Composite Manufacturing Engineer

MERITUS are recruiting for a Composite Manufacturing Engineer to join our client in Blackburn in a permanent position as they continue to scale their workforce against defence projects. COMPOSITE MANUFACTURING ENGINEER - GREATER BLACKBURN - UP TO £55,000 PER ANNUM - PERMANENT - SECTOR: AEROSPACE Meritus Talent is recruiting on behalf of a leading advanced manufacturing organisation operating within the aerospace sector. We are seeking a talented Composites Manufacturing Engineer to join a growing engineering team responsible for developing, improving, and supporting the manufacture of high-performance composite components. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a technically challenging environment where innovation, quality, and continuous improvement are at the heart of the operation. The OpportunityAs a Composites Manufacturing Engineer, you will be responsible for developing and optimising manufacturing processes for advanced composite structures and assemblies. Working closely with design, production, and quality teams, you will play a key role in ensuring products are manufactured efficiently, safely, and to the highest industry standards. Key Responsibilities • Develop, implement, and continuously improve composite manufacturing processes. • Support the introduction of new products and manufacturing methods into production. • Work collaboratively with engineering, production, and quality teams to enhance manufacturing performance. • Design and develop tooling, fixtures, and production aids to support efficient manufacture. • Conduct process validation activities, trials, and capability studies. • Investigate and resolve manufacturing and process-related issues. • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost, efficiency, and waste reduction. • Create and maintain manufacturing documentation, including process instructions and technical specifications. • Ensure compliance with relevant aerospace quality and regulatory requirements. • Provide technical guidance and support to production teams. • Evaluate emerging composite technologies and identify opportunities for implementation. Candidate Requirements • Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline. • Previous experience within a composites manufacturing environment, ideally within aerospace, defence, automotive, or another highly regulated industry. • Strong understanding of composite materials, including carbon fibre and advanced polymer systems. • Experience with composite manufacturing techniques such as: • Hand Lay-Up • Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) • Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) • Autoclave Processing • Bonding and Assembly Techniques • Experience using CAD software for tooling or fixture design. • Knowledge of quality standards and manufacturing best practices within regulated industries. • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.