Manufacturing Engineer – Bridges

Manufacturing Engineer – Bridges Stockport | £45,000-£55,000 | Permanent A specialist defence engineering manufacturer is looking to recruit a Manufacturing Engineer to support the production of rapidly deployable military bridge systems at its North West site. The role sits within a high‑integrity environment, focused on large, complex structures used to enable mobility across challenging terrain in both operational and humanitarian settings. Working closely with production and engineering teams, you’ll play a key role in improving build quality, efficiency and process control across bridge fabrication and assembly activities. The role This is a hands‑on, shop‑floor focused position, centred on how modular bridge systems are manufactured, assembled and delivered. Responsibilities include: Reviewing and optimising manufacturing processes for bridge structures, sub‑assemblies and welded fabrications Driving improvements in productivity, repeatability and build consistency across bridge manufacture Identifying opportunities to reduce waste, improve cycle times and enhance tooling and fixturing Analysing quality and production data, leading corrective and preventive actions Supporting new product introduction, with a focus on Design for Manufacture within modular bridge systems Implementing structured problem‑solving (8D, CAPA) to address build and process issues Working cross‑functionally to improve cost, quality and delivery performance Ensuring all manufacturing activity meets required EHS, quality and defence standards Leading both immediate containment actions and longer‑term process improvements What you’ll need HND, advanced apprenticeship or degree in Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering Experience in a manufacturing engineering role within heavy fabrication or complex mechanical assemblies Background working with large welded steel structures, ideally within defence, mobility systems or modular equipment Experience with lean and continuous improvement methodologies Strong, practical problem‑solving skills with a shop‑floor focus Confident communicator, able to work across production, engineering and quality teams ERP experience (e.g. SAP) is beneficial but not essential What’s on offer Pension: 4% employee, 7% employer contribution Half‑day Fridays Life assurance and enhanced sick pay, increasing with service Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support Long‑service awards and additional holiday Cycle‑to‑work scheme Free on‑site parking and EV charging Modern, collaborative engineering environment This is a permanent opportunity within a well‑established defence engineering business delivering advanced bridging systems used by military and emergency response teams worldwide. Data Protection Notice: By applying for this position, you consent to Recruit Engineering processing and storing your personal data, including your CV, contact details, and any other relevant information, for the purpose of providing work-finding services. This consent includes forwarding your details to our clients and storing your information on our recruitment software database. Your consent will last for two years, and you can withdraw it at any time by contacting us in writing or via email