Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Location:

Southampton, United Kingdom

At Leonardo, we have a fantastic new opportunity for a Manufacturing Engineer to join and lead the TGS Mechanical Assembly Process Engineering team in Southampton, supporting the manufacture of infra‑red detector assemblies. This hands‑on role supports manufacturing in a cutting‑edge environment and offers a wide variety of options for future development.

• Guide and prioritise the work for the small engineering team.
• Run capital projects to introduce new production equipment.
• Root cause analysis and problem solving using 8D, DMAIC, PFMEA, etc.
• Give input to new product introduction initiatives regarding design for manufacture.
• Conduct regular reviews (manufacturing maturity, product cost reviews).
• Monitor performance of equipment and processes, including SPC.
• Employ statistical tools and methods to stabilise and improve processes (e.g. SPC, Cp/CpK).
• Be Process Champion for selected processes.
• Suggest and implement process improvements in areas of responsibility.
• Write process instructions, manufacturing routings and supporting documentation.
• Train operatives to perform processes correctly and document training plans.
• Provide timely line support to production to ensure planned throughput is met.
• Monitor yields, defects & process times.
• Investigate defects and yield issues relating to manufacturing processes.
• Define and carry out re‑work processes where required.
• Define and carry out routine TPM engineering tasks/process checks.

• Projection welding
• Blackening deposition
• Metal deposition
• Mechanical cutting of TGS crystal
• Polishing of crystal material to fine tolerances

• Experience supporting manufacture of medium‑volume, precision mechanical assemblies.
• Experience in capital equipment requirements development, procurement, installation and commissioning, and process development using Design of Experiments.
• Knowledge of Lean/Six‑Sigma techniques and tools.
• Knowledge of project management techniques.
• Experience working in an AS9100 (or similar) accredited facility.
• Good general IT skills with emphasis on Microsoft Office and Excel.
• Experience using an MRP/ERP system such as SAP.

We are keen to hear from candidates even if they do not meet every item – a positive attitude and willingness to learn are essential.

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Additional personnel security controls, including National Security Vetting (NSV), may apply (e.g. Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV)). For more information, visit

Leonardo’s people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company‑funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development and work‑life balance.

• Generous leave – up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Employer‑contributed pension scheme up to 15%.
• Free access to mental‑health support, financial advice and employee‑led networks promoting inclusion and diversity.
• Bonus scheme for employees at management level and below.
• Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and Linked In Learning.
• Referral reward programme.
• Flexible benefits up to £500 per year (private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships).
• Flexible working – hybrid hours possible; part‑time options discussed.

Southampton, United Kingdom

Permanent, Full‑time; hybrid working model.

• Senior level – Mid‑senior.
• Employment type
  
  – Full‑time.
• Job function – Engineering and Information Technology.
• Industries – Defence & Space Manufacturing, Aviation & Aerospace Component Manufacturing, Computer & Network Security.

Apply now to join a global leader in aerospace, defence and security.