Composite Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description Summary

At Dowty Propellers (a GE Aerospace company), we design, manufacture, repair and overhaul advanced propeller systems for Military and Civil applications from our new, state‑of‑the‑art facility in Gloucestershire, UK.

In this role, you will be a key member of the Composite Production Manufacturing Engineering team, supporting the ongoing manufacture of our carbon composite Dowty Propeller Systems. You will focus on improving production processes, leading structured problem solving and ensuring rigorous procedural and regulatory compliance, while continually developing parts, processes and designs to maintain design intent and product integrity.

As a central figure in the manufacturing environment, you will work closely with planning, operations, quality and engineering to keep production moving at pace, delivering safe, airworthy products to our customers.

• Team contribution: Contribute to a diverse, mixed skill‑set team in a self‑motivated, pragmatic manner to resolve manufacturing issues.
• Problem solving : Present data‑driven solutions to manufacturing engineering problems using structured Lean and problem‑solving methodologies (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma, 8D, PPS, RedX).
• Statistical analysis: Use statistical techniques to analyse production data, identify significant trends and surface production issues early.
• Process development
  :
  Create and develop production techniques from raw material to finished product, placing Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost (SQDC) at the centre of all decisions.
• Work instructions: Author and iteratively improve clear, concise manufacturing work instructions that align with technical specifications.
• Shop floor support: Provide training and support to manufacturing operatives to embed changes in work instructions and manufacturing techniques.
• Performance improvement: Actively contribute to year‑on‑year improvements in key manufacturing metrics such as throughput, yield, cycle time and defects‑per‑unit.
• Technology & innovation: Proactively suggest and develop new technology initiatives for fixtures, tooling and equipment to improve manufacturing processes.
• Project updates: Present project updates to organisational stakeholders, clearly communicating status, risks and actions.

• Education: Minimum NVQ Level 3 with awareness of Manufacturing Engineering within a composite manufacturing environment or similar level of experience.
• Problem solving: Knowledge of a problem‑solving methodology (Lean, Six Sigma, 8D, PPS, RedX).
• H&S: Knowledge of health and safety regulations and means of compliance.
• Technical literacy: Familiarity with, and ability to interpret, technical engineering drawings, BOMs and technical specifications.
• Communication: Able to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, in a group setting.

• Education & experience: HNC Level 4 in a manufacturing or engineering discipline with proven experience as a Manufacturing Engineer within a composite manufacturing environment.
• Configuration Control: Experience of configuration control processes within a highly regulated manufacturing industry (preferably aviation, but not essential).
• CAD: Experience with 3D Catia, 2D AutoCAD and/or another CAD package.
• Fixtures & tooling: Previous responsibility for the upkeep and development of fixtures, tooling and equipment.
• Additive Manufacturing: Knowledge of 3D printing from CAD through to part production.

We recognize that not every candidate will meet each of the above role characteristics to an equal level. If you believe you meet many of the details in the job specification and would like to explore this role further, please either apply as a speculative application or reach out to our recruitment team who will be happy to help.

GE supports and encourages flexible working arrangements, where possible, and recognises the benefits to employees of having a positive work-life balance.

At GE Aviation we understand the importance of Total Reward. Our flexible benefits plan, called Flex Choice, gives you freedom, choice and flexibility in the way…