Lead Manufacturing Engineer - NPI; Product Introduction

Here are Dowty (a GE Aerospace company) we have an exciting fixed term contract opportunity for a Lead Manufacturing Engineer - NPI, to join our onsite team at our cutting edge manufacturing site near Gloucester. As the Lead Manufacturing Engineer you'll lead a small team to develop and optimize manufacturing processes for a new development program, covering composite, electro‑mechanical, and hydraulic systems.

You will also lead and mentor a small team of engineers, providing technical direction, guidance, and support to ensure project success; foster collaboration and communication within the team and across departments to achieve program goals; and delegate tasks effectively while maintaining accountability for team deliverables.

• Take a hands‑on approach to resolving manufacturing engineering issues using data, rationale, and logic.
• Influence design engineering to ensure manufacturing is represented during the product development process, prioritising design for manufacture/assembly throughout the program.
• Lead hands‑on trials and manufacturing of development parts to validate processes and technologies across composite, electro‑mechanical, and hydraulic systems.

• Develop test routines to establish process parameters around new technologies and systems, guiding manufacturing applications and determining feasibility of designed solutions.
• Employ virtual manufacturing tools to simulate workflow, automation sequences, and space requirements, informing capacity plans, resource requirements and line balancing.
• Develop robust, lean solutions for equipment layouts, process design and product flow to maximise ROI and reduce hours/costs per unit.

• Ensure process capability, cycle time and equipment availability targets are achievable through automation, existing solutions and new technology introduction.
• Define equipment lists, spare requirements, training requirements (production, ME and maintenance), work instructions and substance/equipment safety documentation.
• Lead the installation/commissioning process to deliver systems that meet delivery targets and operational requirements across safety, quality, delivery and cost (SQDC).

• Be a key part of an APQP rollout and an FMEA critical‑characteristic cascade into internal and supplier quality operating systems.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety (H&S) and construction design & management (CDM) regulations.

• Bachelor's degree or above in Engineering with considerable experience or equivalent knowledge in Technical Project/Program Management.
• Proven experience in leading small teams within a manufacturing environment.
• Extensive experience with the New Product Introduction (NPI) process, including project planning and execution.
• Strong manufacturing background with expertise in facilities development, engineering, robotics, automation and conveyor technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to optimise existing processes for throughput, quality and availability during both design and commissioning phases.

• Knowledge of problem‑solving methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, 8D, PPS, RedX) and APQP requirements.
• Experience defining FMEAs, cascading critical characteristics into control plans and developing manufacturing quality operating systems.
• Experience working with subcontracted suppliers and vendors.
• Knowledge of high‑volume composite (CFRP/RTM), electro‑mechanical and hydraulic manufacturing processes.

• Experience with 3D Catia, 2D AutoCAD and/or other CAD packages.
• Experience working within a highly regulated industry (preferably aviation but not essential).
• Knowledge of 3D printing/rapid prototyping tools, CAD packages and part production.
• Experience incorporating condition‑based monitoring and real‑time data acquisition into a ‘factory of the future’ shop floor environment.
• Broad experience with virtual manufacturing and tooling/process flow simulation software solutions.
• Ability to define and discern GD&T product tolerancing requirements.

Flexible working arrangements are encouraged where possible, recognising the benefits of a positive work‑life balance. GE supports flexible working arrangements for employees and recognises the benefits to employees of having a positive work‑life balance.

• Non‑contributory pension
• Life assurance
• Group income protection
• Private medical cover
• Holiday (hourly equivalent of 26 days, with flexible option to buy or sell)

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Please note that in the event that BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role and/or any offer of employment may be withdrawn on grounds of national security.