Principal Manufacturing Engineer- Continuous Improvement

MBDA UK; Bolton; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus up to £2,500

Pension up to 14%

Overtime paid

Flexi leave up to 15 days

Flexible working

Enhanced parental leave up to 26 weeks

Free car parking

Subsidised meals

Job summary

MBDA UK in Bolton is seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer – Continuous Improvement to lead waste reduction and productivity initiatives as we move toward higher production rates. The role offers hybrid work with substantial on-site presence and a competitive package.

You will manage CI programs, develop metrics, and drive improvement across Assembly Operations, collaborating with multiple functions to deliver measurable results.

Qualifications

• Passion for continuous improvement and a drive to reduce waste.
• Experience in fast-paced production environments.
• Ability to influence teams beyond direct reporting lines.
• Strong stakeholder relationships across functions.
• Knowledge of Lean/Six Sigma and 7 Quality Tools.

Responsibilities

• Manage the CI program for an allocated business unit.
• Remove waste from manufacturing processes.
• Lead development and implementation of metrics and reporting.
• Set up and govern CI reviews; ensure robust and sustainable.
• Develop Continuous Improvement plans.
• Support root cause analysis for externally supplied parts.
• Reduce defects using 8D/PDCA/DMAIC approaches.
• Implement process controls and capability.
• Create and maintain standard work foundations.
• Facilitate improvement activities within manufacturing.

Skills

Continuous Improvement

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data analysis

Problem solving

Project management

Stakeholder management

Interpersonal skills

Manufacturing processes

Education

Engineering Apprenticeship/Level 3/4 qualification

Degree in a relevant subject

Job description

If you are motivated by supporting and leading waste / defect reduction activities that will increase productivity as we drive towards trebling our production rates while reducing our costs, this role may suit you.

Salary: Circa £47,000 depending on experience

Dynamic (hybrid) working: 4-5 days per week on-site due to workload classification

Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship.

Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply.

As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

What we can offer you:

• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
• Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave -enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…

The opportunity:

Continuous Improvement Engineers support the MBDA Assembly Operations business in the delivery of missile systems to our UK & international customers. Whilst working to reduce waste you will liaise with other functions within MBDA, ensuring they are fully aware of all improvement activities. You will provide leadership, direction and support across Assembly Operations at all levels of the organisation.

As a Principal Manufacturing Engineer- Continuous Improvement, your main responsibilities will involve:

• Manage the CI program for an allocated business Unit
• Removal of waste from manufacturing processes
• Lead the development and implementation of business metrics and reporting systems
• Set up, support and govern CI reviews, ensuring they are robust and sustainable.
• Development of Continuous Improvement plans
• Supporting root cause analysis for externally supplied detail products
• Reduce defective issues within the business which include concessions, rework and non-conformances using a structured approach (8D / PDCA / DMAIC, etc, etc)
• Implementation of process controls & process capability
• Create and maintain the foundation for standard work for business Processes
• Facilitation of Improvement activities within the manufacturing facility
• Technical expertise on Lean tool sets and change management

What we're looking for from you:

• Electrical or Mechanical Engineering/Manufacturing Apprenticeship (Advanced Level or L3 Standard) & Electrical or Mechanical Engineering/Manufacturing Level 4 academic qualification (HNC, diploma, etc.) & Electrical or Mechanical Engineering/Manufacturing Level 3 vocational qualification (NVQ) *Not required if a L3 apprenticeship standard has been achieved Or Degree in a relevant subject.
• Passion for Continuous Improvement
• Working in or supporting operations in a fast paced production environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to influence teams outside of your direct reporting structure.
• The ability to form and maintain productive, working relationships with different stakeholders within the business
• Experience in the use & understanding of Lean manufacturing / Six sigma methodologies and the 7 Quality tools
• Leading practical problem solving exercises with multi-functional teams
• The ability to produce, maintain and interpret data using a structured approach.
• Manage projects and or improvement from "cradle to grave"
• Having a sound understanding of manufacturing, logistical and engineering processes

Our company:

Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom. We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity and more… We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information. What we do matters. Because defence matters. As a leading company in the defence industry we support our nations by delivering essential military capabilities, both for today and the future. We are proud to be an award-winning employer and are proud of the growing diversity of our workforce. Our people are the ones who drive our constant innovation and deliver against challenging targets. Whatever your background, we welcome your application to MBDA UK and look forward to speaking with you soon.