Manufacturing Engineer

BB3, Lower Darwen, Blackburn with Darwen James Kirby associates Ltd Manufacturing Engineer * Composites * £50,000 PA + Benefits * 4-Day Working Week An established aerospace manufacturer is looking to recruit an experienced Manufacturing Engineer with a background in composite materials. This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established engineering business working on technically challenging aerospace components, with responsibility for improving manufacturing processes, supporting new product introduction and driving continuous improvement across composite manufacturing. Manufacturing Engineer The Role As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will be responsible for developing, improving and supporting manufacturing processes across a range of composite components. Working closely with Design, Production and Quality teams, you will help ensure manufacturing processes are efficient, repeatable and capable of consistently achieving the required quality standards. Manufacturing Engineer Key responsibilities will include: * Developing, improving and maintaining manufacturing processes for composite components. * Supporting the introduction of new products into manufacture and developing efficient, repeatable production methods. * Optimising composite manufacturing techniques including lay-up, curing, machining and bonding. * Designing and improving manufacturing tooling, fixtures and production aids. * Carrying out process trials, validation and root cause investigations. * Troubleshooting manufacturing and production-related engineering issues. * Driving continuous improvement projects focused on quality, productivity, cost and waste reduction. * Producing and maintaining manufacturing documentation including work instructions, process sheets and engineering standards. * Ensuring manufacturing processes meet relevant aerospace quality requirements and customer specifications. * Providing technical support to production teams and helping implement manufacturing best practice. * Identifying opportunities to introduce new composite manufacturing technologies and processes. Manufacturing Engineer What We’re Looking For * Previous Manufacturing Engineering experience within a composites manufacturing environment. * HNC/HND, Degree or equivalent engineering experience within Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Materials Engineering or a related discipline. * Good understanding of composite materials, particularly carbon fibre and advanced composite structures. * Knowledge of composite manufacturing techniques such as hand lay-up, autoclave curing, resin transfer moulding (RTM), bonding or similar processes. * Experience developing or improving manufacturing processes and solving production-related engineering problems. * Experience of tooling and fixture design would be advantageous. * Familiarity with CAD software would be beneficial. * Knowledge of aerospace quality standards such as AS9100 would be advantageous. * Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively across Engineering, Production and Quality functions. What’s on Offer * £50,000 Per Annum * 4-day working week – Monday to Thursday * Overtime opportunities and enhanced overtime rates * Life insurance * On-site occupational health * Employee referral scheme * Long-term career development within a technically advanced aerospace manufacturing environment