CES Advanced Composites UK is seeking a motivated and capable Production Engineer to support our newly established Aircraft Interior Development Centre in Romsey. This facility plays a critical role in bridging early-stage composite development and full-scale serial production.
The successful candidate will work at the forefront of product and process development, helping transform prototype and test components into robust, repeatable manufacturing processes. These processes will ultimately be transferred to our production facility in Turkey following successful First Article Inspection (FAI).
In addition, the role will provide secondary support to CES Defence programmes, particularly UK sovereign ballistic armour projects, which may pass through the UK facility for development or rework activities.
This is a hands-on, multidisciplinary role combining design, manufacturing engineering, and project delivery within a growing aerospace and defence composites environment.
Key Responsibilities
Design & Engineering
- Create 3D solid models and detailed engineering drawings using SolidWorks
- Develop design solutions to support manufacturability and process efficiency
- Maintain accurate technical documentation and revision control
Manufacturing & Process Development
- Develop and optimise CAD/CAM programs for CNC equipment
- Support commissioning and operation of new machinery, including:
- CNC robot trimming system (on order)
- 3-axis CNC router table
- Attend supplier-provided training courses for new CNC machinery and associated CAD/CAM software, and apply learning to internal process development
- Define and refine manufacturing processes for composite components
- Support transition from development to production-ready processes
Autoclave & Composites Processing
- Develop, control, and optimise autoclave cure programs
- Support composite layup, curing, and finishing processes
- Ensure process consistency and repeatability
Project Management
- Lead and support development projects from concept through to FAI
- Track progress, timelines, and deliverables
- Liaise with internal stakeholders and international production teams
Quality & Compliance
- Support the Quality Manager in maintaining the ISO 9001 Quality Management System
- Assist in the implementation of AS9100 certification over the next 12 months
- Ensure all processes and documentation meet aerospace standards and traceability requirements
Defence & Ballistic Armour Support
- Provide secondary engineering support to CES Defence programmes
- Support development and industrialisation of ballistic armour solutions for UK sovereign projects
- Assist with occasional rework, modification, or repair activities on armour contracts at the UK site
- Ensure compliance with relevant defence and quality standards where applicable
Skills & Experience Required
- Engineering degree or strong practical experience in a relevant manufacturing or engineering environment
- Proven experience in composite manufacturing or aerospace/defence production environments
- Proficiency in SolidWorks (3D modelling and drawing production)
- Experience with CNC programming and CAD/CAM systems
- Willingness to attend and engage in supplier-led training for new CNC equipment and software
- Understanding of composite processes (prepreg, autoclave curing, trimming)
- Strong project management and organisational skills
- Knowledge of quality systems (ISO 9001; AS9100 desirable)
Personal Attributes
- Proactive and hands-on approach
- Strong problem-solving mindset
- Ability to work independently and as part of a small, growing team
- Effective communicator across technical and non-technical teams
- Adaptable in a fast-paced development environment
What We Offer
- Opportunity to shape a new and growing development centre
- Exposure to full product lifecycle from concept to production
- Involvement in both aerospace and defence composite applications
- Training and upskilling on advanced CNC equipment and CAD/CAM systems
- Collaborative international working environment
- Career development within advanced composites engineering
