Lead Manufacturing Engineer

Independent Forgings and Alloys (IFA), one of Europe's leading precision forging companies, is expanding and looking to recruit a Lead Manufacturing Engineer to join its Sheffield-based team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Lead Manufacturing to join a highly respected aerospace manufacturing organisation. Working at the interface of Production, Quality and Metallurgy, the successful candidate will play a critical role in improving process capability, product quality and operational performance across one of the most technically advanced forging operations in Europe.

Company Details

Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd (IFA) sits uniquely as the only single-sited forge with open-die radial, press, hammer & ring rolling and closed-die extrusion, drop stamp and blade forging capabilities in the world. Through extensive forging and manufacturing processes, IFA offers a fully integrated metals service centre from ingot and billet production through to fully tested and released machined products.

Job Vacancy

As the Lead Manufacturing Engineer, you will be based at the Sheffield manufacturing facility, working closely with Quality, Production and Metallurgy teams to drive continuous and Quality improvements across the manufacturing operations. The role will focus on improving manufacturing processes, investigating technical and quality issues, supporting customer requirements and ensuring products consistently meet demanding aerospace and engineering specifications.

You will be a key technical resource within the business, helping to improve process capability, product conformity and operational performance through data-driven decision making and engineering expertise. This position would suit an experienced engineer from a manufacturing environment with a strong background in quality improvement, process engineering, metallurgical processes or operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the technical interface between Production, Quality and Metallurgy teams across the manufacturing operation
• Lead investigations into manufacturing non-conformances, quality concerns and process deviations
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions to improve performance
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, process capability and operational efficiency
• Support metallurgical investigations and process validation activities
• Analyse manufacturing and quality data to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement
• Develop and optimise manufacturing processes, procedures and controls
• Support customer quality requirements, audits and technical investigations
• Work closely with Quality Engineers and Metallurgists to ensure compliance with customer, aerospace and regulatory standards
• Support process risk assessments, FMEA activities and control plan development
• Participate in internal, customer and third-party audits
• Lead and support projects aimed at reducing waste, improving yield and enhancing manufacturing performance
• Provide technical support and guidance to production teams on process control and best practice
• Develop manufacturing documentation, technical procedures and process instructions
• Support new product introduction and manufacturing readiness activities
• Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by management

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree qualified in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy, Materials Engineering or a related discipline
• Previous experience within aerospace, forging, metals, steel, special alloys, machining or heavy manufacturing environments
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and quality systems
• Experience working closely with Quality and Metallurgy functions
• Proven track record of investigating manufacturing issues and implementing sustainable process improvements
• Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills
• Experience of process capability improvement and data analysis
• Knowledge of quality tools such as 8D, FMEA, SPC, APQP or similar methodologies
• Understanding of metallurgical processes, heat treatment or materials performance would be highly advantageous
• Experience supporting customer audits and technical investigations

Salary Information

• Starting salary between £45,000 - £55,000, depending on experience.
• Permanent position with long-term career opportunities
• Training and professional development support
• Opportunity to work within an advanced aerospace manufacturing environment
• 33 days holiday
• Pension scheme with employer contribution
• Bonus scheme and Westfield cash plan
• On-site parking available

This position is being recruited exclusively by W Talent Recruitment, who will be conducting the first-stage pre-screen interview. Any questions, please contact Glyn Dobb at W Talent directly.