Lead CNC Programmer — Manufacturing Engineer

A Lead CNC Programmer – Manufacturing Engineer is sought to work for a company that designs, manufactures, repairs and overhauls a range of carbon-fibre composite propeller systems for military and civil applications from its new state-of-the-art headquarters in Brockworth, Gloucestershire.

Job summary:

In this role, the successful candidate will be part of the NPI team to provide support to the growing demand for new propeller manufacturing systems and contribute to the development of the next generation of electrified, sustainable aviation. 

The successful candidate will be a highly valued member of the manufacturing engineering department that are empowered across the company to ensure design intent is correctly translated using its production system.

The successful candidate will ensure design for manufacturing remains a key focus during the development cycle of the company’s products. Through development and pilot production, the successful candidate will provide feedback to the design team, aid the design team in resolving issues, supply documentation, tooling and training to allow the product to be built in a clean manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will be in charge of developing all computer numerical control (CNC)-related aspects required on new products as well as support development trials. The successful candidate will also be driving the start of the journey towards a fully automated assembly process as the company looks to provide the industrial base for high-volume manufacture of composite propeller blades and systems.

With a focus on manufacturability, the successful candidate will help contribute to the development of new processes, facilities and capabilities and assist with the adoption of automation and new technologies to ensure repeatability and reliability in the manufacturing process.

Job responsibilities:

• Keeping yourself, the manufacturing engineering team and the business safe and compliant in all daily tasks
• Representing the NPI team as the subject matter expert on CNC mill and lathe machining, 2D CNC cutting tables and laser projection programmes
• Able to create, validate and continuously improve CNC programmes for prototype development products
• Act as a metrology (non-destructive testing (NDT)/coordinate measuring machine (CMM)/laser scanning) focal for the NPI team 
• Author CMM/laser programmes and investigate the latest technologies for best-in-class inspection
• Lead the automation strategy for new products on material handling, machining and composite lay-up and moulding (RTM)
• Create floor plans, process flows and tool designs to demonstrate an optimal facility across safety, quality, delivery and cost (SQDC) metrics
• Work simultaneously with engineering to optimise the manufacturability of new products in development using design for manufacturing (DFM)/design for assembly (DFA) guidelines
• Interpret and modify programmable logic controller (PLC) code as part of continuous improvement or root cause corrective action (RCCA)workstreams post installation
• Devise installation and commissioning plans while working with contractors, line builders and suppliers to support the installation and commissioning of new facilities
• Identify key characteristics and controls to define process specifications to define inspection strategies
• Execute structured problem solving and robust RCCA.

Minimum qualifications, experience and characteristics:

• Able to interpret 2D (legacy) drawings, technical specifications and review manufacturability challenges and production solutions
• Experience with online programming of CNC machine tools with Fanuc/ISO and Heidenhain CNC controllers
• Able to offline programme CNC lathes and milling machines using computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software (ideally Catia V5)
• Knowledge of machining using simultaneous five-axis machining strategies
• Experience using 3D modelling and drafting CAD software (preferably CATIA V5)
• Able to program and operate CMM/laser scanning technologies (ideally using Modus or Polyworks software)
• Expertise in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) in accordance with BS308-3 and ASME Y14.5
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Must possess a conscientious, tenacious and positive outlook with a can-do attitude and a real appetite to learn.

Desired qualifications, experience and characteristics:

• Experience specifying, installing or maintaining electromechanical (Servo/VFD/HMI) and pneumatic systems
• Able to programme PLC code and direct maintenance of robotic automated production cells
• Experience developing facility plans in a fast-paced automated environment for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), warehouse, logistics, automotive)
• Experience in the manufacture, machining and assembly of carbon-fibre composite and high-precision machined metallic components
• Certified lean Six Sigma and/or Red-X practitioner with a knowledge and a deep interest in continuous improvement.

Benefits: 

• The company supports and encourages flexible working arrangements, where possible, and recognises the benefits to employees of having a positive work-life balance
• Total reward: the company understand the importance of total reward. Its flexible benefits plan, called FlexChoice, allows you freedom, choice and flexibility in the way you receive your benefits, as well as giving you the opportunity to make savings where possible
• Non-contributory pension
• Performance-related bonus
• Life assurance
• Group income protection
• Private medical cover
• Holiday hourly equivalent of 26 days, with flexibility to buy or sell.

Dowty Propellers – a GE Aerospace company, 4100 Hurricane Road, Gloucester Business Park, Brockworth, Gloucester GL3 4AQ
T / +44 (0)1452 716000
E / geae.aoc@ge.com
W / https://sales.dowty.com