R&D Manufacturing Engineer

Safran; Northampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Northampton is seeking an R&D Manufacturing Engineer to develop and optimise manufacturing processes for composite components. This role involves hands-on design, testing, and collaboration across engineering teams. Candidates should have an engineering degree and experience in composite manufacturing. A competitive salary and benefits package are offered, including a performance bonus and flexible leave options.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Company performance bonus scheme

Pension scheme - up to 10% employer contribution

Private medical insurance

Structured training & opportunities to progress

Qualifications

• Strong problem-solving ability with a hands-on approach.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
• Experience in composite manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimise manufacturing processes for composite components.
• Contribute to the analysis of novel composite components using CAD.
• Support prototype manufacture and testing to validate materials.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

CAD modelling

Knowledge of FEA

Lean manufacturing knowledge

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Overview

We re recruiting an R&D Manufacturing Engineer to join our state-of-the-art facility in Banbury. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to be a key contributor in the development of innovative composite products and technologies. You will play a pivotal part in both the design and hands-on manufacture of structural composite components, working across the Engineering and R&D teams. The role will involve developing and optimising manufacturing processes, building and testing prototypes, and supporting product development from concept through to validation.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimise manufacturing processes for composite components, including filament winding, resin transfer moulding (RTM), and braiding.
• Contribute to the design and analysis of novel composite components using CAD, first principles, and FEA.
• Support prototype manufacture and testing to validate material and component performance.
• Conduct detailed analysis of materials and processes (eg, volume fraction, void content, glass transition temperature).
• Prepare technical documentation and reports, including results from Design of Experiments (DOE) and process validation.
• Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, and R&D teams to refine new products and processes.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and well-organised work environment in line with COSHH, company safety standards, and 5S practices.
• Actively support continuous improvement, lean initiatives, and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Previous R&D or manufacturing engineering experience, ideally within composites or advanced manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Strong problem-solving ability with a hands-on approach.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally and independently.
• Engineering degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Experience in composite manufacturing processes (eg, filament winding, RTM, braiding, moulding).
• Knowledge of stress analysis and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• CAD modelling and technical drawing experience.
• Familiarity with robotics/automation (eg, KUKA, CADfil).
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement tools.
• Aerospace or advanced composites industry experience.
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Company performance bonus scheme
• Pension scheme - up to 10% employer contribution
• Private medical insurance
• Comprehensive health cash plan
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Flexible benefits programme (buy & sell holiday allowance, discounted gym memberships, Maternity/adoption leave- up to 52 weeks, first 26 weeks at full pay, subsequent 26 at 50% (basic pay) and Paternity/Non-Pregnant Parent/Co-adopter leave 4 weeks full pay)
• Structured training & opportunities to progress
• Opportunity to join ERGs (employee resource groups), participate in community projects & much more!