Manufacturing Systems Architect

Overview

An opportunity for an Engineering Manager to act as the manufacturing technical authority for a missile portfolio at MBDA.

• Ensure the manufacturing system is technically capable for current production requirements and manage all changes to meet future needs.
• Lead Spiral Development activities at project level from a manufacturing perspective, ensuring all business units are involved.
• Coordinate obsolescence from a manufacturing project perspective.
• Lead industrialisation aspects of project product gate reviews.
• Support project leads in continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency.
• Lead project rate increase requirements, ensuring production areas can deliver rate requirements.
• Manage manufacturing CAPEX submissions/requirements and funding at a project level.
• Coordinate overall project preparation and proving of the production system from initial validation to full certification, ensuring smooth transition from development to series production.
• Lead project risk identification and aversion strategies related to technical definition and manufacturing methodologies.
• Develop, maintain and control technical interfaces to customers, suppliers and collaborators to resolve technical issues quickly.

• Proven technical background in engineering with experience in manufacturing systems, preferably in defense.
• Excellent stakeholder management, relationship building and influence across cross‑functional teams.
• Credible authority on technical topics at project and domain level.
• Experience leading projects such as Spiral Development and obsolescence removal activities.
• Strong problem‑solving, risk management and ability to resolve challenging technical issues in a timely manner.
• Experience with industrialisation processes.
• Excellent communication, organisational and decision‑making skills.
• Confidence and capability in influencing solutions at senior level.
• Manufacturing experience allowing strategic vision with long‑term stakeholders.

• Salary approximately £70,000 depending on experience.
• Bonus up to 27% of base salary.
• Car allowance £300 per month.
• Pension contribution up to 14% (employer + employee).
• Flexible working and hybrid arrangement (2‑3 days on site).
• Enhanced parental leave: up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave; enhancements for paternity, neonatal leave and fertility treatment.
• Subsidised meals and free car parking.
• Private medical insurance employer funded for eligible employees.

Security clearance required:
Security Clearance (SC). Applicants must be British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship.

MBDA is an equal opportunity employer.