Principal Manufacturing Engineer- Continuous Improvement

MBDA S.A.S.; United States; Remote; USD 57,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension contributions up to 14%

Overtime paid

Flexi Leave up to 15 days

Flexible working

Enhanced parental leave

On-site gym membership and facilities

Job summary

MBDA is a leading defence organisation seeking a Principal Manufacturing Engineer - Continuous Improvement to lead the CI program across Assembly Operations. You will drive waste reduction, develop metrics and govern CI reviews to ensure robust, sustainable improvements.

You will influence cross-functional teams, apply Lean/Six Sigma, and deliver cradle-to-grave improvement projects while benefiting from dynamic working arrangements, generous leave, and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Passion for Continuous Improvement
• Experience in fast-paced production operations
• Excellent interpersonal and influence skills across teams
• Ability to build productive stakeholder relationships
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma and 7 Quality tools
• Leading practical problem solving with cross-functional teams
• Ability to produce, maintain and interpret data structurally
• Manage CI projects from cradle to grave
• Sound understanding of manufacturing, logistics and engineering processes

Responsibilities

• Manage the CI program for an allocated business unit
• Remove waste from manufacturing processes
• Lead development and implementation of metrics and reporting
• Set up, support and govern CI reviews for robustness
• Develop Continuous Improvement plans
• Support root cause analysis for externally supplied parts
• Reduce defects via structured approaches (8D/PDCA/DMAIC)
• Implement process controls and capability
• Create and maintain standard work foundations for processes
• Facilitate Improvement activities within the facility
• Provide Lean toolset expertise and change management guidance; 25 days annual leave

Skills

CI passion

Fast-paced production

Interpersonal skills

Stakeholder influence

Lean Six Sigma knowledge

Practical problem solving

Data interpretation

Project management

Manufacturing processes

Education

Electrical/Mechanical Apprenticeship (Advanced Level or L3)

Level 4 academic qualification (HNC/diploma)

Level 3 NVQ or equivalent

Degree in relevant subject

Job description

Continuous Improvement Engineers support the MBDA Assembly Operations business in the delivery of missile systems to our UK & international customers. Whilst working to reduce waste you will liaise with other functions within MBDA, ensuring they are fully aware of all improvement activities. You will provide leadership, direction and support across Assembly Operations at all levels of the organisation. As a Principal Manufacturing Engineer- Continuous Improvement, your main responsibilities will involve:

• Manage the CI program for an allocated business Unit
• Removal of waste from manufacturing processes
• Lead the development and implementation of business metrics and reporting systems
• Set up, support and govern CI reviews, ensuring they are robust and sustainable.
• Development of Continuous Improvement plans
• Supporting root cause analysis for externally supplied detail products
• Reduce defective issues within the business which include concessions, rework and non-conformances using a structured approach (8D / PDCA / DMAIC, etc, etc)
• Implementation of process controls & process capability
• Create and maintain the foundation for standard work for business Processes
• Facilitation of Improvement activities within the manufacturing facility
• Technical expertise on Lean tool sets and change management, Employees receive 25 days of paid annual leave per calendar year, in addition to all statutory and public holidays.

After 5, 10 and 15 years of service, an additional day of annual leave is added to your allowance at each of these milestones. You can also enjoy more time off by purchasing up to an additional five days holiday through payroll., We trust our people to agree, within their teams, where and when they can be most effective. Our Dynamic Working policies allow individuals great levels of flexibility around the hours they work and where they work. Depending on your role and function, this may include options for paid overtime, dynamic leave (time in lieu) and more., Our MBDA Retirement Savings Plan is a 'Defined Contribution' plan in the Mercer Master Trust. The standard contributions are 4% of an employee's base salary and 6% employer contributions. You can increase both employee and employer contributions by up to 2%. Financial Awareness - Employees have access to free financial webinars hosted throughout the year, along with access to a financial education website which provides plenty of useful hints, tips and guidance on managing financial wellness. Share Incentive Plan - Acquire shares in our UK Shareholder, BAE Systems PLC, the scheme is tax efficient on shares purchased. Mortgage Advice - As part of our financial wellbeing initiative employees can access free of charge mortgage advice and webinars. Season Ticket Loan - Employees can borrow the value of public transport season ticket for bus or train journeys to and from work and spread the cost over 12 months. Critical Illness - To help reduce the financial impact after being diagnosed with a critical illness, employees receive a tax-free lump sum payment that can be used for any purpose including covering medical expenses, adjustments to lifestyle and more. Employee Assistance Programme - The Employee Assistance Programme is free, independent, confidential and is available 24 hours a day/365 days a year. Employees have access to short-term counselling (which includes up to 8 structured face to face, telephone or virtual sessions). Voluntary Private Medical Insurance - Private Medical Insurance offers three healthcare plans to suit your individual requirements for you and your family. Funded Private Medical Insurance - Eligible employees (Grade C & Above) are enrolled as standard into the company funded Private Medical Insurance benefit. Dental Insurance - The Dental Insurance benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday dental expenses such as, minor treatments, routine examinations, restorative treatment and more. There are six levels of cover available, with each level providing increased claim limits. Healthcare Cash Plan - The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more. There are six levels of cover available, with each level providing increased claim limits. Healthcare and Leisure - The Healthcare and Leisure benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as medical fees, dentist fees, opticians and also provides access to special deals and concessions on sporting and recreational facilities.

