Production Engineer

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 controlManufacturing & 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 processesAutoclave & Composites Processing

Develop, control, and optimise autoclave cure programs
Support composite layup, curing, and finishing processes
Ensure process consistency and repeatabilityProject Management

Lead and support development projects from concept through to FAI
Track progress, timelines, and deliverables
Liaise with internal stakeholders and international production teamsQuality & 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 requirementsDefence & 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