Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Dorset

Copello is partnering with a leading aerospace engineering organisation to recruit a Manufacturing Engineer for their Dorset-based facility. Operating at the forefront of aerospace technology, our client specialises in advanced air-to-air refuelling systems, aircraft actuation technologies, launch systems, and defensive aids equipment supplied to military and defence customers worldwide.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly regarded engineering team supporting both production and aftermarket activities across complex aerospace programmes. The role is site-based and offers the chance to contribute directly to the delivery of innovative products within a highly regulated manufacturing environment.

The Role

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will be responsible for supporting and optimising assembly and test processes across the manufacturing operation. Working closely with production teams, design engineers, supply chain functions, and external suppliers, you will play a key role in ensuring products are delivered on time, to the highest quality standards, and in compliance with aerospace regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of Manufacturing Engineering activities across the facility, ensuring compliance with aerospace industry standards and regulations.
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test schedules to create and maintain manufacturing instructions within ERP and digital manufacturing execution systems.
• Provide technical guidance and support to production teams, resolving manufacturing challenges and driving process improvements.
• Generate and maintain production routings and bills of materials within the ERP system.
• Review and implement engineering change notifications, defining suitable manufacturing points of embodiment.
• Support wider engineering teams in resolving design-related manufacturing issues.
• Collaborate with supply chain teams and external suppliers to resolve technical queries and optimise manufacturing processes.
• Identify tooling requirements and implement effective solutions within the manufacturing process.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing costs, improving efficiency, and increasing process repeatability.
• Participate in daily operational meetings, material review boards, and engineering change reviews.
• Promote a proactive health and safety culture across the manufacturing environment.
• Support quality and zero-defect initiatives, including APQP activities, PFMEA development, and Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations.

About You

Qualifications & Experience

• HNC/HND qualification in an Engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a Manufacturing Engineering role.
• Aerospace industry experience is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of EASA/CAA Part 21 or Part 145 regulations would be advantageous.

Skills & Knowledge

• Experience using ERP/MRP systems and document management systems.
• Strong understanding of a broad range of manufacturing processes and techniques.
• Experience with PPAP and APQP methodologies is desirable.
• Health & Safety qualification such as IOSH or NEBOSH is advantageous.
• Continuous Improvement certification (e.g. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt) is desirable.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple functions.