Manufacturing Engineer - PCE Production Support M/F

Safran; Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran in Wolverhampton is seeking a technical leader for advanced production systems. You will define roadmaps, lead feasibility studies, trials and validation to industrialise new manufacturing methods, equipment, automation, and digital technologies.

The role focuses on transitions from concept to production, ensuring operational readiness, knowledge transfer, and robust documentation with emphasis on reducing risk and delivering improvements in safety, quality, delivery and cost.

Qualifications

• Degree or apprenticeship in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
• Experience developing and implementing new manufacturing technologies or automation solutions.
• Strong understanding of process validation, capability studies and industrialisation principles.
• Experience leading trials, proof-of-concept activities and production implementation.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and structured problem-solving methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical authority for advanced manufacturing technologies and production systems.
• Define technology roadmaps and identify opportunities to improve capability, flexibility, efficiency, and competitiveness.
• Lead feasibility studies, trials, proof-of-concept activities, technology validation and readiness assessments.
• Support NPI activities and ensure manufacturing technology requirements are incorporated into production systems.

Skills

Automation experience

Process validation

Lean manufacturing

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Education

Mechanical/Manufacturing Eng degree

Apprentice trained

Job description

You will be responsible for defining, developing, and implementing advanced manufacturing technologies that enhance capability, efficiency, flexibility, and competitiveness across the Actuation business. Acting as the technical expert for advanced production systems, you will lead the evaluation, validation, and deployment of new manufacturing methods, equipment, automation, robotics, and digital technologies. You will define technology roadmaps, lead feasibility studies, trials and proof-of-concept activities, and support business cases and capital investment justification. You will ensure new technologies are aligned with product requirements, manufacturing processes, and strategic objectives, with risks mitigated through validation, capability studies, and technology readiness assessments. You will support the transition of new technologies from concept through industrialisation and into production, ensuring operational readiness, knowledge transfer, and process documentation. Overall, you will provide technical leadership in advanced production systems, accelerate technology adoption, reduce technical risk for future programmes, and deliver sustainable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and manufacturing capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Systems & Technology Development
  • Act as the technical authority for advanced manufacturing technologies and production systems.
  • Define technology roadmaps and identify opportunities to improve manufacturing capability, flexibility, efficiency, and competitiveness.
  • Lead feasibility studies, trials, proof-of-concept activities, technology validation, and readiness assessments.
• Industrialisation & Production Readiness
  • Support NPI activities and ensure manufacturing technology requirements are incorporated into production systems.
  • Lead the introduction of new technologies into production and conduct capability and validation activities.
• Automation, Digital Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
  • Drive automation, robotics, digitalisation, connected manufacturing, and Smart Factory initiatives.
  • Lead data-driven improvement activities.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree or apprentice trained in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field
• Experience developing and implementing new manufacturing technologies or automation solutions
• Strong understanding of process validation, capability studies, and industrialisation principles
• Experience leading trials, proof-of-concept activities, and production implementation
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and structured problem-solving methodologies
• Ability to build business cases and support capital investment justification
• Strong data analysis and decision‑making capability
• Effective stakeholder management and cross‑functional collaboration skills

Desirable

• Experience in regulated or safety‑critical manufacturing environments (aerospace, automotive, or similar)
• Experience mentoring or supporting the development of junior engineers or apprentices
• Experience of implementing digital and automated systems

We understand that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger. We are committed to fair and equitable employment practices for everyone.

Safran is an international high‑technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets. Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's \