Senior Manufacturing Engineer (Composites)

Mane Contract Services; Ampthill; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Strong work-life balance

4-day working week (Monday-Thursday)

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

A leading engineering solutions provider in Ampthill seeks a Manufacturing Engineer to enhance manufacturing processes and efficiency. The role requires candidates to have current SC Clearance and offers a chance to work in a dynamic team environment. Key responsibilities include developing manufacturing processes, creating detailed instructions, and defining production layouts while collaborating across teams. The position embraces a forward-thinking approach to improve business performance and reduce costs.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have current SC Clearance.
• Knowledge of Electro Mechanical assembly processes.
• Experience with generating 2D technical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Develop manufacturing processes and define production layouts.
• Create detailed process instructions and Manufacturing BOMs.
• Support and contribute to the Technology Roadmap.

Skills

Detailed Assembly Processing knowledge

Lean Manufacturing knowledge

Six Sigma knowledge

Experience with CAD software

Understanding of MRP systems

Experience managing BOMs and routings

Proven ability to drive process change

Job description

This is a dynamic and fast‑paced organisation delivering advanced engineering solutions to both domestic and international customers. The business operates across multiple specialist areas, including platform integration, ground‑based defence systems, special projects and weapons programmes, providing a wide range of products and services to defence and security clients.

This is an opportunity to join a forward‑thinking team offering a challenging and rewarding career, alongside a strong work‑life balance, including a 4‑day working week (Monday‑Thursday) and flexible working arrangements.

Job Description

The Operations Engineering team supports operational performance and major product development across the full product lifecycle from initial design and prototyping through to production and end‑of‑life support.

This role is focused on improving manufacturing efficiency, reducing costs and increasing yield at every stage of the lifecycle, directly supporting programme delivery and key milestones.

As part of the team, the Manufacturing Engineer acts as a key technical point of contact, providing engineering support, problem‑solving and coordination across current and future projects.

The role drives a proactive "right first time" approach to quality, helping to enhance overall product standards, improve business performance and reduce manufacturing costs.

• Develop manufacturing processes.
• Define sequence of operations, procedures and production layouts for assemblies, equipment installation, processing and material handling taking into account flow and lean philosophies.
• Provide Basis of Estimates for engineering activities and shop floor operations across a range of technologies and disciplines.
• Identify any new tooling & fixturing requirements.
• Create Technical Requirement Specifications.
• Create detailed process instructions.
• Create Manufacturing BOMs / routings to aid ease of manufacture.
• Actively participate in Level 1 & 2 MDWT (Mission Directed Work Team) meetings.
• Support and contribute the relevant section of the Technology Roadmap to identify improvements to current manufacturing processes and future requirements.
• Assist with the Technical requirements of the relevant section of the Capital plan from definition to acceptance.
• Work closely with Industrial Engineering, Production Engineering and other functions as necessary.
• Support business process reviews and generation / update of relevant documentation.

Required skills, qualifications and experience

We can only consider candidates with current SC Clearance.

• Detailed Assembly Processing knowledge (Electro Mechanical, Bonding, etc.).
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and quality improvement tools.
• Experience with CAD software for generating 2D technical drawings.
• Solid understanding of MRP systems and experience managing BOMs and routings in SAP (or similar ERP systems).
• Proven ability to drive cultural and process change, improving efficiency and quality.
• C