Head of Composite Manufacturing Engineering

Overview

In this role you lead the global Manufacturing Engineering function for iCOMAT’s composite production, turning RTS-driven processes into repeatable, rate-capable operations across multiple sites. You set standards, governance, and long-term strategy while partnering with RTS hardware, software, and design teams. You will tackle the toughest technical challenges hands-on and scale the manufacturing capabilities as the business grows. You will work closely with leadership to drive lean, quality, and cost improvements at pace.

Pay / Benefits

• private healthcare
• pension scheme
• stock options
• career growth opportunities
• innovation-focused culture

Responsibilities

• Set day-to-day tempo and way of working for the Manufacturing Engineering team across sites
• Own process standards, specifications, routings, and methods of manufacture used on the shop floor
• Lead plant Manufacturing Engineering Leads and site toolings teams; build capability for new factory expansion
• Industrialise new parts and processes from order to production release (APQP, PFMEA, control plans, FAIR, production readiness reviews)
• Translate development processes into documented production methods for layup, cure, trim, machining, bonding and NDT
• Own manufacturing input to quotes: define methodology, estimate cycle times, labour, materials, tooling and cost per part
• Drive cycle time, yield, scrap, and cost per part using lean problem-solving; support capacity plans and factory layouts
• Partner with Quality to embed quality into processes (AS9100-aligned docs, RCA, corrective action); represent ME in technical reviews with customers and OEMs

Key requirements

• 10+ years in composite manufacturing engineering in aerospace/defence/space with part development to rate production
• 5+ years leading ME teams, ideally multi-site
• Deep hands-on knowledge of prepreg layup, autoclave and out-of-autoclave cure, trimming/machining, bonding and NDT
• Strong command of industrialisation tools (APQP, PFMEA, control plans, FAIR, production readiness reviews)
• Working knowledge of AS9100 and aerospace quality requirements
• Proven track record improving yield, cycle time and cost via lean/problem-solving (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone)
• Solid understanding of composite tooling design, materials and qualification
• Clear communicator able to set direction with engineers, customers, operations and executives
• Proactive, resilient, capable of building structure in a fast-moving scale-up

• Clear communicator
• Proactive and resilient mindset
• Strong leadership and people development
• Composite manufacturing processes: prepreg layup, autoclave and out-of-autoclave cure, trimming and machining, bonding and NDT
• Industrialisation frameworks: APQP, PFMEA, control plans, FAIR, production readiness reviews
• AS9100 knowledge and aerospace quality requirements

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