Manufacturing Engineer

Orion Electrotech; Derby; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Derby is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer with a strong aerospace engineering background. The role involves ownership of NPI projects, supporting FAIR processes, and hands-on problem-solving on the shop floor. Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years of experience, excellent communication skills, and a proactive approach to challenges. This is a fully on-site position with no remote options, offering exposure to a variety of processes and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience in a manufacturing engineering role.
• Aerospace background essential; confident about NPI and FAIRs.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of NPI projects from purchase order to FAIR approval.
• Support FAIR creation and work directly with machining and sheet metal teams.

Skills

Aerospace engineering

Problem-solving

Communication

Continuous improvement

Tools

CAD

Job description

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Derby

Salary: £35,000 - £50,000 (depending on experience)

Hours: Monday to Thursday: 7:00am - 4:00pm or 8:00am - 5:00pm; Friday: 7:00am - 12:00pm or 8:00am - 1:00pm

We're looking for a confident, all-round Manufacturing Engineer with a strong understanding of aerospace engineering, particularly NPI and FAIRs, and hands-on experience with sheet metal, machining, and CNC/turning processes. This role requires someone who is not just technically competent, but proactive, inquisitive, and ready to roll up their sleeves and take control.

You'll be joining a small, fast-moving team, so you'll need to be visible, vocal, and driven. This is not a place to sit in the shadows; it's a place for people who thrive on problem-solving, enjoy ownership of processes, and aren't afraid to ask the right questions to get to the right answers.

If you're someone who knows how to navigate challenges, clarify what's missing, and take initiative, this role offers the freedom and support to excel.

Key Responsibilities

1. Take ownership of NPI projects, from purchase order to FAIR approval, navigating each gateway with confidence

2. Support FAIR creation, review, and submission in line with aerospace quality standards

3. Work directly on the shop floor with machining and sheet metal teams to solve problems and improve processes

4. Create/maintain data cards, routings, inspection documents, SOPs, and BOMs

5. Interface with quality, engineering, and customers to ensure product and process compliance

6. Investigate issues using structured root cause analysis, implement corrective and preventive actions, and follow through to closure

7. Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives across the business

8. Take a hands-on role in resolving issues, gathering facts, speaking with the right people, and presenting clear solutions

9. Provide CAD support

10. Contribute to team SQCDP meetings and engage in cross-functional collaboration

What We're Looking For

1. Minimum 5 years real-world experience in a manufacturing engineering role

2. Aerospace background essential; must be able to speak confidently about NPI, FAIRs, and relevant processes

3. Experience with sheet metal, machining, turning, and special processes

4. Strong understanding of manufacturing engineering and quality principles

5. A confident communicator capable of challenging ideas, presenting facts, and collaborating effectively

6. Proactive, hands-on approach with a problem-solving mindset

7. Ability to manage multiple tasks, stay organized, and adapt quickly

8. Experience leading projects and working under minimal supervision

9. Willingness to learn and upskill, but must be able to hit the ground running

10. Comfortable asking questions and taking ownership of gaps in knowledge; honesty and curiosity are key

11. CAD experience

Interview Process

1. Stage 1: On-site/Teams

2. Stage 2: On-site — includes a site walk, process discussion, and technical Q&A

3. Focus on real-world experience, approach to challenges, and project ownership

Additional Notes

• No remote or hybrid options; this is a fully on-site role

• Statutory sick pay only

• Exposure to a wide variety of processes — ideal for engineers seeking breadth, challenge, and job satisfaction

If you like the look of this Manufacturing Engineer role, then click and apply, or if you would like further information, please contact Jamie Garcia-Courtice at Orion Electrotech Aylesbury: [e-mail]

Thank you for your application. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to every application personally. If you have not heard from us within 5 working days, please assume your application was unsuccessful. To see our other vacancies, visit our website.

INDMAN