Manufacturing Engineering - NPI Manager M/F

Safran S.A.; Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran Actuation Systems UK is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering NPI Manager to lead the NPI and manufacturing engineering teams across new product introductions and industrialisation programmes at the Wolverhampton site.

You will drive manufacturing readiness, translate product requirements into robust processes, and collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Operations and suppliers to deliver safe, on-time, cost-effective solutions while maintaining quality standards.

Qualifications

• Degree or apprenticeship in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
• Proven experience in Manufacturing Engineering and successful delivery of NPI/industrialisation programmes.
• Experience leading and developing technical teams; strong stakeholder communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead NPI and Manufacturing Engineering activities across NPI and industrialisation programmes.
• Develop robust, scalable manufacturing processes and translate product requirements into methods and tooling.
• Develop and mentor a high-performing NPI Manufacturing Engineering team.
• Manage programme resources, risks, milestones and stakeholder reviews.
• Drive Lean, Six Sigma and continuous improvement across the function.

Skills

NPI leadership

APQP

DFx

Systems Engineering

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Education

Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering degree

Tools

PFMEA

Control Plans

Lean Six Sigma

Job description

Safran – Here, we craft excellence together.

At Safran, excellence is a journey and we'd love you to be a part of it. As a trusted global leader in aerospace, defence, and space, we are proud to be a company where diversity, innovation, and opportunity come together to shape a sustainable future where we can all succeed together through a shared vision.

About Safran Actuation Systems UK

Safran Actuation Systems UK is a world class centre for the design, manufacture and support of cutting-edge actuation and flight control solutions used across commercial, military and rotary platforms. With major sites in Wolverhampton and Banbury, our teams play a critical role in delivering innovative, reliable and safe systems that keep aircraft performing at their best.

Role Overview

As Manufacturing Engineering NPI Manager, you will lead the Manufacturing Engineering NPI team responsible for the industrialisation of new and modified products across the Actuation business. You will drive manufacturing readiness throughout the full NPI lifecycle, ensuring safe, on-time and cost-effective delivery while meeting quality and operational requirements. Working closely with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, Programme Management and suppliers, you will provide both technical and people leadership to deliver robust manufacturing solutions and support business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• NPI & Manufacturing Engineering Leadership
• Lead Manufacturing Engineering activities across NPI and industrialisation programmes.
• Define and deliver NPI plans aligned to programme milestones.
• Drive the application of APQP, DFx, Systems Engineering, PFMEA, Control Plans and production readiness processes.
• Process Development & Industrialisation
• Lead the development and industrialisation of robust, scalable manufacturing processes.
• Translate product requirements into manufacturing methods, tooling, equipment and process controls.
• Team Leadership & Capability Development
• Develop, mentor and lead a high-performing NPI Manufacturing Engineering team.
• Manage resource planning, performance, capability development and succession planning.
• Establish engineering standards, best practices and continuous improvement across the function.
• Programme & Stakeholder Management
• Manage manufacturing engineering plans, resources, risks and recovery actions.
• Represent Manufacturing Engineering at programme reviews and business forums.
• Quality & Continuous Improvement
• Drive Lean, Six Sigma and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Identify opportunities to improve industrialisation processes, manufacturing technologies, automation and digitalisation.

Qualifications

• Degree or apprentice trained in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field
• Proven experience in Manufacturing Engineering and successful delivery of NPI / industrialisation programmes
• Experience leading and developing technical teams
• Strong knowledge of NPI, APQP, DFx, Systems Engineering and requirements management
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, tooling, equipment, and process development
• Strong understanding of PFMEA, Control Plans, process validation, capability studies, and production readiness
• Experience managing projects, technical risks, budgets, and programme milestones
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, planning, and organisational skills
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and team leadership abilities

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

We know that some candidates may be put off applying for jobs where they don't meet 100% of the criteria outlined in the advert. We encourage anybody to apply if you can demonstrate a variety of skills and experience relevant to the requirements of this role. Please let us know if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the hiring process that may better facilitate your participation.

Why Safran?

• A global presence: Be part of a global aerospace, defence & space business with over 100,000 Colleagues, across 300 sites in 30 countries.
• Inclusive & empowering environment: We celebrate our differences and believe they make us stronger. We know that a fulfilling work environment is a key driver for innovative ideas and team success.
• Innovation at the core: Join our mission to decarbonise aerospace and make the world a safer place. Your ambitions can take us further.
• Mobility & training opportunities: We can support your ambitions with training, development, a personalised career plan and mobility opportunities. If you have big dreams, we'll support you to make them a reality.
• A culture of excellence: Join a team that values collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement. Whatever your background, together we aim for excellence.