Manufacturing Engineer

Thompson Aero Seating; Portadown; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

33 days annual leave

Flexi time working

Employee referral bonus £5,000

Health cash plan

Contributory Pension Scheme

Holiday Purchase Scheme

Electric Car Scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Life Assurance 4x salary

Maternity and Paternity pay

Wellbeing initiatives

Learning and development

Career progression

Job summary

Thompson Aero Seating is seeking Manufacturing Engineers at all levels to drive NPI product delivery and support existing serial lines. You will manage BoM, optimise processes, and lead continuous improvement initiatives while collaborating across engineering, quality, and programmes teams.

The role emphasizes problem solving, DFMA collaboration, Lean practices, and ensuring safety and compliance in fast-paced manufacturing environments.

Qualifications

• Degree in Manufacturing/Engineering (or equivalent HND, BTEC Level 5, NVQ Level 5).
• 1-4 years’ experience in a similar environment (heavy engineering, automotive, aerospace).
• Hands-on experience delivering NPI products from concept through to production or serial line support.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing techniques to drive efficiency and quality.

Responsibilities

• Design, validate, and implement robust production systems to deliver NPI products or existing serial products on time, to specification, and within budget.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality and process efficiency through lean methodologies and value engineering.
• Collaborate on Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) to optimise product and process integration.
• Work cross-functionally to achieve milestones and delivery targets.
• Analyse trends and implement corrective actions across NPI phases or serial products to maximise production efficiency.
• Maintain engineering documentation and data for compliance and traceability.
• Perform root cause analysis and drive solutions to resolve issues.
• Identify and justify capital equipment investments.
• Ensure adherence to health and safety standards in all manufacturing operations.

Skills

NPI

Lean Manufacturing

Root cause analysis

DFMA

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Process improvement

Production systems

Education

Degree in Manufacturing/Engineering

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

We’re seeking NPI, line support and improvement Manufacturing Engineers (all levels) to join our innovative team and take the lead on delivering world-class manufacturing products.

In this role, your responsibility will be one or a combination of the following areas:

• Driving successful NPI product delivery
• Managing Bills of Materials (BoM)
• Developing and optimising NPI processes
• Line support and problem solving
• Leading continuous improvement initiatives

Responsibilities

• Design, validate, and implement robust production systems to ensure NPI products or existing serial products are delivered on time, to specification, and within budget
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality and process efficiency through lean methodologies and value engineering
• Collaborate on Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) to optimise product and process integration
• Work cross-functionally to achieve key milestones and delivery targets
• Analyse trends and implement corrective actions throughout all NPI phases or existing serial product to maximise production efficiency
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation and system data to support compliance and traceability
• Perform root cause analysis and drive effective solutions to resolve technical and process issues
• Identify and implement business improvement opportunities while mitigating operational risks
• Prepare detailed reports, deliver presentations, and communicate effectively across teams and stakeholders
• Identify and justify capital equipment investment.
• Ensure strict adherence to health and safety standards within all manufacturing operations

Reward

• Competitive salary
• Annual bonus (linked to company performance)
• 33 days annual leave (Increase after 5 years' service)
• 37.5 hours per week
• Flexi time working
• £5,000 employee referral bonus
• Health cash plan
• Contributory Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
• Holiday Purchase Scheme - Salary Sacrifice
• Electric Car Scheme - Salary Sacrifice
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Life Assurance Scheme at x4 gross salary
• Competitive enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
• IVF & Assisted Conception Policy
• Women in Business - Corporate Member
• Wellbeing Initiatives
• Employee Recognition scheme
• Service Awards
• Local charity / sponsorship activities
• Dedicated employee parking
• Discounted Gym membership
• Learning and development opportunities
• Career progression

Requirements

Essential

• Degree in Manufacturing/Engineering (or equivalent HND, BTEC Level 5, NVQ Level 5)
• 1-4 years’ experience in a similar environment (e.g., heavy engineering, automotive, aerospace)
• Hands-on experience in delivering NPI products from concept through to production or serial line support of existing launched product.
• Problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions within complex manufacturing environments
• Communication and collaboration skills, with experience working cross-functionally across engineering, quality, and programme management teams.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Lean Manufacturing techniques to drive efficiency and quality.

Desirable

• Familiarity with Airbus and/or Boeing systems and processes
• Membership of a relevant professional body

We reserve the right to enhance criteria on shortlisting.

Thompson Aero Seating is an Equal Opportunities employer.

The closing date for applications is the 30th August 2026 at 17:00.

For further information contact [e-mail]