Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Leonardo UK Ltd; Wickford; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense electronics company is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer to develop robust solutions for transitioning new products into production. This role is hybrid, based in Basildon, with responsibilities including manufacturing support, process improvement, and team mentorship. A degree in engineering is required, along with experience in product life cycles and manufacturing principles.

Benefits

Generous leave and flexi-days

15% employer contribution pension

Mental health support and financial advice

Bonus scheme eligibility

Access to 4,000+ online courses

Referral programme rewards

Flexible benefits worth £500 annually

Hybrid working options

Qualifications

• Experience in multiple phases of the Product Life Cycle.
• In-depth understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Experience developing manufacturing capability.

Responsibilities

• Develop and support manufacturing processes for quality production.
• Prepare and organize Manufacturing Maturity Reviews.
• Improve manufacturing efficiency through analysis.

Skills

Manufacturing processes

Mentoring

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in relevant engineering discipline

Job description

Your Impact

Do you want to be part of a team who is leading the way in delivering defence electronics, mission critical systems for situational awareness, electronic warfare, communications and surveillance across the land, air and sea domains?

Overview

Our Integrated Sensing and Protection (ISP) department are currently recruiting for a Principal Manufacturing Engineer to join their dynamic team. Working on a hybrid basis from our Basildon office (the home of Marconi), you will play a key role in for developing robust solutions to ensure the smooth transition of our new products from design into production.

Responsibilities

• Develop, improve and support the manufacturing processes and equipment enabling high quality production of Leonardo products.
• Prepare and organise Manufacturing Maturity Reviews, maintain governance through the Lifecycle Management process and create, contribute, review and lead Manufacturing Plans.
• Liaise with operators, vendors and external suppliers to enact feedback to improve manufacturing and test methods/equipment.
• Review manufacturing documentation, including risk assessments, COSHH data, technical reports and technical drawings (to BS 8888).
• Resolve complex product or production issues reacting efficiently to escalation from manufacturing teams.
• Improve manufacturing efficiency through capacity analysis, production simulation, space requirement and equipment layout work.
• Assure product and process quality through validation and verification of process capability, establishing standards and confirming manufacturing processes.
• Review production schedules, review production labour and material costs and provide estimates for future project requirements.
• Prepare product and process reports by collecting, analysing, and summarizing information and trends.
• Provide complex technical advice to both internal and external customers.
• Work within cross-functional project teams to support the future of the business and affect the production process.
• Mentor, coach and develop less experience team members.

What you’ll bring

• Degree in relevant engineering discipline or equivalent experience in role.
• Experience of multiple phases of the Product Life Cycle.
• Previous experience of mentoring and supporting less experienced colleagues.
• In depth understanding of manufacturing processes and principles.
• Ideally experienced in developing manufacturing capability and understanding of Industry 4.0 / Smart factory principles

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all of the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit: careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you\'re looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

For a full list of our company, benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo, we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

Primary Location: GB - Basildon

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Onsite