Manufacturing Engineer - Electronics

Our client, a leading entity in the Defence & Security sector, is currently seeking a Manufacturing Engineer - Electronics to join their team in Swindon. The role involves building electronics that are central to next-generation unmanned aircraft systems, where reliability, traceability, and build quality are paramount. This position offers a unique opportunity to help establish a new UK electronics production capability and influence its setup and standards.
This role is ideal for those who enjoy a combination of hands-on manufacturing, engineering judgement, and rapid problem-solving, working with hardware you can be proud of.

Process design & industrialisation

• Define and prove out processes for electronics builds (SMT/THT interfaces, box build, harness integration, electro-mechanical integration, traceability/serialization steps).
• Produce and control work instructions, routings, and standard work, ensuring they are followed and kept current.
• Conduct time studies, line balancing, and throughput/capacity planning for electronics cells.

Tooling, fixtures & test

• Specify and commission assembly aids, ESD-safe tooling, jigs/fixtures, and test rigs to meet takt time and quality targets.
• Support the selection and commissioning of test equipment relevant to your area.

Process control & quality

• Develop PFMEAs and control plans, and lead RCCA on defects/non-conformances.
• Adhere to recognised workmanship expectations typically used in high-reliability electronics, including IPC-A-610.
• For cable/harness builds, adhere to IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards.

Continuous improvement

• Implement Lean projects focused on safety, yield, rework reduction, throughput, and cost.

Change management

• Manage engineering changes in production: assess impact, update documentation, plan cut-in, and brief the team.

Essential

• Experience in electronics manufacturing within a regulated environment (aerospace, defence, medical, automotive, complex electronics).
• Strong shop-floor process ownership and problem-solving skills in electronics assembly/avionics-style builds.
• Comfortable with tooling/fixtures, line balancing/capacity, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Desirable

• Experience with production test strategy, ESD controls, traceability systems, tech transfer, or new line build.

Security

• Eligible for UK SC clearance; BPSS eligible from day one.

If you are an experienced Manufacturing Engineer with a background in electronics looking to advance your career in the Defence & Security sector, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join our client''s dynamic and innovative team in Swindon.