Manufacturing Engineer

BAE Systems; Tonbridge and Malling; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense company in the United Kingdom is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer skilled in CNC Programming and Edgecam. The role focuses on optimizing CNC programs, interpreting engineering drawings, and enhancing manufacturing processes in a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate has proven experience in CNC programming, strong GD&T understanding, and is able to work collaboratively within a manufacturing team. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package are offered.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Flexible discounted health benefits

Annual incentive eligibility

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a CNC Programmer in a machine shop environment.
• Proficient in Edgecam (milling and/or turning).
• Excellent understanding and practical application of GD&T.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and CAD models.

Responsibilities

• Creating, modifying, and optimizing CNC programs using Edgecam for milling and/or turning operations.
• Interpreting engineering drawings, models, and specifications.
• Developing efficient machining strategies to improve cycle times.
• Selecting appropriate tooling and fixtures.
• Supporting machine setup and first-off inspections.
• Working closely with machinists and engineers to ensure parts meet specification.
• Maintaining accurate documentation for programs and tooling.
• Assisting with continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

CNC Programming

Edgecam

GD&T principles

Reading engineering drawings

Education

HNC Electronic Engineering or equivalent

Job description

Job Title

Manufacturing Engineer – CNC Programming

Location

Rochester

Salary

Up to £50,000 depending on skills and knowledge

What you’ll be doing:

• Creating, modifying, and optimizing CNC programs using Edgecam for milling and/or turning operations
• Interpreting engineering drawings, models, and specifications, applying GD&T principles correctly
• Developing efficient machining strategies to improve cycle times, tool life, and overall productivity
• Selecting appropriate tooling, fixtures, and machining parameters
• Supporting machine setup and first-off inspections, resolving programming or machining issues as needed
• Working closely with machinists, engineers, and quality personnel to ensure parts meet specification
• Maintaining accurate documentation for programs, tooling, and process improvements
• Assisting with continuous improvement initiatives within the machine shop

Your skills and experiences:

Essential:

• Proven experience as a CNC Programmer in a machine shop environment
• Proficient in Edgecam (milling and/or turning)
• Excellent understanding and practical application of GD&T
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and CAD models

Desirable:

• HNC Electronic Engineering or equivalent
• Background in high-mix / low-volume or precision manufacturing

Benefits:

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

The Manufacturing Engineering team:

The Manufacturing Engineering team play a pivotal role in supporting the manufacture of current and future products across our entire product range and the full programme lifecycle. Working closely with stakeholders across Manufacturing and Engineering the team use their knowledge and experiences to support our manufacturing systems and processes during initial bid, new product introduction, production and repair to ultimately ensure product quality is met within schedule and budget targets.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter aboutნება potential reasonable adjustments.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date

28th January 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.