Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialist

Overview

Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialists support Leonardo’s Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) with a focus on delivering robust manufacturing solutions across lifecycle phases. The role involves leadership, technical advisory, and developing operations manufacturing requirements for future Leonardo products, with travel to sites such as Edinburgh, Basildon and Southampton and occasional work-from-home opportunities.

• Provide specialist input into project teams to help ensure delivery of technically sound solutions meeting stakeholder requirements.
• Lead and deliver Manufacturing Engineering sections of plans, maintain governance through Lifecycle Management processes, and contribute to Manufacturing Plans and design/phase reviews (including Manufacturing Readiness Level reviews).
• Track external developments and disruptive technologies to identify exploitation opportunities and share knowledge within the project team.
• Enable future manufacturing and testing processes by studying product requirements, materials, lessons learned, and researching manufacturing methods and equipment; incorporate feedback from internal stakeholders and consult with equipment vendors or external suppliers.
• Develop infrastructure requirements for the factory of the future by collaborating with Technical Leads across the UK and understanding feedback and supplier input.
• Assess digital and technology roadmaps, including IT infrastructure and security, and technology needs (e.g., MES, SPC, novel materials).
• Prepare product and process reports by collecting, analysing, and summarising information and trends to ensure robust decision-making.
• Assure product and process quality through designing methods, validation/verification of process capabilities, establishing standards, and confirming manufacturing processes.
• Foster a culture of efficient manufacturing by developing innovative ideas and solutions, including infrastructure, cyber/physical security requirements, capacity planning, simulation, workflow, space, and equipment layout.
• Collaborate with engineering to translate manufacturing and test requirements for future designs during the design and development stage.
• Advise on and contribute to improving policies and processes within the operations framework; promote best-practice sharing and knowledge exploitation.
• Mentor, coach, and develop junior team members to grow overall capability.
• Support customer and user engagement and product road maps with domain experience.
• Maintain product and company reputation by complying with government regulations.

• External Approvals may include Registration as a Chartered Engineer or other relevant professional body.
• In-depth understanding of manufacturing and test processes and principles.
• Ability to influence and negotiate using data and analysis; clear communication of concepts, including non-technical explanations.
• Understanding of operational framework, business processes, and cross-functional/commercial processes and their impact.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience across multiple phases of the Product Life Cycle, including peer reviews and implementing resulting actions.
• Experience communicating with customers and suppliers and managing relationships effectively.
• Experience in capability and/or process development and implementing changes to working practices.
• Qualifications:
  
  HND or above in an engineering-related discipline.
• Security clearance: may require BPSS pre-employment screening; NSV, SC, or DV eligibility may apply.

• Comprehensive, company-funded benefits package supporting wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance.
• Flexible working options and hybrid arrangements.
• Access to training resources and professional development opportunities.