Manufacturing Engineer - NPI

We are seeking a highly motivated Manufacturing Engineer to support the industrialisation and production of high-precision components and assemblies for the Defence and Aerospace sectors. With a strong focus on New Product Introduction (NPI), the role is responsible for developing and implementing robust manufacturing processes, driving Design for Manufacture (DFM), supporting production readiness and process validation activities, and ensuring products transition successfully from development into repeatable, high-quality manufacture. Working closely with Design, Quality, Supply Chain and Operations teams, you will deliver manufacturing solutions that meet demanding requirements for quality, cost, delivery, traceability and regulatory compliance while continuously improving manufacturing performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement manufacturing processes for complex aerospace and Defence components.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) from design through to full production.
• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation including process plans, work instructions, and setup sheets.
• Collaborate with CAM programmers using software such as HyperMILL or Siemens NX to ensure efficient machining strategies.
• Provide technical support to CNC machinists during setup, prove-out, and production.
• Design and develop fixtures, tooling, and work holding solutions using Siemens NX.
• Analyse manufacturing processes to improve cycle times, quality, and productivity.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing principles.
• Investigate and resolve manufacturing issues, non-conformances, and production bottlenecks.
• Work closely with quality teams to ensure compliance with aerospace standards and customer requirements.
• Support cost reduction initiatives through process optimisation and improved manufacturing methods

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Manufacturing Engineer within a precision engineering environment.
• Experience in aerospace, motorsport, or high-performance engineering industries.
• Experience supporting CNC machining operations, including 5-axis milling and 5-axis Mill Turn.
• Experience introducing new products into production.

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

• Strong understanding of CNC machining processes and manufacturing methods.
• Experience working with CAD/CAM software such as hyper MILL or Siemens NX
• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and CAD models.
• Knowledge of GD&T and tight tolerance manufacturing.
• Experience with materials such as aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, and nickel-based alloys
• Experience with 5-axis machining environments.
• Knowledge of aerospace quality standards (e.g., AS9100).
• Experience with fixture design and work holding systems.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems in manufacturing environments.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation and stock options
• Private Medical & Dental
• Cycle to work scheme
• Lunchtime catering on site

About Us

The mission of Cambridge Aerospace is to eliminate the risk of existential war in Europe. That risk comes from the air – low-cost drones and cruise missiles now manufactured in colossal volumes by our adversaries, ballistic missiles capable of ending the world as we know it, and a new generation of hypersonic weapons that evade every existing defence.

We’re building low-cost interceptors that defeat these threats, and the surveillance systems to detect and target them – at a cost taxpayers can afford, at the pace the threat demands, and with sovereign supply chains that assure delivery.

We have immense backing from the world’s best venture funds. We’re one of the fastest growing defence technology companies in history. And we’re hiring the best engineers to prosecute the mission.

If you are in the top 1%, willing to work harder than you ever have, build technology better than anyone else, and contribute to the defining challenge of our time, now is the time to join us.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.