Be at the heart of actionFly remote-controlled drones into enemy territory to gather vital information.

Apply Now

Manufacturing Engineer

Longford, Coventry
6 days ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer – Composite Armour Systems
Job Reports To: Lead Manufacturing Engineer
Department: Engineering
Location: Coventry, UK
Core Hours: 08:00-16:35 (Mon – Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri)
Vacancy Type: Full-time, Permanent and based onsite.
Salary: £35,000 - £42,500 per annum + Discretionary Bonus
JOB SUMMARY
If you are meticulous and have a passion for delivering exciting new products and enhancing processes, you may be the person we are looking for to fill this unique and challenging role within the Defence sector!
The Manufacturing Engineer works with engineering, quality, and project teams to deliver new defence protection products, such as armour plates, shields and helmets, and applies continuous improvement techniques to the manufacturing processes.
Does it sound interesting? If so, keep reading!
BENEFITS
Discretionary Half Year Bonus
Holidays – 25 days + 8 Bank Holidays + Holiday Purchase Scheme
Two weeks paid leave for Reservists to attend yearly training/camp
Pension – ER/EE – 4%/5% = 9% combined
Life Cover – 3 x base salary
BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan
Please note: If successful, you will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and successfully pass the necessary checks before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace.
MAIN DUTIES​
The main responsibilities for the role will include:

  1. Lead manufacturing readiness reviews including facilities specification and implementation, process design and work balance, standard ops, and manufacturing instruction creation, PFMEA completion, process development and training.
  2. Interface between Operations, Programme and Engineering, using DFM, in the introduction of new manufacturing processes to fully support new business development.
  3. Support the ongoing Process Engineering requirements of established manufacturing processes including process related problem resolution and process.
  4. Lead process improvements, including single piece flow and cost reductions to include optimised standard hours and material utilisation.
  5. Work to KPI's in the Manufacturing Engineering team and manage performance and related problem solving.
  6. Apply a Lean Management approach in Manufacturing Engineering, and introduce where necessary Lean methodologies and tools such as standard ops, line balancing and flow, 5s, etc.
  7. The ability to evaluate/interrogate CAD models and supervise or perform production prototyping and initial production runs.
  8. Deliver Poke Yoke solutions for repeatable assembly and responsible for the generation and optimisation of press and CNC programmes.
  9. Maintaining the accuracy of engineering released BOM's and actively encourage and work to business safety targets.
  10. Assist in the training of manufacturing personnel and support safe, healthy, and environmentally sound working practices within the Manufacturing Engineering team.
  11. Work with tooling and equipment suppliers to ensure right first-time delivery to support project deadlines.
    The above is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required.
    EXPERIENCE​
    ESSENTIAL​
  • Experienced Manufacturing Engineering practitioner in variety of Operational environments with experience of multiple manufacturing and assembly processes and facilities.​
  • Understanding of Lean concepts and methodologies with an ability to effectively implement them.
  • Proven experience in relevant manufacturing industry
  • Experience of press moulding and CNC machining
  • Experience using practical problem-solving methodologies (5 whys, ishikawa, 8D, etc.)
    DESIRABLE​
  • Preferably Degree or HNC qualified in a relevant discipline.
    WHAT DO WE DO AT NP AEROSPACE?
    NP Aerospace is a global leader in armour technology manufacturing and vehicle integration, delivering high-performance, lifesaving solutions for the defence and security industry.
    Our mission is to improve and protect lives, and our vision is to be a leading provider of innovative solutions that solve our customers' complex challenges. Our values - Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, and Dedication form the bedrock of our culture.
    Our extensive range of combat-proven body armour, from ballistic helmets, plates, and shields to bomb disposal suits, highlights some of the most advanced composite materials. With a team of R&D engineers working on next-generation solutions, we also excel in highly engineered vehicle systems and armour platforms used by some of the world’s largest defence organisations.
    Founded in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years, evolving into an agile and diverse company. Our Business Development team is expanding both in the UK and North America.
    Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: NP Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, colour, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are also fully committed to supporting the Defence Community and actively advertise roles on Defence specific platforms such as CTP, Force Families, Forces Employment Charity, and Veterans Job Board.
    Data Privacy: NP Aerospace respects the privacy of all applicants. Personal information provided during the application process will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable data protection laws.
    Please note: If successful, you will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and successfully pass the necessary checks before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Materials Science Recruitment Trends 2025 (UK): What Job Seekers Need To Know About Today’s Hiring Process

Summary: UK materials science hiring has shifted from title‑led CV screens to capability‑driven assessments that emphasise characterisation with clear conclusions, scale‑up to pilot/production, standards compliance (ASTM/ISO/IATF/AS9100), sustainability/ESG, data literacy & measurable product or yield improvements. This guide explains what’s changed, what to expect in interviews & how to prepare—especially for battery/materials engineers, polymer/composites specialists, metallurgists, ceramics/glass scientists, surface/thin‑film engineers, failure analysts, process/quality engineers & materials informatics roles. Who this is for: Materials scientists & engineers (metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, semiconductors, thin films, coatings), process/scale‑up & manufacturing engineers, CMC in materials for life sciences, QA/QC, failure analysis, test & characterisation, sustainability/LCAs, and materials informatics/data roles in the UK.

Why Materials Science Careers in the UK Are Becoming More Multidisciplinary

Materials science has always been an interdisciplinary field, sitting at the crossroads of physics, chemistry & engineering. But in the UK today, as the demand for sustainable technologies, advanced composites & biomedical innovations grows, materials science careers are becoming even more multidisciplinary. Employers are now looking beyond technical expertise. Success in modern materials roles increasingly requires awareness of law, ethics, psychology, linguistics & design. These five areas shape how new materials are researched, applied, communicated and trusted in society. This article explores why materials science careers in the UK are becoming more multidisciplinary, how these fields intersect with scientific practice, and what job-seekers & employers should do to adapt.

Materials Science Team Structures Explained: Who Does What in a Modern Materials Science Department

Materials science is a multidisciplinary field at the intersection of chemistry, physics, engineering, biology, and data science. In the UK, advances in materials science are powering innovation in sectors such as aerospace, defence, electronics, energy storage, healthcare, and sustainable manufacturing. Whether you are aiming for a role in R&D, testing, manufacturing, or product development, understanding how a materials science department is structured—and what each role does—can help you make informed decisions in your career or hiring. Below is a detailed guide to modern materials science team structures: roles and responsibilities, how they collaborate throughout the lifecycle of materials, required skills and qualifications, typical UK salary ranges, trends, challenges, and best practices for building strong teams that deliver reliable materials solutions.