Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Copello Global; Glenrothes; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Contributory pension scheme

Discretionary bonus

Life assurance (6x salary)

Flexible benefits package

Family-friendly policies

Job summary

Copello Global is recruiting a Senior Manufacturing Engineer on a 12-month fixed-term contract. You will drive continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence across programmes in a defence/aerospace environment.

You will lead data analysis, root-cause investigations, and DFMA/NPI support, collaborating with cross‑functional teams to deliver high‑quality manufacturing solutions.

Qualifications

• HND or equivalent in manufacturing/production engineering.
• Experience in electronics manufacturing across multiple technologies.
• Strong data analysis and practical engineering solutions.
• Experience improving production efficiency and effectiveness.
• Knowledge of SPC, FMEA and risk mitigation.
• Lean and Six Sigma principles applied in manufacturing.
• Excellent communication and team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence.
• Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Analyse manufacturing data to identify trends and issues.
• Support DFMs, NPI activities and manufacturability assessments.
• Collaborate with programme cells and wider engineering teams.
• Monitor KPIs and optimise processes for performance.

Skills

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Continuous improvement

SPC understanding

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Lean Six Sigma

Manufacturing experience

Education

HND in Manufacturing/Production Engineering or related

Job description

Duration: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract (potential for permanent role)

Hours: Full Time (37 hours per week) - compressed working week, Fridays off

Security Clearance: BPSS (must be eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship)

Copello are working with a leading organisation in the defence and aerospace sector, supporting the delivery of advanced engineering solutions across highly regulated, complex environments. Due to continued growth, we are recruiting for a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to join their team on a fixed-term basis.

This is an excellent opportunity to work on innovative programmes, contributing to cutting-edge manufacturing and engineering projects while collaborating with experienced, multidisciplinary teams.

The Role

As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a key role in driving continuous improvement and ensuring manufacturing excellence across a range of programmes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Driving improvement initiatives using best-in-class and world‑class manufacturing principles
• Working as an active member of integrated programme and engineering teams
• Analysing manufacturing data to identify trends, issues, and opportunities
• Leading root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions
• Supporting resolution of quality and performance challenges
• Identifying training and development needs to enhance team capability
• Monitoring and reporting on manufacturing engineering metrics and KPIs
• Using data insights to optimise processes and improve performance
• Supporting programme cells and the wider engineering function
• Contributing to Design for Manufacture (DFM) and manufacturability assessments
• Supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) activities

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• HND (or equivalent) in Manufacturing, Production Engineering, or a related discipline
• Strong experience within electronics manufacturing across a range of technologies
• Proven ability to analyse data and deliver practical engineering solutions
• Experience contributing to improvements in production efficiency and effectiveness
• Understanding and application of Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Experience leading or contributing to Process FMEA and risk mitigation activities
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage at all levels
• Proactive, self‑motivated approach with strong team collaboration skills
• Proven track record within a manufacturing or engineering environment
• Ability to challenge existing processes and drive continuous improvement
• Confident communicator across multidisciplinary teams
• Experience working across multiple manufacturing platforms

What’s on Offer

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays, with the option to buy/sell up to 5 days
• Contributory pension scheme (up to 10.5% employer contribution)
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Life assurance (6x salary)
• Flexible benefits package including health cash plan, dental, and cycle to work
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies

Working Arrangements & Culture

• Flexible working options including hybrid and site‑based arrangements
• A supportive and collaborative working environment focused on outcomes
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• Up to 5 days paid volunteering leave annually

Please note: Candidates must be permanent UK residents and able to successfully complete BPSS security clearance.