Lead Manufacturing Engineer
Job Summary
The Lead Manufacturing Engineer drives process development for welding and CNC machining within the aerospace sector. This role focuses on ensuring manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and production readiness for high-precision components. The position also supports New Product Introduction (NPI), process optimization, and strict compliance with Nadcap and aerospace quality standards.
Responsibilities
- Lead welding process development (WPS/PQR)
- Manage CNC machining process optimization
- Oversee NPI and production readiness
- Ensure Nadcap and aerospace quality compliance
- Monitor manufacturing costs and production risks
Required Skills
- Degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering
- 8–10 years of manufacturing experience
- Expertise in CNC machining and welding
- Knowledge of Nadcap standards
- Strong analytical and leadership skills
Job Details
Job Purpose: The Lead Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for driving welding and CNC machining process development, ensuring manufacturability, cost effectiveness, and production readiness for aerospace components. The role also supports NPI, process optimisation, and compliance with aerospace quality standards including Nadcap requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
Welding Engineering:
- Lead development and qualification of welding procedures (WPS / PQR)
- Support Nadcap welding audits and compliance requirements
- Investigate weld defects and implement corrective actions
- Ensure welding processes meet aerospace OEM standards
CNC Machining Engineering:
- Develop CNC machining processes (turning, milling, multi-axis machining)
- Validate machining cycle time, tooling, and process capability
- Drive productivity improvement and machining optimisation
- Support automation and advanced machining initiatives
New Product Introduction (NPI):
- Conduct manufacturability assessment during quotation and NPI stages
- Validate routing, cycle time, and cost assumptions
- Support pilot builds and first article production readiness
Manufacturing Cost & Risk Control:
- Monitor production performance vs quotation assumptions
- Identify manufacturing risks impacting cost, quality, and delivery
- Support recovery plans for underperforming programmes
- Work closely with PPC, Production, Quality, and Sales teams
Capacity & Production Support:
- Support capacity planning and machine workload balancing
- Improve machine utilisation and OEE performance
- Support production troubleshooting when required
Quality & Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with aerospace OEM and Nadcap requirements
- Support internal and external audits
- Maintain manufacturing documentation and process control standards
Continuous Improvement:
- Drive scrap reduction and yield improvement initiatives
- Support digital manufacturing initiatives and process automation
- Promote data-driven engineering decisions
Requirements:
- Degree in Mechanical / Manufacturing Engineering or related discipline
- Minimum 8–10 years manufacturing engineering experience preferred
- Strong background in CNC machining and/or welding processes
- Experience in aerospace or precision engineering environment is an advantage
- Knowledge of machining parameters, tooling, and process optimisation
- Familiar with manufacturing cost estimation and cycle time validation
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills