Contract Manufacturing Engineer

Basildon | Defence Electronics | 6–12 Month Contract (likely extension)

We are seeking an experienced Contract Manufacturing Engineer to support the smooth transition of new defence electronic products from design into volume production at our client’s Basildon site.

You will work within their Integrated Sensing and Protection business, developing and improving manufacturing processes and equipment to enable world‑class production across land, air and sea domains.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and optimise manufacturing processes, methods and equipment for new and existing products

Lead Manufacturing Maturity Reviews and contribute to Manufacturing Plans and governance

Analyse capacity, workflow, space and layout to relieve bottlenecks and improve efficiency

Resolve complex production issues on the shop floor and support failure investigations (e.g. 8D)

Ensure robust manufacturing data: routings, control plans and electronic work instructions

Support quality through process validation/verification and standards adherence

Drive continuous improvement and coach/mentor junior manufacturing engineers

Liaise with internal stakeholders, customers, suppliers and equipment vendors

What We’re Looking For

Degree in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent experience

Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, principles and product lifecycle

Proven experience in NPI/transition from design to manufacture in a complex engineering environment

Confident in planning and owning work packages and influencing stakeholders with data‑driven decisions

Comfortable leading problem solving, reviewing others’ work and implementing process change

Strong communication skills; able to explain technical issues in an accessible way

Able to engage effectively with customers and suppliers

Desirable

Experience developing manufacturing capability with Industry 4.0 / Smart Factory concepts

Due to the nature of the work, you must be eligible for full UK security clearance.

For more information on this excellent temporary opportunity please contact the recruitment team