher qualification considered for candidates demonstrating tool design interest.
• Training in Lean manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Statistical Process Control is beneficial.

Skills & Experience

• 3-5 years' experience managing end-to-end manufacturing or engineering projects.
• Experience driving process improvement initiatives (Pareto, DMAIC, OEE) and analysing KPIs.
• Strong experience in structured problem-solving (5 Whys, 8D).
• Proven ability to produce detailed work instructions and technical documentation.
• Knowledge of metal component processing and surface finishing for aerospace components.
• Proficient in interpreting engineering drawings and applying basic metrology principles.
• Solid mechanical understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Advanced IT skills including ERP/MRP, MS Office, and CAD software.
• Experience implementing automation technologies and data-driven process improvements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Working Conditions

• Office-based with regular time on the plating shop floor.
• Exposure to toxic and corrosive chemicals is possible.
• Flexibility in working hours based on business needs; potential travel between sites within the client group.

Additional Requirements

Mandatory training completion required.

How to Apply

If you have the skills and experience for this Manufacturing Engineers role apply today or contact Argo Aviation to speak with one of our Consultants.

Notes

1. Candidates must have the legal right to live and work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship.

2. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Argo Aviation International is acting as an Employment Agency for this Permanent vacancy.

Argo Aviation International is committed to equal opportunities for all and will not discriminate based on an individual's sex, race, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We are an inclusive employer and should you require any reasonable adjustments in order to complete any aspect of the recruitment process, please contact us.