Manufacturing Engineering - NPI Manager M​/F

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.

Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's ""World's Best Companies 2025"" ranking.

Safran Electronics & Defense is an international company with more than 19,000 employees who bring together expertise and team spirit to design high-technology solutions for the aerospace, defense and space sectors. By combining human and technological intelligence, the company develops products and services for both civil and military customers, operating on land, at sea, in the air and in space.

Safran - Here, we craft excellence together.
At Safran, excellence is a journey and we'd love you to be a part of it. As a trusted global leader in aerospace, defence, and space, we are proud to be a company where diversity, innovation, and opportunity come together to shape a sustainable future where we can all succeed together through a shared vision.

About Safran Actuation Systems UK
Safran Actuation Systems UK is a world class centre for the design, manufacture and support of cutting-edge actuation and flight control solutions used across commercial, military and rotary platforms. With major sites in Wolverhampton and Banbury, our teams play a critical role in delivering innovative, reliable and safe systems that keep aircraft performing at their best.

Role Overview

As Manufacturing Engineering NPI Manager, you will lead the Manufacturing Engineering NPI team responsible for the industrialisation of new and modified products across the Actuation business. You will drive manufacturing readiness throughout the full NPI lifecycle, ensuring safe, on-time and cost-effective delivery while meeting quality and operational requirements. Working closely with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, Programme Management and suppliers, you will provide both technical and people leadership to deliver robust manufacturing solutions and support business growth.

Key Responsibilities

NPI & Manufacturing Engineering Leadership
-Lead Manufacturing Engineering activities across NPI and industrialisation programmes.
-Define and deliver NPI plans aligned to programme milestones.
-Drive the application of APQP, DFx, Systems Engineering, PFMEA, Control Plans and production readiness processes.

Process Development & Industrialisation
-Lead the development and industrialisation of robust, scalable manufacturing processes.
-Translate product requirements into manufacturing methods, tooling, equipment and process controls.

Team Leadership & Capability Development
-Develop, mentor and lead a high-performing NPI Manufacturing Engineering team.
-Manage resource planning, performance, capability development and succession planning.
-Establish engineering standards, best practices and continuous improvement across the function.

Programme & Stakeholder Management
-Manage manufacturing engineering plans, resources, risks and recovery actions.
-Represent Manufacturing Engineering at programme reviews and business forums.

Quality & Continuous Improvement
-Drive Lean, Six Sigma and structured problem-solving methodologies.
-Identify opportunities to improve industrialisation processes, manufacturing technologies, automation and digitalisation.

But what else?
Looking after the people who make Safran great is our…