Lead Manufacturing Engineer
CV-LibraryPortsmouth, HampshirepermanentPosted: 4 September 2026
Apply NowFortress Recruit is supporting a Defence engineering and manufacturing organisation with the recruitment of a Lead Manufacturing Engineer.
This is a senior technical role supporting the production engineering function, with responsibility for developing and improving manufacturing processes, providing production support and driving continuous improvement across a complex manufacturing environment.
Key responsibilities will include:
* Supporting the production engineering team and mentoring junior engineers
* Developing and improving manufacturing processes
* Providing technical support to production and resolving manufacturing issues
* Working with Design Engineering on DFM and new product introduction
* Developing tooling, work holding and fixture solutions
* Driving continuous improvement and Six Sigma activity
* Supporting new machinery and equipment projects, including CAPEX and commissioning
* Working with subcontractors and internal teams to achieve quality and delivery targets
* Creating and maintaining manufacturing documentation, BoMs and routings
To be successful in this role, you will have:
* HNC/HND or equivalent engineering qualification desirable, although relevant experience will be considered
* Strong manufacturing engineering experience, ideally 10+ years
* A machining or apprentice trained background
* Experience within a precision manufacturing environment
* Good knowledge of CNC machining, tooling and modern manufacturing methods
* Experience with engineering drawings, tolerances, work holding and fixture design
* CAD experience, ideally Solid Edge or a similar system
* Experience of continuous improvement and Six Sigma
* Experience with complex materials such as super alloys, castings or composites would be advantageous
* CNC programming, SAP or ERP/MRP experience would also be beneficial
* Strong communication, problem solving and influencing skills
* Eligibility to gain SC clearance (5 years UK residency without visa or sponsorship requirement)
This is a senior, hands on manufacturing engineering position within a busy production environment, where flexibility will be required to support business needs and meet demanding delivery deadlines.
This is a full time, permanent position based onsite in Portsmouth, offering a salary of £50-53K DoE, 8% bonus and comprehensive benefits package.
For a confidential conversation or to request a full job description, please get in touch with a copy of your up to date CV
This is a senior technical role supporting the production engineering function, with responsibility for developing and improving manufacturing processes, providing production support and driving continuous improvement across a complex manufacturing environment.
Key responsibilities will include:
* Supporting the production engineering team and mentoring junior engineers
* Developing and improving manufacturing processes
* Providing technical support to production and resolving manufacturing issues
* Working with Design Engineering on DFM and new product introduction
* Developing tooling, work holding and fixture solutions
* Driving continuous improvement and Six Sigma activity
* Supporting new machinery and equipment projects, including CAPEX and commissioning
* Working with subcontractors and internal teams to achieve quality and delivery targets
* Creating and maintaining manufacturing documentation, BoMs and routings
To be successful in this role, you will have:
* HNC/HND or equivalent engineering qualification desirable, although relevant experience will be considered
* Strong manufacturing engineering experience, ideally 10+ years
* A machining or apprentice trained background
* Experience within a precision manufacturing environment
* Good knowledge of CNC machining, tooling and modern manufacturing methods
* Experience with engineering drawings, tolerances, work holding and fixture design
* CAD experience, ideally Solid Edge or a similar system
* Experience of continuous improvement and Six Sigma
* Experience with complex materials such as super alloys, castings or composites would be advantageous
* CNC programming, SAP or ERP/MRP experience would also be beneficial
* Strong communication, problem solving and influencing skills
* Eligibility to gain SC clearance (5 years UK residency without visa or sponsorship requirement)
This is a senior, hands on manufacturing engineering position within a busy production environment, where flexibility will be required to support business needs and meet demanding delivery deadlines.
This is a full time, permanent position based onsite in Portsmouth, offering a salary of £50-53K DoE, 8% bonus and comprehensive benefits package.
For a confidential conversation or to request a full job description, please get in touch with a copy of your up to date CV