Head of Production Engineering

• Employment type: Permanent
• Salary: £55,000 - £70,000
• Standard Hours: Flexible start / 40 hours per week
• Location: Bembridge, Isle of Wight

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop Production Engineering teams
• Set engineering priorities aligned with production schedules, aircraft delivery milestones, and business objectives.
• Allocate engineering resources to support assembly lines, modification programmes, and NPI activity.
• Promote a culture of safety, compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Provide day-to-day engineering support to aircraft assembly, systems installation, and modification activities.
• Resolve production issues impacting safety, quality, cost, or delivery, ensuring robust root cause analysis and corrective action.
• Support production planning by improving workflow, line balance, and capacity utilisation.
• Monitor and improve key metrics such as delivery performance, labour efficiency, and schedule adherence..

• Develop, maintain, and optimise manufacturing processes, routings, tooling, and work instructions for aircraft and components.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI), aircraft variants, design changes, and industrialisation activities.
• Ensure manufacturing documentation is compliant with Part 21, Part 145 (where applicable), and internal procedures.
• Drive standardisation and best practice across production and engineering functions.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives appropriate to low-volume aerospace manufacturing (Lean, Kaizen, problem-solving)
• Reduce rework, non-conformances, and manufacturing waste while maintaining airworthiness and quality standards
• Identify opportunities to improve build efficiency, flow, and cost without compromising compliance or safety
• Support capital investment cases for tooling, fixtures, and equipment

• Oversee the specification, design, and introduction of jigs, fixtures, and manufacturing aids for aircraft production
•  Work closely with Maintenance and Facilities to ensure equipment availability and safe operation
• Support selective automation and digital manufacturing solutions where they add value in a high-mix environment

• Ensure manufacturing processes meet Britten-Norman quality standards and regulatory requirements
• Work closely with Quality and Compliance to support audits, investigations, and corrective actions
• Support root cause analysis for non-conformances, concessions, and production escapes
• Promote a strong safety culture across all manufacturing and engineering activities

• Work closely with Design Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Production, and Planning teams
• Support supplier technical issues and manufacturing readiness where required
• Provide engineering input to programme reviews, delivery planning, and operational risk assessments

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Experience in Production Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering within an aerospace manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of aircraft manufacturing, assembly, structures, or systems installation
• Experience working in a regulated environment (EASA / CAA / Part 21 / Part 145)
• Proven ability to lead engineering teams and support live production
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

• Experience in low-volume, high-mix aerospace manufacturing
• Knowledge of airworthiness, configuration control, and change management
• Experience with Lean principles applied to aerospace environments
• Familiarity with digital work instructions, MRP/ERP systems, and manufacturing KPIs

Benefits

• 36 annual leave days (inclusive of Bank and Public Holidays)
• Contributory pension scheme with a salary sacrifice option
• Private healthcare scheme
• Flu vaccination
• Dental and optical cover
• Employee Assistance Program
• Support with learning and professional development (courses and licenses)
• Health screening and therapies
• Digital GP
• Referral bonus

About
Britten-Norman is a leading aircraft manufacturer that has been building aircraft continuously for over 70 years. The company is world renowned for its iconic BN2 Islander Series. The Islander is one of the most successful civil aircraft ever produced in the UK. Available in both piston and turboprop variants, Islander aircraft offer exceptional Short Take-off and Landing capabilities and the ability to operate from unprepared surfaces, including both grass and sand. It has been manufactured continuously since 1965, with 1,299 aircraft built to date. Islander aircraft provide adaptable, low-cost solutions that are currently in daily use with some 200 companies and organisations in over 70 countries worldwide. Britten-Norman also provides comprehensive support to its customers, with field servicing, training, and modifications/upgrades available. They have a dedicated training department that offers expert OEM approved training for pilots, mission operators, and technicians. Additionally, they prioritise innovation and are currently involved in various Research and Development programs. With facilities in the UK and USA, Britten-Norman is able to cater to customers globally. Their commitment to excellence and their passion for pushing boundaries in aircraft design make them a top choice for those in the aviation industry.