Lead Carbon Composites Manufacturing Engineer(UK visa sponsorship available)

Job Description

About GE Aerospace

At GE Aerospace, we design, manufacture, repair, and overhaul advanced propulsion systems for both military and civil applications. Our state-of-the-art facility in Gloucestershire delivers cutting-edge technologies that drive innovation in aviation.

We are committed to FLIGHT DECK, our proprietary lean operating model, which emphasizes respect for people, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. Our employees are empowered to reach their fullest potential and contribute to transformative aviation technologies.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Lead Manufacturing Engineer to head our Composite Production Manufacturing Engineering team. The team provides technical expertise, advanced problem-solving, and process knowledge to support the production of carbon composite Dowty Propeller Systems.

In this role, you will lead continuous improvements in manufacturing processes, reducing defects, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring high-quality output. You will combine hands-on technical expertise with a motivating and engaging leadership style to deliver consistent month-on-month and year-on-year improvements.

You will navigate regulatory requirements, adhere to internal procedures, and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders to support day-to-day operations while driving long-term transformational improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as a technical authority on carbon composite and resin transfer molding (RTM) processes.

Lead, mentor, and motivate a growing team of composite manufacturing engineers.

Champion and perform root cause analysis using data-driven approaches and structured problem-solving methodologies (Six Sigma, Red X, 8D, Lean).

Develop and refine production techniques from raw materials to finished products, prioritizing Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Inventory, and Productivity (SQDCIP).

Review and approve manufacturing work instructions, ensuring alignment with technical specifications.

Provide training and support to operators to implement changes in manufacturing processes.

Establish control plans and implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) for monitoring and analysis of critical process variables.

Approve business procedures and documentation, ensuring compliance with internal and regulatory standards.

Drive continuous improvement in key manufacturing metrics such as throughput, yield, cycle time, and defect rates.

Stay up-to-date with aviation and propulsion industry developments and regulatory requirements (CAA, EASA, FAA).

Represent the Manufacturing Engineering team in wider forums and cross-functional initiatives.

Qualifications & Requirements

Deep expertise in carbon composite manufacturing, resin transfer molding, and NDT techniques.

BSc, MSc, or HND (Level 6 equivalent) in a relevant technical discipline, or equivalent experience.

Proven experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment.

Strong knowledge of engineering statistics (Process Capability, Hypothesis Testing, DOE, SPC).

Ability to influence across all organisational levels using a data-driven approach.

Practical, solution-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.

Experience in configuration control within highly regulated industries.

Desired Skills

Experience in aviation or other tightly regulated industries.

Knowledge of robotics, automation, and control systems.

Broad experience in manufacturing and engineering roles focused on product creation and delivery.

Specialisation in propulsion and propeller manufacture.

Experience with facility design, commissioning, and technical specification in automated environments.

Proficiency in 3D Catia, 2D AutoCAD, or other CAD packages.

Knowledge of 3D printing from CAD and part production.

Flexible Working

GE supports flexible working arrangements wherever possible to promote a positive work–life balance.

Total Reward

Our flexible benefits plan, FlexChoice, offers employees freedom and flexibility to tailor benefits to their needs. Default benefits include:

Non-contributory Pension

Life Assurance

Group Income Protection

Private Medical Cover

26 days annual leave (flexible to buy or sell)

Security Clearance

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role.

Right to Work

Applications from candidates requiring UK sponsorship are welcome and will be considered. Candidates with the right to work in the UK may be prioritised if equally qualified.