Manufacturing Engineer

Company Details

Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd (IFA) sits uniquely as the only single-sited forge with open-die radial, press, hammer & ring rolling and closed-die extrusion, drop stamp and blade forging capabilities in the world. Through extensive forging and manufacturing processes, IFA offers a fully integrated metals service centre from ingot and billet production through to fully tested and released machined products.

As the Manufacturing Engineer, you will be based at the Sheffield manufacturing facility, working closely with Quality, Production and Metallurgy teams to drive continuous and quality improvements across the manufacturing operations. The role will focus on improving manufacturing processes, investigating technical and quality issues, supporting customer requirements and ensuring products consistently meet demanding aerospace and engineering specifications.

You will be a key technical resource within the business, helping to improve process capability, product conformity and operational performance through data‑driven decision making and engineering expertise. This position would suit an experienced engineer from a manufacturing environment with a strong background in quality improvement, process engineering, metallurgical processes or operational excellence.

• Lead investigations into manufacturing non‑conformances, quality concerns and process deviations
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions to improve performance
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, process capability and operational efficiency
• Support metallurgical investigations and process validation activities
• Analyse manufacturing and quality data to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement
• Develop and optimise manufacturing processes, procedures and controls
• Support customer quality requirements, audits and technical investigations
• Work closely with Quality Engineers and Metallurgists to ensure compliance with customer, aerospace and regulatory standards
• Support process risk assessments, FMEA activities and control plan development
• Participate in internal, customer and third‑party audits
• Lead and support projects aimed at reducing waste, improving yield and enhancing manufacturing performance
• Provide technical support and guidance to production teams on process control and best practice
• Develop manufacturing documentation, technical procedures and process instructions
• Support new product introduction and manufacturing readiness activities
• Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by management

• Degree qualified in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy, Materials Engineering or a related discipline
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and quality systems
• Experience working closely with Quality and Metallurgy functions
• Proven track record of investigating manufacturing issues and implementing sustainable process improvements
• Strong root cause analysis and problem‑solving skills
• Experience of process capability improvement and data analysis
• Knowledge of quality tools such as 8D, FMEA, SPC, APQP or similar methodologies

Starting salary between £40,000 - £45,000, depending on experience.

Permanent position with long-term career opportunities

Training and professional development support

Opportunity to work within an advanced aerospace manufacturing environment

33 days holiday

Pension scheme with employer contribution

Bonus scheme and Westfield cash plan

On‑site parking available