Methods Engineer (Machine Details) - #149970

Location: Belfast, United Kingdom

Thales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning, to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short-range systems, to extended protection across the entire battle-space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar.

Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

Job Title: Methods Engineer

Location: Belfast

Hours: 4 day week Monday-Thursday / 37 hours per week

As a trainee Methtods Engineer for machine details you will be a hands-on engineer and problem solver experienced in the manufacture of low/medium volume, high-precision components.

You will:

• Provide Engineering support detailing the methods, tools, facilities and resources necessary to ensure cost effective manufacture, which maximizes key resource utilization.
• Best flow of materials, tools and parts to ensure minimum cycle and disruption times.
• Ensure design and quality standards are embedded within the process through innovative machining methods, equipment and tooling.
• Successful completion of ‘First Article Plan’, thus verifying product conformance, and achievement of both short term and long term capability through selection of appropriate tools to achieve process control.
• Be willing to receive training on schedule and budget adherence on all Work Packages.
• To shadow senior engineers during project design phase within a multi-functional team to ensure new products meets Design for Manufacture and Assembly requirements, providing recommendations on alternative design options where appropriate.
• Learn how to implement and maintain the ‘First Article Plan’ for new product introduction.
• To liaise with customers on manufacturing related issues, relating to project, and develop and implement solutions to exceed customer expectations.
• Learn how to develop, implement and maintain departmental instructions and procedures in conjunction with Industrial Process Engineering Management
• Assist in vendor audits to assess manufacturing capability as part of the vendor approval process. Carry out assessments of vendor’s processes and provide technical expertise / assistance to vendors on manufacturing issues. Recommend vendors for approval to Team Managers.
• Assist with the creation of detailed procurement specification, selection, justification, and commissioning of new production equipment.
• Assist with engineering, quality and facilities to help develop and introduce new and innovative manufacturing processes.
  
  
  

About the role:

• Learn and Develop cost-effective methods for manufacture by applying expert knowledge of machining processes, cutting tools and materials
• Learn Offline CNC Programming to run 3, 4 and 5 axis machines (primarily Turning, Milling, Wire Cutting and EDM)
• Provide technical support to the NDT Cell and Treatments Area when required. (Training provided)
• Provide ongoing technical support to machine setters/operators
• Recording and documenting current processes
• Gain knowledge and implement APQP Principles.
• Investigate non-conformities and develop corrective and preventative action.
• Provide support to the Quality Engineering function.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Degree in an engineering discipline is preferred although an HND with extra experience will be accepted.
  
  
  

Experience

• Skilled CNC Machinist/Setter/Programmer with a minimum of at least 3 years relevant engineering experience.
  
  
  

The jobholder shall have a working knowledge of the following:-

• Experience of twin spindle lathes, multi axis mills and 5 axis machine centres with live tooling.
• Knowledge of MasterCAM software or equivalent including development of post processors and NC Program simulation (Vericut)
• Knowledge and basic understanding of engineering drawings, including geometrical tolerancing to BS8888.
• Fully competent with the use of inspection equipment.
• Knowledge of working within an ISO9001 environment and maintaining system procedures.
• Statistical Process Control Methods.
• Design for Manufacture and Assembly.
• Problem Solving.
• Basic knowledge of manufacturing processes.
  
  
  

Thales Benefits

• 4 day working week
• 28 days annual leave (Plus Bank Holidays)
• Pension contributions up to 7%
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Life insurance
• Stock options (SharingThales) every 2 years
• Enhanced maternity and parental leave.
• Generous training budget and allowance to attend conferences/workshops.
• Gym and well-being memberships, Cycle to Work
• Discounts on major retail outlets
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
  
  
  

In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment, if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.

Great journeys start here, apply now!