Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Job Description

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Location: Samlesbury, Onsite

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary: £65,000 + depending on experience

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

What you’ll be doing:

We have an opportunity within F‑35 Manufacturing Engineering, leading teams responsible for core process planning and tool design for UK manufacture and international industrial participation suppliers. This role offers real impact on a major defence programme, driving quality, performance and effective delivery.

We also have an opportunity within Additive Manufacturing, leading operational and engineering teams in a multimillion‑pound facility using advanced industrial 3D‑printing technologies across polymer and metal materials. This role plays a key part in shaping future capability and driving innovation in modern manufacturing.

Core duties:

• Experience leading and developing high‑performing teams, ensuring safe, compliant and efficient operations through strong planning, resource management and clear performance oversight
• Experience overseeing operational delivery, managing complex technical issues, cross‑functional interfaces and time‑critical demands while engaging confidently with customers and stakeholders
• Experience in standardising and enhancing manufacturing processes, improving quality, flow and operational consistency while driving robust problem‑solving and continuous improvement
• Experience championing continuous improvement and change, identifying waste, supporting transformation initiatives and collaborating closely with Design, Operations, Quality, Procurement and wider functions.
• Experience of manufacturing systems, product data management tools and core IT platforms to support accurate information flow and operational control

Additional Experience (Additive Manufacturing role only):

• Knowledge of automation, robotics or advanced manufacturing technologies
• Familiarity with accreditation frameworks (e.g., NADCAP, ISO 9100, ISO 55001) and experience supporting audit readiness and compliance
• Experience overseeing facility performance with accountability for budgets, resources and delivery targets (i.e. CSR, IBP)

The F-35 Manufacturing Engineering Team:

The F35 Manufacturing Engineering team are responsible for supporting all F35 manufacture on Samlesbury site and at several international industrial participation (IIP) suppliers across the world. This Manufacturing Engineering Manager role specifically exists to manage the output, and teams, who produce the baseline process planning and tool design content.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 27th March 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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