Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Leonardo; Basildon; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Leonardo is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer to enhance production processes in Basildon. Candidates should have a relevant engineering degree and experience in manufacturing operations, coupled with strong problem-solving and leadership skills. This role offers opportunities for professional growth and contribution to innovative defence solutions.

Benefits

Award winning pension scheme (up to 10% employer contribution)

25 days plus bank holidays

Flexible Working with hybrid options

Discounted Gym membership

Access to private healthcare and dental schemes

Free access to 4000+ online courses via Coursera

Referral Incentive scheme

Qualifications

• Degree in relevant engineering discipline or equivalent experience.
• In-depth understanding of manufacturing processes and principles.
• Experience with Industry 4.0 / Smart factory principles.

Responsibilities

• Developing manufacturing processes and improving operational efficiencies.
• Mentoring junior team members and fostering a culture of best practices.
• Resolving complex production issues.

Skills

Problem-solving

Manufacturing processes knowledge

People management

Communication

Project management

Education

Degree in engineering

Job description

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Principal Manufacturing Engineer, Basildon

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Client:

Leonardo

Location:

Basildon, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

cd31863c0c88

Job Views:

5

Posted:

22.06.2025

Expiry Date:

06.08.2025

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Job Description:

Job Description:

Are you a Manufacturing Engineer looking for an exciting new change? We are looking for a Principal Manufacturing Engineer to join us at Leonardo in Basildon. You will be part of the Integrated Sensing and Protection line of business, which is a leader in delivering defence electronics, mission critical systems for situational awareness, electronic warfare, communications and surveillance across the land, air and sea domains.

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will have the opportunity to build cross-functional relationships and be a positive influence within the project teams to support the future of the business and affect the production process.

In this role, you will be responsible for for developing robust solutions to ensure the smooth transition of our new products from design into production. You will be expected to plan and deliver your own work, across medium term planning horizons and provide complex technical advice to both internal and external customers.

As a Manufacturing Engineer you will join the team to develop, improve and support the operations manufacturing processes and equipment enabling world class production of Leonardo products.

Typical Accountabilities & activities will include:

Developing manufacturing processes by studying product requirements; researching, designing, modifying, and testing manufacturing methods and equipment; understanding feedback from Leonardo operators, conferring with equipment vendors or external suppliers

To prepare for and organise Manufacturing Maturity Reviews, maintain governance through the Lifecycle Management process and create / contribute / review and/or lead Manufacturing Plans

Provide manufacturing decision-making information with resolution proposals by:

-reviewing production schedules; reviewing production labour and material costs; estimating future requirements

-prepare product and process reports by collecting, analysing, and summarizing information and trends

Ability to resolve complex product and/or production issues & constraints (relieving bottlenecks) on shop floor reacting efficiently to escalation from manufacturing teams

Improve manufacturing efficiency by capacity analysis, simulation planning workflow, space requirements, and equipment layout

Review manufacturing documentation, can include input to process specific risk assessments, COSHH data, technical reports, specification

Assure product and process quality by designing methods; validation/verification of process capabilities; establishing standards; confirming manufacturing processes

Contribute to failure investigations to know problem-solving techniques (e.g. 8D)

Assure manufacturing data i.e. routings, production plans, control plans and electronic work instructions

Identifying continuous improvement activities to develop skills and competencies within Manufacturing Engineering

Complete improvement and development projects by training and interacting with the organisations’ manufacturing engineer community

Promoting a culture of best practice sharing and knowledge exploitation

Mentor, coach and develop more junior members of the team in order to develop overall capability

Providing domain experience in support of customer and user engagement and product road maps

Maintain product and company reputation by complying with government regulations

Degree in relevant engineering discipline or equivalent experience in role.

In depth understanding of manufacturing processes and principles

People management & leadership skills; including effective performance and change management skills

Ability to influence and negotiate with others using data and analysis to support line of reasoning

A detailed understanding of the operational framework and business processes

An understanding of cross functional / commercial business processes and their own impact

Ability to take ownership of a work package; planning and scheduling own workload and the work of others

Operational understanding of project work and how the work of the team impacts upon other project activities

Demonstrated knowledge and experience of multiple phases of the Product Life Cycle and the associated processes

Experience of peer reviewing the work of others inside a product team and within a sub Engineering Unit and ensuring the resulting actions are implemented

Demonstrated knowledge of the risk / reward process associated with engineering activity informing the activities of a product team and own sub-engineering unit

Ability to communicate concepts in a non-technical way

Confidence and ability to challenge / respond to technical / process issues

Ability to interact effectively with customers and suppliers

Been involved in capability and / or process development, demonstrating an ability to implement a change to working practices

Experience developing manufacturing capability and understanding of Industry 4.0 / Smart factory principles

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With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people.

Pension: Award winning pension scheme (up to 10% employer contribution)

Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year

Flexible Working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us

Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, access to Mental Health support, Financial wellbeing support, network groups (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Reservists, Carers)

Lifestyle: Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme

Company funded flexible benefits: Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance)

Training: Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera

Referral Incentive: You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member

Bonus: Scheme in place for all employees at management level and below

To find out about all of our company benefits please visit

Leonardo is a global high-tech company and one of the key players in Aerospace, Defence and Security. Headquartered in Italy, Leonardo has over 45,000 employees, of which 7,000 are based in the UK.

At Leonardo UK, we believe that a diverse and inclusive work environment unlocks our people’s full potential and drives innovation and creativity. We work hard to offer a welcoming, accessible and inclusive place to work for all of our people, creating a culture where everyone can thrive, feel safe and have a sense of belonging and connection.

This is a great opportunity to bring your talents and form an integral part of Leonardo’s future. We can help you develop your skills and offer great opportunities to develop and grow, so why not join us.