Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description:

Senior Manufacturing Engineer – Luton Manufacturing Engineering Team, Leonardo

We are looking for a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to join us at Leonardo in the Luton Manufacturing Engineering Team. You will be part of the Manufacturing Operations business unit, a leader in delivering defence electronics, mission‑critical systems for situational awareness, electronic warfare, communications and surveillance across the land, air and sea domains.

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will build cross‑functional relationships and positively influence the project teams to support the future of the business and affect the production process.

As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you will be responsible for the smooth transition of our new products from design into manufacture and will lead the front‑end manufacturing engineering activities, from providing DfX input into the design (i.e. design for manufacturing, assembly and test) to solving production capability issues. Your technical and project management skills will help to ensure that new products are introduced into operations in a timely, efficient, cost‑effective and accurate manner.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing manufacturing processes by studying product requirements; researching, designing, modifying, and testing manufacturing methods and equipment; understanding feedback from Leonardo operators, conferring with equipment vendors or external suppliers.
• Participating and supporting Manufacturing Maturity Reviews, maintaining governance through the Lifecycle Management process and creating/contributing to Manufacturing Plans.
• Providing manufacturing decision‑making information to aid the:
  • Review of production schedules; reviewing production labour and material costs; estimating future requirements.
  • Preparation of product and process reports by collecting, analysing, and summarising information and trends.
• Building prototype products, writing work instructions and training manufacturing staff.
• Resolving routine, and some complex, product and/or production issues and constraints (relieving bottlenecks) on the shop floor, reacting efficiently to escalation from manufacturing teams.
• Improving manufacturing efficiency by participating in capacity analysis, simulation planning workflow, space requirements, and equipment/process layout.

• HND (or higher) in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g. electronics, mechanical), or equivalent experience in a similar role.
• Excellent practical knowledge of manufacturing processes and principles.
• Pro‑active, ‘can do’ attitude with good problem‑solving and data analysis skills.
• Ability to articulate and explain technical understanding.
• Demonstrated experience of having own work peer reviewed and implementing subsequent actions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of more than one phase of the Product Life Cycle and the associated discipline processes.

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skills are being a team player and having a good attitude and willingness to learn.

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for the Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company‑funded benefits package that supports your well‑being, career development, and work‑life balance. Whether you’re looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and…