Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Leonardo; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Luton is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to enhance production efficiency and ensure the smooth transition of new products into manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate has an HND in engineering or equivalent experience and strong knowledge of manufacturing methodologies. This role offers generous benefits including a pension scheme and flexible working options.

Benefits

Generous leave with up to 12 additional flexi-days annually

Award-winning pension scheme with 15% employer contribution

Access to mental health support

Flexible benefits worth up to £500 annually

Free access to 4,000+ online courses

Qualifications

• Excellent knowledge of manufacturing principles.
• Experience with peer-reviewed work.

Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth transition of new products into manufacturing.
• Develop manufacturing processes based on product requirements.
• Participate in Manufacturing Maturity Reviews.

Skills

Practical knowledge of manufacturing processes

Project management skills

Problem-solving

Education

HND (or higher) in relevant engineering discipline

Job description

We are looking for a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to join us at Leonardo in the Luton Manufacturing Engineering Team. You will be part of the Manufacturing Operations business unit, a leader in delivering defence electronics, mission-critical systems for situational awareness, electronic warfare, communications, and surveillance across land, air, and sea domains.

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will have the opportunity to build cross-functional relationships and positively influence project teams to support the future of the business and improve the production process.

As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring the smooth transition of new products from design into manufacturing. You will lead front-end manufacturing engineering activities, providing DFx input (primarily design for manufacturing, assembly, and test) into the design, and resolving production capability issues. Your technical and project management skills will help ensure that new products are introduced into operations in a timely, efficient, cost-effective, and accurate manner.

You will develop manufacturing processes by studying product requirements, researching, designing, modifying, and testing manufacturing methods and equipment. You will understand feedback from Leonardo operators and collaborate with equipment vendors or external suppliers.

You will participate in and support Manufacturing Maturity Reviews, maintain governance through the Lifecycle Management process, and create or contribute to Manufacturing Plans.

You will provide manufacturing decision-making information to support:

• Reviewing production schedules
• Reviewing production labor and material costs
• Estimating future requirements

You will prepare product and process reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends.

You should be able to resolve routine and some complex product and/or production issues and constraints (such as relieving bottlenecks) on the shop floor, reacting efficiently to escalations from manufacturing teams.

You will work to improve manufacturing efficiency by participating in capacity analysis, simulation planning workflow, space requirements, and equipment layout.

What you'll bring

• HND (or higher) in relevant engineering discipline or equivalent experience
• Excellent practical knowledge of manufacturing processes and principles
• Experience in having your work peer-reviewed and implementing resulting actions
• Knowledge of more than one phase of the Product Life Cycle and associated discipline processes

This list is not exhaustive. We are keen to hear from you even if you lack experience in some areas. The most important qualities are 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). Additional security controls, such as National Security Vetting (NSV), may apply, including eligibility for Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information, please visit:

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package supporting 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 up to 12 additional flexi-days annually.

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 promoting inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing, and Ethnicity).

Rewarding Performance: 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 discuss what might be possible.

For a full list of our 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 UK sites. Our employees are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. If you have any accessibility requirements during the recruitment process, please let us know.