If you are motivated by supporting and leading waste / defect reduction activities that will increase productivity as we drive towards trebling our production rates while reducing our costs, this role may suit you.

• Electrical or Mechanical Engineering/Manufacturing Apprenticeship (Advanced Level or L3 Standard)
• Electrical or Mechanical Engineering/Manufacturing Level 4 academic qualification (HNC, diploma, etc.)
• Electrical or Mechanical Engineering/Manufacturing Level 3 vocational qualification (NVQ) Not required if a L3 apprenticeship standard has been achieved
• Degree in a relevant subject.

• Passion for Continuous Improvement
• Working in or supporting operations in a fast paced production environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to influence teams outside of your direct reporting structure.
• The ability to form and maintain productive, working relationships with different stakeholders within the business
• Experience in the use & understanding of Lean manufacturing / Six sigma methodologies and the 7 Quality tools
• Leading practical problem solving exercises with multi-functional teams
• The ability to produce, maintain and interpret data using a structured approach.
• Manage projects and or improvement from "cradle to grave"
• Having a sound understanding of manufacturing, logistical and engineering processes

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity and more... We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

Healthworks Gym Membership - The Healthworks on-site gym at our Stevenage site offers a range of facilities and equipment, alongside a variety of classes available during the week. Annual Gym Membership - Take advantage of discounted membership at over 3,600 of the UK's leading gym chains, leisure centres, hotel health clubs, independent gyms, boot camps and yoga studios. The Club -The Club provides a fantastic opportunity to enjoy great social activities - from theatre trips, days out, to sporting activities.

We're proud to be a nationally recognised employer at MBDA. We have received a range of employer awards including Glassdoor Best Places to Work 2022; Gold awards from Investors in People, the 5% Club, and Armed Forces Covenant. We are also currently ranked #1 in the UK's Best Big Companies to Work For 2022 league table, as well as #1 for Manufacturing.

Salary: Circa £47,000 depending on experience

Dynamic (hybrid) working: 4-5 days per week on-site due to workload classification

Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

What we can offer you:

• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
• Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave -enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…, We recognise that having or adopting a child is a significant life event for our employees and as a family friendly employer we offer a range of enhanced family leave provisions to support employees before, during and after a period of leave.

Our enhanced parental leave offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave. Enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments. We also offer 2 weeks enhanced pay for paternity leave, and neonatal care leave for up to 12 weeks where a period of extended hospital care is required after birth. Employees also have access to support whilst undergoing fertility testing and treatments.

Lifestyle - Discounts & VouchersLifestyle - Discounts & Vouchers Discounts - The Discounts platform includes a great range of features such as: discounts, instant vouchers, reloadable cards, easy saver cards, cashback, mobile app and Wellbeing Centre.

Costco - Permanent employees of MBDA qualify for Costco's individual membership.

Technology Vouchers - Purchase the latest gadgets and white goods up to the value of £2,500 and spread the cost over 12 months.

Charity Donations - Donate up to five charities each month, with full tax relief on all donations.

MyCar Scheme - The MBDA MyCar Scheme offers employees the opportunity to access up to two new vehicles via a salary sacrifice arrangement including an all-inclusive package.

Holiday Purchase - Purchase up to 5 days' extra holiday whilst making tax and National Insurance savings, spreading the cost over 12 months.

Development of our people is of vital importance to us at MBDA, which is why we ensure everyone has access to the teams, tools and resources needed to achieve their goals. This includes our dedicated in-house Learning & Development team, our Apprenticeship programmes, a variety of online learning platforms, and much more. We encourage new learning and will provide up to £150 in financial support per year if you wish to participate in further study in your own time. If you lead a team, or hope to do so in the future, we offer a range of management training opportunities, with paths designed for people of all experience levels.

Dynamic Working We want our people to work when and where they feel they can be most effective. For most of our employees, we have a flexi-time scheme that allows you to choose, within certain parameters, when you start and finish each day and how you can use time you have accrued. For roles that do not have to be based on one of our sites full‑time, you will have opportunities to work from home as part of your agreed Dynamic Working arrangement. If you have worked the time, you are also able to accrue and take up to 15 days of Flexi‑leave per annum, in addition to the 25 days of annual leave provided and bank holidays.

Security Clearance All employees at MBDA are required to hold UK Security or BPSS Clearance.