MANUFACTURING SUPPORT PROJECT ENGINEER

KNDS Defence UK Limited; Stockport; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension (4% employee, 7% employer)

Half-day Friday

Life assurance

Sick pay scheme

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Additional Holidays & Long Service

Wellbeing initiatives

Cycle-to-work Scheme

Free on-site parking

On-site EV charging

Job summary

KNDS UK is seeking a Manufacturing Support Project Engineer to provide technical and project management support across CNC machining operations. You will drive process improvements, manage machine installations, and develop SOPs and training for production teams.

The role combines hands-on engineering with structured project delivery, collaborating with suppliers and internal teams to ensure quality, safety, and on-time delivery of engineering outputs.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 or higher.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining principles and manufacturing processes.
• Experience using milling machines.
• Ability to design fixtures and select or specify cutting tools.
• Experience improving machining tooling, methods, or processes.
• Experience creating SOPs, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD.
• Proven experience managing engineering or manufacturing projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Microsoft Project.
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Apply knowledge of CNC machining processes to support production and resolve technical issues.
• Design and develop fixtures, jigs, tooling, and work-holding solutions.
• Select cutting tools and optimize machining strategies.
• Improve tooling, machining methods, and process efficiency.
• Create, update, and maintain manufacturing instructions, documentation, and SOPs.
• Deliver training to operators on processes, procedures, documentation, and best practices.
• Manage engineering and manufacturing projects using structured project management methods.
• Lead and coordinate machine installations, commissioning activities, and contract management.
• Work with suppliers and contractors to ensure safe and effective delivery of tasks.
• Support Lean activities and continuous improvement across machining operations.

Skills

CNC machining principles

Milling machines

Fixtures design

Cutting tools selection

Process improvement

Education

GCSE Maths & English

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Inventor

SAP

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Project

Job description

We currently have an opportunity for a Manufacturing Support Project Engineer

About KNDS UK:

With over a century of engineering expertise and innovation, KNDS UK is a renowned world leader in rapidly deployable military bridging systems and a key partner in the UK MoD’s Boxer armoured vehicle programme.

We are proud of our heritage and our reputation of providing the highest quality engineering solutions for over 100 years. As a trusted partner to military customers around the world, our employees are the very heart of our company. We have a skilled and experienced workforce dedicated to achieving excellence in all areas of the business such as Manufacturing, Engineering, Project Management and Business Support functions.

As our business evolves, we are looking to strengthen our workforce with talented and motivated individuals across a range of disciplines and currently have this opportunity available.

About the role:

You will provide technical and project management support across CNC machining operations, driving process improvements, delivering engineering projects, managing machine installations, and developing SOPs and training. Working closely with production, engineering, suppliers, and contractors, you will help ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations that meet quality and delivery requirements.

Key duties include, but are not limited to:

• Apply knowledge of CNC machining processes to support production and resolve technical issues.
• Design and develop fixtures, jigs, tooling, and work-holding solutions.
• Select appropriate cutting tools and optimize machining strategies.
• Improve current tooling, machining methods, and process efficiency.
• Create, update, and maintain manufacturing instructions, documentation, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Deliver training to operators on processes, procedures, documentation, and best practices.
• Manage engineering and manufacturing projects using structured project management methods.
• Use Microsoft Project to plan, track, and report project activities.
• Lead and coordinate machine installations, commissioning activities, and contract management.
• Work with suppliers and contractors to ensure safe and effective delivery of tasks.
• Support Lean activities and continuous improvement across machining operations.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams, providing updates, technical support, and project reports.
• Work independently and collaboratively to deliver engineering outcomes.

What we’re looking for:

Candidates must have the following essential qualifications and experience:

• GCSE in Maths and English at a Grade 4 or higher, or equivalent qualification.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining principles and manufacturing processed.
• Experience using milling machines.
• The ability to design fixtures and select or specify cutting tools
• Experience with improving machining tooling, methods, or processes.
• Experience creating SOPs, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD.
• Proven experience managing engineering or manufacturing projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Microsoft Project.
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems.

The following are desirable:

• PRINCE2 certification (or equivalent project management qualification).
• Ex ‑ machine operator
• Experience with CAD software for fixture design (e.g. SolidWorks, Inventor).
• Experience in precision machining industries such as aerospace or automotive.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies beyond basic Lean (Kaizen, TPM, etc.).
• Previous experience in a Manufacturing Engineering or similar role.

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following skills and aptitudes:

• Strong problem-solving skills with a practical, hands‑on engineering approach.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and machining requirements.
• Good organisational and time-management abilities.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Adaptability to changing priorities and project demands.
• Confidence to liaise with suppliers, contractors, and cross‑functional teams.
• Proactive mindset with a drive for improvement and efficiency.
• Professional attitude, reliability, and strong work ethic.

Why you should join us:

When you become part of the KNDS UK team, you will enjoy employee benefits such as:

• Competitive salary
• Attractive pension (4% employee contribution, 7% employer contribution)
• Half‑day Friday
• Life assurance scheme
• Company sick pay scheme which increases with service
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Additional Holidays & Long Service rewards
• Wellbeing initiatives, such as Free Fruit on Tuesday’s
• Cycle-to-work Scheme
• Free on‑site car parking
• On‑site electric vehicle charging point

We’re also very proud to be part of the Armed Forces Covenant since 2018, achieving their Silver Award in 2020 and Gold Award in 2024. We actively support and encourage service leavers, reservists and cadets to join our team, recognising military skills and qualifications in our recruitment and selection process.