Lead NPI Manufacturing Coordinator

Lead NPI Manufacturing Coordinator – Dowty, GE Aerospace

At GE Aerospace, we design, manufacture, and support cutting‑edge aerospace systems that power the future of flight. The Lead NPI Manufacturing Coordinator bridges Manufacturing Engineering (ME) and Operations during the development phase of new products, ensuring the smooth flow of production articles through the shop floor and driving cross‑functional collaboration.

• Production Management: Oversee production articles on the shop floor, ensuring timely progress and delivery; anticipate and resolve bottlenecks to maintain production flow and meet delivery targets.
• Sustaining and Continuous Improvement: Develop and maintain a lessons‑learned register; lead structured problem‑solving activities such as Lean, Six Sigma, and 8D to optimize processes and improve key metrics.
• Design for Manufacturability: Collaborate with design engineering to prioritize manufacturing considerations; contribute to equipment layouts, process design, and product flow; define tooling, settings, and calibration requirements.
• Leadership and
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Provide technical leadership to the ME team, mentor junior engineers and foster collaboration across Operations, EHS, Planning, and Quality; represent ME in cross‑functional forums.
• Compliance and Documentation: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (CAA, EASA, FAA) and internal procedures; drive safety and compliance in the work area; define equipment lists, training, and safety documentation.

• Education: Minimum Level 3 qualification; HNC or Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• Experience: Proven expertise in manufacturing engineering, production management, or a similar role.
• Knowledge of New Product Introduction (NPI) processes and project planning.
• Experience in facilities containing robotics, automation, and conveyor technologies.
• Proven ability to optimize existing processes for throughput, quality, and availability during design and commissioning phases.
• Knowledge of problem‑solving methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, 8D, Red X) and APQP requirements.
• Proficiency in lean tools such as Value‑Stream Mapping, run charts, Pareto analysis, and other methods for tracking production and identifying problems.
• Self‑starter able to find solutions to new problems and work without clear instructions to achieve goals.

• Experience with composite (CFRP/RTM) or high‑tolerance machined parts manufacturing.
• Experience in facilitating Kaizen events and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proficiency in CAD software (3D Catia, 2D AutoCAD) and virtual manufacturing tools.
• Knowledge of 3D printing/rapid prototyping tools and part production.
• Experience in highly regulated industries (aviation preferred).
• Ability to define and discern GD&T product tolerancing requirements.
• Expertise in line balancing to optimize operator efficiency and achieve maximum production output.

GE supports and encourages flexible working arrangements wherever possible, recognising the benefits of a positive work‑life balance.

Benefits under GE Aerospace’s Flex Choice plan include non‑contributory pension, life assurance, group income protection, private medical cover, and 26 days holiday (with flexible buy/sell options).

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Inability to obtain BPSS clearance may disqualify candidates and/or cause offer withdrawal.

Applications from candidates requiring UK sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside other applicants. However, candidates lacking the required right to work may not be appointed if a suitably qualified, non‑sponsored candidate is available.

Relocation assistance is provided.