Manufacturing Engineer

Engineer – Composites Manufacturing
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Engineer to join a growing engineering and manufacturing team within a specialist composites manufacturing business based in Poole, Dorset.
The company is an established manufacturer of large composite structures and Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) mouldings, providing a comprehensive service from design and engineering through to composite moulding, finishing, machining and final assembly.
Working across sectors including Marine Defence, Aerospace and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the business is continuing to expand its capabilities and invest in modern manufacturing technologies.
Reporting to the Head of Engineering, this role will play an important part in translating engineering designs into efficient, practical manufacturing processes. You will work closely with production, quality and engineering teams, using your CAD expertise and technical knowledge to develop manufacturing instructions, solutions and processes for complex composite products.
Key Responsibilities
As an Engineer, your responsibilities will include:

• Creating and maintaining manufacturing work instructions, lay-up and assembly guides, and inspection documentation.
• Reviewing customer drawings and CAD data to develop practical and efficient manufacturing methods, templates and kits.
• Developing effective manufacturing solutions for complex composite components.
• Setting up and managing part numbers, Bills of Materials (BOMs) and routings within the MRP system.
• Designing moulds, jigs, fixtures and other manufacturing aids to support production activities.
• Supporting cost estimation for both new and existing projects.
• Providing technical support to manufacturing and quality teams, ensuring engineering information is understood and correctly implemented.
• Acting as a technical point of contact for customers and suppliers.
• Working collaboratively with internal departments to ensure effective production delivery.
• Identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance manufacturing efficiency and product quality.
• Ensuring compliance with Health & Safety, quality and environmental standards.
• Working with customers to ensure products are manufacturable and ready for production.

Skills & Experience
Essential:

• Proven experience in an engineering or manufacturing role within the composites industry.
• Knowledge of composite manufacturing techniques, including pre-preg, resin infusion and open moulding.
• Strong understanding of composite material characteristics, including thermal expansion, fibre fractions, laminate detailing and thermal properties.
• Good working knowledge of 2D and 3D CAD software.
• Excellent analytical skills and strong attention to detail.
• A methodical approach to problem-solving and technical challenges.
• Confidence in dealing with external stakeholders, including customers and suppliers.
• A detail-oriented approach, particularly when producing manufacturing documentation for safety-critical structures.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple departments and share best practices.

Desirable:

• Experience using CAD software such as Rhino and SolidWorks.
• A degree in Engineering or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and techniques.
• Experience working with customer specifications and industry standards.
• Familiarity with quality management systems and ISO/AS standards.
• Project management knowledge or experience.

Additional Information
Candidates should be aware that the successful applicant will be required to complete and pass Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and, where applicable, further National Security Vetting (NSV) checks.
Any additional security vetting requirements will be communicated to successful candidates following a conditional offer of employment.