Principal Manufacturing Engineer- Digital

Overview

As a Principal Manufacturing Engineer – Digital, you will shape Future Manufacturing strategies for assembly, automation and MES within the UK and partnered programs. You’ll work with IT, cyber and digital lifecycle teams to integrate tooling, automation and digital twins, driving efficient production and quality. The role balances technical roadmap delivery with cross‑functional influence to enable on‑time, on‑cost product delivery. A key hook is leading digital thread initiatives and MES integration across the manufacturing landscape.

Pay / Benefits

• pension scheme with employer contribution
• flexible/hybrid working
• up to 12 flexi-days per year
• mental health support and financial advice
• free access to 4,000+ online courses
• bonus scheme for eligible roles

Responsibilities

• Interface with IT, Cyber and Future Factory Digital Lifecycle teams to support integration activities
• Engage with national and international partners on smart tooling, automation and MES/CDE integration
• Develop and support digital thread for Supply Chain, Manufacturing and Repair
• Lead development of digital twins (plant/process) and simulations and advise MES solution options
• Oversee MES elements within the Future Workbench as a proof of concept
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to capability development
• Support governance of product/process/technology changes through Manufacturing Engineering authority
• Contribute to robust manufacturing information for decision making and efficiency improvements
• Review manufacturing documents and contribute to risk assessments and technical reports
• Promote best practices and knowledge sharing across the manufacturing domain
• Maintain compliance with government security requirements and qualification processes
• Support customer and supplier engagement and product roadmaps

Key requirements

• HND in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience
• Experience with manufacturing data systems and understanding of manufacturing software infrastructures
• Experience supporting NPI Manufacturing Engineering Systems activities
• Knowledge of PLM, ERP, MES and QMS/BMS in manufacturing environments
• Experience in early lifecycle phases of product/process development
• Ability to influence decision-making using data and analysis
• Understanding of cross-functional business processes and their impacts
• Experience reviewing work within product teams and implementing actions
• Strong communication skills to explain concepts non-technically
• Ability to challenge issues while understanding broader system impacts
• Experience managing relationships with customers and suppliers
• Track record in capability/process development and change implementation
• Strong problem-solving, attention to detail and production documentation skills
• Proficiency with engineering drawings and production documentation

• Influencing stakeholders
• Analytical thinking
• Mentoring and coaching
• MES
• PLM
• ERP

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