Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialist

Job Description:

The Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialist to join us at Leonardo in Southampton. You will be part of the Integrated Sensing and Protection (ISP) line of business, which is a leader in delivering defence electronics, mission critical systems for situational awareness, electronic warfare, communications and surveillance across the land, air and sea domains.

In this role as a Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialist, you will have the opportunity to provide leadership and vision in the realm of New Product Introduction (NPI). You will act as the focal point to support with the Airborne Comms part of ISP focused on identifying the manufacturing requirements and planning NPI operational activities for products across the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

In this role you will play a pivotal role in our manufacturing operations team supporting the business to develop and execute the NPI / Repair strategies, derive requirements for DFX activities, ensuring efficient production processes, adherence to quality standards, and timely project completion.

What you'll do as a Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialist

As a Lead Manufacturing Engineering Specialist, you will join the team to develop, improve and support the operations manufacturing processes and equipment enabling world-class production of Leonardo products.

Typical accountabilities:

• Through life approach to manufacturing engineering, during NPI defining & influencing key product KPI such as business winning (bid) budgets (e.g. NPI Budget and through life UPC)
• Providing specialist input including the application of specialist skills and knowledge into a project team to help ensure the delivery of a technically sound solution meeting all stakeholder requirements
• Lead the maturity of prototyping with a heavy focus on technical requirements generation & DFX.
• Define the future requirements for products and services across the life cycle of the programme.
• Harmonise Manufacturing Engineering activities across multiple sub-system projects (UK wide).
• Lead failure investigations, aware of all the project issues, able to prioritise and champion solutions using known problem-solving techniques (e.g. 8D)
• Tracking external developments and disruptive technologies to identify exploitation and knowledge sharing within the project team
• Ensuring the development of manufacturing processes by studying product requirements; researching, designing, modifying, and testing manufacturing methods and equipment; understanding feedback from Leonardo operators, conferring with equipment vendors or external suppliers
• Act as a Manufacturing Engineering authority in order to formally approve product / process / technology change
• Lead and deliver Manufacturing Engineering sections of the Manufacturing Maturity Reviews, maintain governance through the Lifecycle Management process and create / contribute / review and/or lead Manufacturing Plans
• Advising and participating in improving policies and processes within the operations framework
• Ensure manufacturing decision-making information is robust with objectives and results by:
  
  • reviewing production schedules; reviewing production labour and material costs; estimating future requirements
  • preparing product and process reports by collecting, analysing, and summarizing information and trends
• Create a culture which improves manufacturing efficiency by generating innovative ideas and solutions also ensuring capacity analysis, simulation planning workflow, space requirements, and equipment layout
• Review manufacturing documentation, can include input to process-specific risk assessments, COSHH data, technical reports, specifications
• Assure product and process quality by designing methods; validation/verification of process capabilities; establishing standards; confirming manufacturing processes
• Assure manufacturing data i.e. routings, production plans, control plans and electronic work instructions
• Promote a culture of best practice sharing and knowledge exploitation
• Mentor, coach and develop more junior members of the team in order to develop overall capability
• Providing domain experience in support of customer and user engagement and product road maps
• Maintain product and company reputation by complying with government regulations

What we need from you

• Manufacturing or engineering related degree / qualification or relevant experience
• Experience in leading NPI, Repair Definition, DFX Manufacturing & Repair requirement activities.
• Manufacturing systems & process knowledge including PLM, ERP, MES and QMS/BMS.
• Experience in early phases of the product development life cycle (AS9145 - APQP phase 1, 2 & 3).
• Experience in Process Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (PFMEA).
• In depth understanding of manufacturing processes and principles
• Ability to influence and negotiate with others using data and analysis to support line of reasoning
• A detailed understanding of the operational framework and business processes
• An understanding of cross-functional / commercial business processes and their own impact
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of multiple phases of the Product Life Cycle and the associated processes
• Experience of peer reviewing the work of others inside a product team and within a sub Engineering Unit and ensuring the resulting actions are implemented
• Ability to communicate concepts in a non-technical way
• Confidence and ability to challenge / respond to technical / process issues whilst understanding the broad impact of solutions (systems thinking)
• Ability to interact effectively and manage the relationships with customers and suppliers
• Been involved in capability and/or process development, demonstrating an ability to implement a change to working practices

Desirable Qualifications / Experience

• Experience with Electro Mechanical Systems and/or Communication Systems
• Experience / Knowledge of Agile working practices/methodologies
• Experience in Aerospace / Automotive / Defense sectors
• Successful track record of bringing new products from their early lifecycle through to production in a high-tech, low to mid volume, high quality environment
• Successful management of Manufacturing Engineering activities within high value, complex manufacturing programmes especially in the early stages of the project life cycle within a dynamic environment
• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt accreditation

Security Clearance

You must be eligible for full security clearance.

Life at Leonardo

With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been so accessible to as many people.

• Pension: Award winning pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution)
• Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year
• Flexible Working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part-time opportunities, please talk to us
• Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, access to Mental Health support, Financial wellbeing support, network groups (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Reservists, Carers)
• Lifestyle: Discounted gym membership, Cycle to work scheme
• Company funded flexible benefits: Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance)
• Training: Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera
• Referral Incentive: You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member
• Bonus: Scheme in place for all employees at management level and below

To find out about all of our company benefits please visit http://uk.leonardocompany.com/en/people-careers/life-at-leonardo/company-benefits

Leonardo is a global high-tech company and one of the key players in Aerospace, Defence and Security. Headquartered in Italy, Leonardo has over 45,000 employees, of which 7,000 are based in the UK.

At Leonardo UK, we believe that a diverse and inclusive work environment unlocks our people's full potential and drives innovation and creativity. We work hard to offer a welcoming, accessible and inclusive place to work for all of our people, creating a culture where everyone can thrive, feel safe and have a sense of belonging and connection.

This is a great opportunity to bring your talents and form an integral part of Leonardo's future. We can help you develop your skills and offer great opportunities to develop and grow, so why not join us.

Primary Location:
GB - Southampton

Contract Type:

Hybrid Working:
Hybrid