Lead Manufacturing Engineer – South West UK Region – £60k Basic
The Role
This position sits within a manufacturing engineering team responsible for developing and validating production and inspection processes across a diverse range of advanced engineering projects.
In this senior role, you will act as a key technical authority in CNC machining, supporting delivery across complex programmes. You will take ownership of technical challenges, manage risk, and ensure projects are delivered to quality, cost, and schedule expectations.
Key responsibilities include:
- Defining technical requirements for CNC machinery and associated systems
- Supporting supplier selection, procurement, and equipment integration
- Overseeing installation, commissioning, and operational readiness
- Collaborating with design teams to ensure manufacturability and inspection suitability
- Developing and validating robust manufacturing and inspection processes
- Producing detailed technical documentation (process plans, risk assessments, control documentation)
- Coordinating tooling, fixturing, and materials for trials and production readiness
- Leading resolution of complex manufacturing challenges
- Driving continuous improvement initiatives within machining operations
- Acting as a technical lead within project teams, particularly on machining-focused programmes
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
- Strong communication and organisational skills, including technical reporting and presentations
- Experience engaging with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Ability to contribute to and lead technical discussions in project environments
- Commercial awareness within project-based delivery settings
- Supporting the realisation of advanced engineering designs through effective manufacturing strategies and process development
Technical Expertise
- Strong background in CNC machining within high‑mix, low‑volume environments
- Experience with multi‑axis machining and complex geometries
- Familiarity with advanced materials and tight tolerance work
- CAD/CAM experience (any leading platform)
- Knowledge of cutting tools, machining strategies, and process optimisation
- Experience with fixturing, metrology, and process validation
- Understanding of manufacturing risk management and quality tools (e.g. FMEA, control plans)
- Experience specifying and implementing machining equipment and production cells
- Experience mentoring engineers and technicians
- Ability to assess manufacturability and make informed technical decisions
- Exposure to customer‑facing project environments, including estimating and risk assessment
Candidate Profile
- Practical, hands‑on engineering mindset with strong problem‑solving ability
- Confident technical leader who can support and develop others
- Self‑motivated and capable of working independently
- Takes ownership of technical delivery and outcomes
- Able to work effectively under pressure in complex environments
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- High level of professionalism and integrity
Additional Requirements
- Willingness to undergo UK security clearance where required
Package
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