Manufacturing Engineer

Thompson Aero Seating; Portadown; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus (company performance)

33 days annual leave

Flexi time working

Pension scheme (Contributory)

Life Assurance x4 salary

Job summary

Thompson Aero Seating is seeking Manufacturing Engineers at all levels to lead NPI delivery and improve manufacturing processes. You will drive BoM management, DFMA collaboration, and cross-functional execution to ensure on-time, within-spec, and on-budget product launches and serial production.

Responsibilities include design, validation, and implementation of robust production systems, plus leading lean initiatives and CAPA actions.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or equivalent in Manufacturing/Engineering or related.
• Hands-on experience delivering NPI products from concept to production.
• Strong lean manufacturing knowledge and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, validate, and implement robust production systems for NPI and serial products.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focusing on quality and efficiency.
• Collaborate on DFMA to optimise product and process integration.
• Work cross-functionally to hit milestones and delivery targets.
• Analyse trends and implement corrective actions to maximise efficiency.
• Maintain engineering documentation for compliance and traceability.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement effective solutions.

Skills

NPI delivery

BoM management

Lean manufacturing

DFMA collaboration

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Degree in Manufacturing/Engineering

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 18th October 2026 at 17:00.