Senior Manufacturing Engineer - NPI & Transitions

Quest Global; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Quest Global in Derby, UK, seeks an experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer focused on NPI and Transitions. You will lead cross-functional projects, manage production readiness, and optimize processes across OEM suppliers in Europe, with UK focus.

The role requires a strong aerospace engineering background, Lean/CI, SAP experience, and the ability to travel 25–50% and work hybrid within the UK.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in aerospace engineering and NPI.
• Lean/CI experience and strong problem-solving skills.
• Experience coordinating with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage projects from inception to delivery.

Responsibilities

• Serve as main liaison for NPI activities between customers and suppliers.
• Manage multiple projects with a global team.
• Lead implementation and distribution of new products meeting quality standards.
• Coordinate with engineering, quality assurance, and third-party collaborators.
• Drive process improvements to reduce costs and improve quality.
• Monitor MRP, schedules, WIP, and non-conformances against delivery dates.

Skills

Aerospace engineering

Analytical thinking

Project management

Lean / Continuous improvement

Manufacturing planning

Process improvement

Quality operations

Technical drawings

NPI experience

Travel readiness

Tools

SAP

Job description

Job Requirements

Position: Senior Manufacturing Engineer - NPI and Transitions

Who We Are:

Quest Global delivers world-class end-to-end engineering solutions by leveraging our deep industry knowledge and digital expertise. By bringing together technologies and industries, alongside the contributions of diverse individuals and their areas of expertise, we are able to solve problems better, faster. This multi-dimensional approach enables us to solve the most critical and large-scale challenges across the aerospace & defence, automotive, energy, hi-tech, healthcare, medical devices, rail and semiconductor industries.

We are looking for humble geniuses, who believe that engineering has the potential to make the impossible possible; innovators, who are not only inspired by technology and innovation, but also perpetually driven to design, develop, and test as a trusted partner for Fortune 500 customers. As a team of remarkably diverse engineers, we recognize that what we are really engineering is a brighter future for us all. If you want to contribute to meaningful work and be part of an organization that truly believes when you win, we all win, and when you fail, we all learn, then we’re eager to hear from you.

The achievers and courageous challenge-crushers we seek, have the following characteristics and skills:

We are seeking an experienced NPI (New Product Introduction) Engineer to join a well-established manufacturing company located in Derby UK. The successful candidate will be responsible for fostering long-term relationships with customers in and around UK, ensuring their expectations are met, and enhancing efficiency through exceptional service delivery skills. This role is crucial in the NPI process, playing a key part in the successful implementation and launch of new projects for both customers and their suppliers. The primary focus areas for this position include NPI, capacity planning, producibility, problem-solving, and lean processes for new product introductions.

What you will do:

• Primary Liaison : Serve as the main point of contact for NPI activities between the customer and their suppliers. Supply Chain Management and Production Planning support of various OEM sites and their suppliers located throughout Europe, however primarily in the UK.
• Project Management : Manage multiple projects concurrently with a global team.
• Implementation and Distribution : Facilitate the effective implementation and distribution of new products for suppliers, ensuring all quality control standards are met. Effectively driving tasks/projects to completion which includes Leading Indicator (LI) data collection: RM availability and on order, WIP tracking, Quality Notification closures, and Sub-Tier Supplier tracking.
• Cross-Functional Coordination : Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, quality assurance, and third-party collaborators.
• Supplier Collaboration : Work closely with suppliers to define, develop, and launch new or improved products.
• Process Improvement : Analyse and recommend enhancements to production processes and methods to reduce costs and improve quality.
• Monitor MRP tools, production schedules, work-in-progress (WIP), and non-conformances against delivery commitment dates. Revise and estimate delivery dates as needed.
• Identify bottlenecks, conduct gap analysis, create mitigation plans, and manage action items through to closure.
• Develop positive working relationships with engineers, buyers, and program management teams at both OEM and supply base levels.
• Use advanced IT skills to cleanse, structure, and analyse raw data, improving team reporting and decision-making.
• Document, summarize, and present reports to meet customer requirements.
• Gather feedback and work to identify new improvement projects in conjunction with Supplier Development Leaders
• Develop a strong understanding of the products and the operational processes they go through at your assigned Suppliers.
• Operational Planning : Develop and oversee an operational NPI plan, set operational KPIs, track project progress, manage risks, and report accordingly.
• Analytical Leadership : Provide leadership in project management, technical expertise, and quality assurance for product analytics.
• Manufacturing Planning : Develop manufacturing plans for assigned materials, including raw and finished goods, capacity planning, and roadmaps.
• NPI Methodologies : Assist in refining NPI methodologies, interfaces, and processes within the operational matrix to ensure smooth product introductions.
• Process Control : Assist in directing and controlling processes in line with defined policies and procedures, and conduct analyses and audits to recommend improvements in safety, quality, cost, waste reduction, and efficiency.
• Manufacturing Readiness : Ensure the readiness of all major new product materials for manufacturing.
• Risk Management : Identify manufacturing risks and bottlenecks and provide solutions using problem-solving techniques and project management.
• Knowledge of material packaging and handling.
• European Collaboration : Collaborate with and support the European NPI manager.

This list represents a selection of responsibilities. Additional tasks may be assigned to support evolving business needs.

What you will bring:

• Aerospace Engineering Experience : Proven expertise in aerospace engineering.
• Supportive Attitude : Willingness to assist and support colleagues.
• Analytical Thinking : Strong analytical skills combined with excellent interpersonal abilities.
• Project Management : Proficient in managing projects from inception to completion.
• Organizational Skills : Excellent organizational capabilities.
• Prioritization : Ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• NPI Experience : Experience in New Product Introduction.
• Machining Knowledge : Familiarity with machining processes.
• Lean/Continuous Improvement : Essential experience with Lean processes (Kaizen, SMED, Kanban, 5S).
• Technical Drawings : Ability to read and understand technical drawings.
• Quality Operations : Familiarity with quality operations such as PPAP/APQP or equivalent.
• Quality Project Management : Ability to manage quality aspects of NPI and prototype manufacturing.
• Manufacturing Optimization : Capability to optimise manufacturing methods and tooling/machine layouts.
• Flexibility : Willingness to work flexible hours, including potential weekend and foreign travel.
• Travel Readiness : Ability to travel on short notice.
• Knowledge of part qualification requirements (including PPAP/FAI/RCCA processes).
• Understanding of in Production processes i.e. Machining/Assembly/CMM/Special Processes/5S/BOM.
• Experience in a using SAP or similar ERP system.
• Planning / Raw material / Inventory / tool/ buffer stocks / Purchasing /procurement.

Desired Experince:

• Experience of structured problem-solving methodology: Lean/ACE, lead change/improvement activity/DMAIC/6 Sigma etc.
• Formal auditing qualification.
• Ability to read/interpret drawings including understanding of GD&T and critical characteristics (KPCs).
• Experience in using SAP or similar ERP system.

Work Requirements:

This position is classified as Hybrid within UK

Travel Requirements:

Do to the nature of the work 25%-50% travel may be required. Travel to suppliers 1-3X per month

Must possess a full UK driving license and vehicle.

Must have a valid passport.

This position involves travel within the UK and potentially Europe.

Citizenship Requirements:

Due to the nature of this role, you MUST be a UK CITIZEN