Manufacturing Engineer - External Supply Chain - Submarines

ZipRecruiter; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer in Derby to manage the External Supply Chain. The role offers a hybrid working model and focuses on supplier collaboration, process improvement, and technical problem-solving. Ideal candidates will have an engineering degree and experience in manufacturing, with strong analytical and communication skills. A UK security clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing engineering and/or process engineering.
• Knowledge of six sigma / lean techniques.
• Comfort presenting at all levels of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Assess the capability of manufacturing suppliers.
• Govern Manufacturing Engineering activities in the supply chain.
• Influence product definition and final form manufacture.
• Build customer and supplier relationships.

Skills

Fabrications

Complex assemblies

Analytical skills

Technical problem-solving

Good communication skills

Education

Degree in engineering or related technical discipline

Job description

Overview

Manufacturing Engineer - External Supply Chain - Submarines

Full Time • Derby

An exciting opportunity for a Manufacturing Engineer role focusing on the External Supply Chain has arisen within Rolls-Royce Submarines.

Why Rolls-Royce?

Our submarines business is responsible for the design, manufacture, supply and through-life support of nuclear propulsion-related products and systems in support of the Royal Navy's submarine fleet. We are a leader in propulsion system design and development for the Royal Navy's nuclear submarine fleet and the sole provider and technical authority. We offer an inclusive, digital-first culture that invests in you, provides a platform for continuous learning, and opportunities to grow your career. The relationships we have with our suppliers are critical to the success of both businesses.

To support the growth of Rolls-Royce Submarines, we are looking for personable, self-directed Engineers to partner with our supply chain to drive the success of our programmes.

The External Supply Chain Manufacturing Engineers are technically responsible for the manufacture of a portfolio of parts associated within the external supply chain. Covering all elements of the manufacturing product life cycle, from new product introduction and supporting improvement programmes, you will have the opportunity to work with and influence external suppliers in the delivery of nuclear products.

Hybrid working is available to balance time between office, home or another location. As a minimum we are expected to attend the workplace for collaboration and other specific reasons, on average three days per week. This role will require a level of travel within the U.K. to visit suppliers; travel expenses will be covered under the expenses policy. If an overnight stay is required, you may be eligible for the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Allowance (taxable).

As a member of our Manufacturing Engineering community, you will have the opportunity to grow your skills through our formal development pathways, Masterclasses and knowledge sharing activities.

What you will be doing

Within this opportunity you will contribute to the development of manufacturing processes and/or methods of manufacture and the continuous improvement of these areas. The product and materials are somewhat novel in comparison with other vessel fabrications, pumps, valves and assemblies for a pressurised circuit.

• You will assess the capability of manufacturing suppliers and support source selection and approval in the supply chain.
• You will govern the execution of Manufacturing Engineering activities in the External Supply Chain to assure development and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes and/or methods of manufacture which meet business and customer requirements for safety, quality, cost, delivery rate and lead-time (SQCD).
• Fundamental knowledge of DFMEA / PFMEA to influence product definition / final form manufacture.
• You will act as the primary Manufacturing Engineering representative within a cross-functional team for your suppliers.
• You will use negotiation and coaching skills and business acumen to build customer and supplier relationships at all levels.

Who we're looking for

At Rolls-Royce we embrace agility, are bold, pursue collaboration and seek simplicity in everything we do. These principles form our values and behaviours and are essential components of our assessment process.

• Experience of fabrications, valves, complex assemblies, machining and of critical classified components.
• Degree or equivalent in an engineering or related technical discipline with previous experience in a manufacturing engineering and/or process engineering background.
• Strong analytical skills and a proven record of technical problem-solving skills with knowledge of six sigma / lean techniques.
• Good communication skills and ability to liaise with all levels of staff.
• Excellent organisational and presentation skills and comfort presenting at all levels.

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive workforce. You can learn more about our global strategy at Our people | Rolls-Royce.

To work for Rolls-Royce Submarines you need to hold Security Check (SC) clearance without caveats. Rolls-Royce will support the application for Security Clearance if you don’t currently have it. Due to the nature of work, you must hold a UK security clearance; dual nationality will require additional scrutiny and background checks prior to commencing work with RRSL.

Job Category: Manufacturing Engineering

Posting Date: 11 Sept 2025; 00:09

Posting End Date: PandoLogic

Keywords: Manufacturing Engineer, Location: Derby, ENG - DE23 8NX