Mechanical Process Planner

Job Description

Job Title: Mechanical Process Planner

Location: Samlesbury – Full time on-site

Salary: £44,907+ DOE

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.

Job Description:

Working as part of a specialist team of Mechanical and Electrical Manufacturing Engineers and Process Planners, you will play a key role in supporting the modification of multiple F-35 aircraft with advanced Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) equipment.

The role requires close collaboration with Manufacturing Engineers, Design Engineering, Tool Design, NC and Supply Chain teams to ensure the timely delivery of manufacturing outputs to both on-site production teams and external suppliers. The role offers excellent exposure to complex aerospace projects within a fast-paced and technically challenging environment.

Core duties:

• Review and technically approve mechanical engineering data, including 2D drawings, 3D models and Engineering Bills of Materials (EBOM), ensuring accuracy throughout the product lifecycle
• Translate engineering designs into Manufacturing Bills of Materials (MBOM), manufacturing plans and detailed work instructions that enable efficient production
• Develop clear, practical technical documentation to support shop floor teams and external suppliers in delivering high-quality outputs
• Provide hands-on engineering support during aircraft assembly, helping to resolve technical challenges and maintain build schedules
• Oversee and support the installation, assembly and testing of mechanical components and systems, ensuring compliance with engineering and quality standards
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive manufacturing excellence, applying industry best practices, tools and processes to optimise production performance

Essential Skills:

• Educated to HNC or have completed a Craft/Technician Apprenticeship with experience in a Manufacturing Engineering role with Mechanical Planning experience
• Experience and knowledge of and be able to interpret Manufacturing Engineering standards and processes
• Able to interpret Manufacturing drawings
• Experienced and proficient with Microsoft office suite
• Excellent communicator combined with good people/ team management skills
• Demonstrate drive to challenge and improve processes and working practices

F35 Manufacturing Engineering and Process Planning Team:

This is a unique opportunity to join a highly skilled and collaborative team supporting the modification of the F-35 platform with flight test instrumentation. Working alongside Manufacturing Engineers, Design Engineers, Production teams and Supply Chain specialists, you’ll play a key role in delivering complex aircraft modifications from initial engineering review through to physical installation and aircraft build support.

The role offers an exciting blend of engineering planning and hands on shop floor involvement, providing exposure to the full manufacturing and integration lifecycle. You’ll be part of a supportive, cross functional environment where knowledge sharing and teamwork are central to success. The breadth of experience gained across engineering, manufacturing and aircraft integration makes this an excellent platform for future career development across a range of aerospace programmes.

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: 24th June 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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