R&D Manufacturing Engineer M-F

Preligens; Banbury; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative composites company in Banbury is seeking an R&D Manufacturing Engineer to contribute to the development of composite products. The role involves optimising manufacturing processes, supporting prototype testing, and conducting material analysis. Ideal candidates will have prior experience in R&D or manufacturing engineering, strong problem-solving skills, and excellent communication abilities. Competitive salary and benefits package offered.

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

Structured training & opportunities to progress

Qualifications

• Previous R&D or manufacturing engineering experience, ideally within composites or advanced manufacturing.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimise manufacturing processes for composite components.
• Contribute to the design and analysis of novel composite components using CAD.
• Support prototype manufacture and testing to validate material and component performance.
• Conduct detailed analysis of materials and processes.
• Prepare technical documentation and reports.
• Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, and R&D teams.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and well-organized work environment.
• Actively support continuous improvement and lean initiatives.

Job description

R&D Manufacturing Engineer M/F

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.

Overview

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 (e.g., 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).

Job Requirements

Essential skills:

• Previous R&D or manufacturing engineering experience, ideally within composites or advanced manufacturing.
• Strong problem-solving ability with a hands-on approach.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally and independently.

Desirable skills:

• Engineering degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Experience in composite manufacturing processes (e.g., filament winding, RTM, braiding, moulding).
• Knowledge of stress analysis and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• CAD modelling and technical drawing experience.
• Familiarity with robotics/automation (e.g., 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!

Company Information

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.

Locate your future workplace

Chalker Way
OX16 4X
Banbury, England United Kingdom