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. The role sits within a high‑integrity environment, focused on large, complex structures used to enable mobility across challenging terrain in both operational and humanitarian settings.

Working closely with production and engineering teams, you’ll play a key role in improving build quality, efficiency and process control across bridge fabrication and assembly activities.

The role

This is a hands‑on, shop‑floor focused position, centred on how modular bridge systems are manufactured, assembled and delivered. Responsibilities include:

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 (8D, CAPA) to address 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 you’ll need

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 shop‑floor focus

Confident communicator, able to work 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 used by military and emergency response teams worldwide.

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