Manufacturing Support Project Engineer - Defence Engineering
A leading defence engineering organisation is seeking a Manufacturing Support Project Engineer to strengthen its advanced machining and production capability. This is a rare opportunity to join a long‑established prime contractor supplying mission‑critical equipment to UK and international armed forces.
The Opportunity
You'll play a key role in supporting CNC machining operations across a modern, high‑precision manufacturing environment. The position combines hands‑on technical expertise with structured project delivery, driving improvements in tooling, processes, documentation, and operator capability.
Working closely with production, engineering, suppliers, and contractors, you'll ensure that machining assets, methods, and standards meet demanding defence‑sector requirements for safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical support across CNC machining operations, resolving production issues and optimising performance.
- Design and develop fixtures, jigs, tooling, and work‑holding solutions.
- Select cutting tools and refine machining strategies for efficiency and repeatability.
- Improve tooling, machining methods, and process capability.
- Create and maintain manufacturing documentation, including SOPs and work instructions.
- Deliver training to operators on processes, best practice, and documentation.
- Manage engineering and manufacturing projects using structured project management methods.
- Use Microsoft Project to plan, track, and report project progress.
- Lead machine installations, commissioning activities, and contractor management.
- Collaborate with suppliers to ensure safe and effective task delivery.
- Support Lean and continuous improvement initiatives across machining operations.
- Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, providing updates, reports, and technical guidance.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Strong understanding of CNC machining principles and manufacturing processes.
- Milling experience.
- Ability to design fixtures and specify cutting tools.
- Proven experience improving machining tooling, methods, or processes.
- Experience producing SOPs, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD.
- Demonstrable experience managing engineering or manufacturing projects.
- Competent user of Microsoft Project.
- Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems.
- Track record of delivering cost savings or efficiency improvements.
Desirable
- PRINCE2 or equivalent project management qualification.
- Background as a machine operator.
- Experience with CAD tools for fixture design (SolidWorks, Inventor, etc.).
- Exposure to precision machining sectors such as aerospace or automotive.
- Knowledge of advanced CI methodologies (Kaizen, TPM, etc.).
- Previous experience in Manufacturing Engineering or a similar role.
What You'll Bring
- Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and operate with minimal supervision.
- Strong work ethic, technical aptitude, and a continuous improvement mindset.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to transfer knowledge effectively.
- Confidence to challenge poor practice and drive positive change.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and maintaining high standards.
- A reflective, improvement‑focused approach to working practices and team performance.
Why Join?
The organisation offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Strong pension scheme
- Half‑day Fridays
- Life assurance
- Enhanced company sick pay
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Additional holiday and long‑service rewards
- Wellbeing initiatives
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme
- Free on‑site parking and EV charging
The employer is a proud supporter of the Armed Forces community and actively welcomes applications from service leavers, reservists, and those with military‑aligned experience.
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