Manufacturing Engineer

Recruit Engineering; Stockport; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence engineering business in Stockport is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to enhance manufacturing processes and drive operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree, experience with complex fabrications, and strong problem-solving skills. With a competitive salary of £45,000-£55,000 and additional perks such as an attractive pension scheme and wellbeing initiatives, this role offers a great opportunity to join a renowned company.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Attractive pension scheme

Half-day Fridays

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Long service awards

On-site parking

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Proven track record of manufacturing excellence in a technical or industrial environment.
• Experience with large, complex fabrications or heavy manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on shop floor engagement.

Responsibilities

• Support and optimise manufacturing processes for complex, large-scale fabrications.
• Deliver improvements in changeover time, cycle time, and fixture design.
• Lead cross-functional teams to drive lean manufacturing.

Skills

Problem-solving and analytical skills

Lean tools knowledge

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

HND, Higher/Advanced Apprenticeship, or Degree in Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SAP or ERP systems

Job description

Manufacturing Engineer - Defence Engineering

Location: North West - Engineering Centre of Excellence
Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 + Benefits

We're representing a leading UK defence engineering business with over a century of heritage in delivering world‑class mechanical and structural systems for global military applications. Recognised for precision, innovation, and reliability, this organisation continues to expand its North West Engineering Centre of Excellence and is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to support ongoing growth and continuous improvement within its production operations.

About the Role

The core focus of this role is to support and enhance manufacturing processes — improving product quality, manufacturability, and production efficiency. You'll apply modern manufacturing techniques and continuous improvement methodologies to drive operational excellence across the plant.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and optimise manufacturing processes for complex, large‑scale fabrications.
• Identify and deliver improvements in areas such as changeover time, cycle time, and fixture design.
• Analyse quality data to prioritise corrective and preventive actions.
• Create, manage, and deliver structured improvement action plans.
• Lead and support cross‑functional teams to drive lean manufacturing and cost performance.
• Contribute to new product introduction (NPI) activities, ensuring design for manufacturability (DFM).
• Drive a continuous improvement culture through lean and structured problem‑solving tools (e.g. 8D).
• Ensure compliance with Environmental, Health & Safety, manufacturing, and quality standards.
• Implement effective containment and permanent corrective actions for process issues.

What We're Looking For

• HND, Higher/Advanced Apprenticeship, or Degree in Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering.
• Proven track record of manufacturing excellence in a technical or industrial environment.
• Experience with large, complex fabrications or heavy manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of lean tools and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills with hands‑on shop floor engagement.
• SAP or ERP system experience (training can be provided).
• Excellent communication and team collaboration skills.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary £45,000-£55,000.
• Attractive pension scheme (4% employee / 7% employer).
• Half‑day Fridays.
• Life assurance and enhanced sick pay (increasing with service).
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing initiatives.
• Long service awards and additional holidays.
• On‑site parking and EV charging points.
• Cycle to Work Scheme and a modern, collaborative working environment.