Principal Manufacturing Engineer - Digital

1w1 week ago

Leonardo

Basildon, GB · Full-time · £70,000 – £95,000

About this role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Manufacturing Engineer – Digital to join our team on a hybrid-working basis. You will play a pivotal role in the manufacturing operations team, shaping Future Manufacturing - Assy, Automation & Tooling and Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Strategy. This ensures efficient production technology introduction, quality standards adherence, and timely project completion.

The role supports the Future Combat Air Line of Business by planning manufacturing systems engineering activities for schedule, quality, and cost delivery. You will develop and execute Operations Future Manufacturing, aligning with UK lines of business and national/international partners. This involves interfacing with IT, Cyber, and Future Factory Digital Lifecycle teams for integration.

Day-to-day work includes engaging with LEDUK and partners on smart tooling, automation, and MES/Common Data Environment integration. Support digital thread development for Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Repair elements. Engage in tool selection, digital twins, simulations, and MES solution alignment as part of a highly skilled team.

Lead MES integration in the Smart Workbench proof of concept and track external disruptive technologies for exploitation. Mentor junior team members, promote best practice sharing, and contribute innovative ideas for manufacturing efficiency. Provide domain expertise for customer engagement and product roadmaps while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Requirements

Minimum HND in relevant discipline or equivalent experience
Experience working with manufacturing data systems, with a solid understanding of the underlying principles and structure of manufacturing software
Experience in supporting NPI Manufacturing Engineering Systems activities
Understanding of manufacturing software principles and structure
Knowledge of MES, digital twins, and simulations in manufacturing
Familiarity with smart tooling, automation, and digital thread development
Ability to assure product and process quality through validation and verification

Responsibilities

Interface with IT, Cyber and Future Factory Digital Lifecycle team to support ongoing integration activities
Engage with LEDUK, national and international partners on smart tooling, automation and integration into MES / Common Data Environment (CDE)
Support the development of Supply Chain, Manufacturing and Repair elements of the digital thread
Engage with Future Factory in tool selection and development of digital twins (plant / process) and simulations
Support MES solution architects in aligning solution options for MES
Lead integration of MES elements of the Smart Workbench as the Future Proof of Concept
Track external developments and disruptive technologies to identify exploitation and knowledge sharing within the project team
Mentor, coach and develop more junior members of the team in order to develop overall capability