Manufacturing Engineer – Bridges

Manufacturing Engineer – Bridges

Stockport | £45,000–£55,000 | Permanent

A specialist defence engineering manufacturer is looking to recruit a Manufacturing Engineer to support the production of rapidly deployable military bridge systems at its North West site. This role sits within a high-integrity environment, working on large, complex structures that enable mobility across challenging terrain — used in both operational defence settings and humanitarian response. Working closely with production and engineering teams, you'll play a key part in improving build quality, efficiency and process control across bridge fabrication and assembly.

The Role

This is a hands-on, shop-floor focused position centred on how modular bridge systems are manufactured, assembled and delivered. You'll be responsible for:

• Reviewing and optimising manufacturing processes for bridge structures, sub-assemblies and welded fabrications

• Driving improvements in productivity, repeatability and build consistency across bridge manufacture

• Identifying opportunities to reduce waste, improve cycle times and enhance tooling and fixturing

• Analysing quality and production data, leading corrective and preventive actions

• Supporting new product introduction, with a focus on Design for Manufacture within modular bridge systems

• Implementing structured problem-solving methods (8D, CAPA) to resolve build and process issues

• Working cross-functionally to improve cost, quality and delivery performance

• Ensuring all manufacturing activity meets required EHS, quality and defence standards

• Leading both immediate containment actions and longer-term process improvements

What We're Looking For

• HND, advanced apprenticeship or degree in Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering

• Experience in a manufacturing engineering role within heavy fabrication or complex mechanical assemblies

• Background working with large welded steel structures, ideally within defence, mobility systems or modular equipment

• Experience with lean and continuous improvement methodologies

• Strong, practical problem-solving skills with a genuine shop-floor focus

• Confident communicator, comfortable working across production, engineering and quality teams

• ERP experience (e.g. SAP) is beneficial but not essential

What's on Offer

• Pension: 4% employee, 7% employer contribution

• Half-day Fridays

• Life assurance and enhanced sick pay, increasing with service

• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support

• Long-service awards and additional holiday

• Cycle-to-work scheme

• Free on-site parking and EV charging

• Modern, collaborative engineering environment

This is a permanent opportunity within a well-established defence engineering business, delivering advanced bridging systems relied on by military and emergency response teams worldwide.

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