Senior Manufacturing Engineer / Lead Manufacturing Engineer

About the Role

Be at the forefront of delivering the next generation of secure military communications satellites for the UK Ministry of Defence. This vital work ensures resilient, high-performance connectivity for the UK, its allies, and Defence personnel globally, playing a critical role in national security as space becomes more contested and the demand for secure data escalates.

Joining Lockheed Martin presents an opportunity to contribute to significant investment in the North East space sector, with proposed support for high-skill jobs, advanced manufacturing, and long-term economic growth. This includes potential satellite manufacturing and collaboration with the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre (NESST) at Northumbria University, fostering a strong pipeline of talent, learning, and innovation.

This is your chance to work on mission-critical technology, develop cutting-edge skills, build a meaningful career, and deliver lasting impact for the region and the nation.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT), the Senior Manufacturing Engineer / Lead Manufacturing Engineer role offers the unique opportunity to shape and optimise the Manufacturing Engineering Team from its inception. You will have the autonomy to address and eliminate common industry challenges, implementing best practices from Lockheed Martin's business units across the US and UK.

You will have the freedom to hand-pick your Manufacturing Engineering team, selecting the best talent from various industries to contribute to the growth of the UK Space industry. We are seeking an enthusiastic self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, possesses experience in manufacturing or assembling precision equipment (high value, low volume), and has the drive to enhance leadership experience through team recruitment and management.

The role emphasizes establishing a culture of 'Quality First' as the cornerstone for achieving Quality, Cost, and Schedule targets. This is an ideal opportunity to further your career as a subject matter expert and grow into the Lead Manufacturing Engineering AIT role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of the new UK Space Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and its supporting digital toolset to enable space vehicle Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT).
• Produce key processes and procedural documentation to support MES system usage and new user training.
• Refine manufacturing assembly instructions and work instructions to build a strong foundation for the Manufacturing Engineering team.
• Interface with Design Engineering, Ground Support Equipment, Supply Chain, Programme Management, Finance, and Business Operations, leading on all Manufacturing Engineering aspects.
• Support Space Vehicle Design for Manufacture and Design for Test (DfX) reviews to reduce risk and cost across the AIT sequence.
• Recruit, coach, manage, and mentor a growing team to support the Manufacturing Engineering organisation within Lockheed Martin UK Space.
• Establish the UK Space AIT Engineering authority and become the Subject Matter Expert.
• Serve as the Assembly technical lead in delivering world-class space vehicles, from 3D models through to launch.
• Manage logistic readiness and provide technical support for the transport of flight hardware via Road, Sea, and Air.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will establish collaborative relationships across and beyond their area of responsibility to maximise business performance. They will provide technical team leadership and vision, working collaboratively with the customer and peer contractors. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, key influencing abilities, documented leadership experience, and demonstrated initiative are essential.

Required Skills, Qualifications, and Experience

• Significant experience as a Lead / Senior Manufacturing Engineer within the Space or Aerospace industry.
• Outstanding team player with strong technical, leadership, and interpersonal skills, capable of functioning in a matrix organisation managing multiple stakeholders.
• Self-motivated, able to work under limited supervision, and function effectively in a rapidly changing environment.
• Experience with 3D CAD tools to interrogate spacecraft models and determine key assembly, integration, test, and launch preparation requirements.
• Experience with mechanical, electrical, and software integration, and maintaining 'Digital Data Continuity'.
• Experience in defining schedule inputs, critical assembly sequences, task durations, risk management inputs, and Lessons Learned management for Lean Engineering solutions.
• Experience in work package management and financial control of Engineering work packages.
• Full end-to-end lifecycle management of Design for X (Manufacturing, Assembly & Test - DfX) for low volume, high value, highly regulated assemblies.
• A level of travel will be required; a valid Passport and Driving License are necessary.

Desired Skills

• Health and Safety experience related to processes involving lifting equipment, working at height, hazardous materials handling, and explosive atmosphere protection.
• Experience with space hardware manufacture, assembly, integration, and test.
• Experience as a team or project lead in a Manufacturing or Assembly organisation.
• Experience as a team or department manager with multiple direct reports.
• Lean Engineering qualification (Green Belt / Black Belt / Continuous Improvement).
• Familiarity with space systems engineering and testing standards (e.g., ECSS, NASA, MIL-STD).
• Proven hands-on experience in space vehicle manufacturing and assembly, system-level testing, and working in cleanrooms/lab environments.