Role: CNC Manufacturing Engineer
Location: Gloucester
Duration: 12 months
Rate: Negotiable-depends on experience
Inside IR35 Umbrella

We design, manufacture, repair and overhaul a range of carbon fibre composite propeller systems for military and civil applications from our new state of the art headquarters facility in Brockworth, Gloucestershire, UK.

In this role you will be part of the NPI team to provide support to the growing demand for new propeller manufacturing systems and contribute to develop the next generation of electrified, sustainable aviation. You will be a highly valued member of the Manufacturing Engineering department who are empowered across the company to ensure design intent is correctly translated using our production system.

You will ensure design for manufacturing remains a key focus during the development cycle of our products. Through development and pilot production you will provide feedback to the design team, aid the design team in resolving issues, supply documentation, tooling, and training to allow the product to be built in a clean manufacturing environment.

You will be in charge of developing all CNC related aspects required on new products as well as support development trials. You will also be driving the start of our journey toward a fully automated assembly process as we look to provide the industrial base for high volume manufacture of composite propeller blades and systems.

With a focus on manufacturability, you will help contribute to the development of new processes, facilities and capabilities and assist with the adoption of automation and new technologies to ensure repeatability and reliability in the manufacturing process.

Job Responsibilities

Keeping yourself, the ME team, and the business safe and compliant in all your daily tasks.
Representing the NPI team as the subject matter expert on CNC mill and lathe machining,. Able to create, validate and continuously improve CNC programmes for prototype development products.
Act as a metrology (CMM/Laser Scanning) focal for the NPI team. Author CMM programmes and investigate latest technologies for best-in-class inspection.
Working simultaneously with engineering optimise the manufacturability of new products in development using DFM/DFA guidelines.
Identifying key characteristics and controls to define process specifications to define inspection strategies.
Execute structured problem solving and robust root cause corrective actions (RCCA).
Develop robust, lean solutions for equipment layouts, process design and product flow to maximise ROI and reduce hours/costs per unit.
Working to ensure that process capability, cycle time and equipment availability targets are achievable through application of automation/existing solutions as well as new technology introduction.
Define equipment lists, spare requirements, training requirements (production, ME and maintenance), work instructions and substance/equipment safety documentation.
Lead the installation/commissioning process to deliver a system through continuous improvement & root cause analysis that meets delivery targets and operations requirements across safety, quality, delivery & cost (SQDC).
Generation of work instructions and routing layouts to transfer prototype machining processes into production intent and handover to operations.
Interact with the rest of the ME team to deliver mature processes and adhere to program milestones.

Minimum Qualifications, Experience and Characteristics

Process engineer background required with experience generating work instructions and standard operating procedures.
Able to interpret 2D (legacy) drawings, technical specifications, and review manufacturability challenges and production solutions.
Experience with online programming of CNC machine tools with Fanuc/ISO and Heidenhain CNC controllers.
Experience in setting up new machining solutions or approaches to novel parts, i.e. tooling, equipment.
Experience using 3D Modelling and drafting CAD software (preferably CATIA V5).
Expertise in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), in accordance with BS308-3 AND ASME Y14.5.
Excellent written and verbal communications.
Conscientious, tenacious, and positive outlook with a can-do attitude and a real appetite to learn and develop processes.

Desired Qualifications, Experience and Characteristics

Interpreting and modifying PLC code as part of continuous improvement or root cause corrective action workstreams post-installation.
2D CNC cutting tables and laser projection programmes
Experience specifying, installing or maintaining electromechanical (Servo/VFD/HMI) and pneumatic systems.
Able to programme PLC code and direct maintenance of robotic automated production cells.
Experience developing facility plans in a fast-paced automated environment (FMCG, warehouse, logistics, automotive).
Experience in the manufacture, machining and assembly of carbon fibre composite and high precision machined metallic components.
Certified Lean Six Sigma and/or Red-X practitioner with a knowledge and a deep interest in continuous improvement.
Online & offline creation of NC milling programmes primarily using CATIA V5 with an understanding of Heidenhain, hyperMILL.
Able to program and operate CMM/Laser Scanning technologies (ideally using Modus or Polyworks software).