Trainee Manufacturing Engineer – Planning & Engineering

About the role

We are looking for a motivated Trainee Manufacturing Engineer to join our established Manufacturing Engineering team in Bishop’s Stortford. You will support both military and commercial aircraft programmes by turning customer drawings and bills of material into clear manufacturing plans for sheet‑metal and machined components.

Key responsibilities

• Review contracts for new and repeat orders and interpret drawings, specifications, quality and regulatory requirements.
• Create manufacturing planning instructions, routings and bills of materials (BOMs).
• Plan manufacturing operations and sequences to achieve the most effective and economical method.
• Enter set‑up and run times in the Kinetic MRP/ERP system, generate jobs and print job travellers.
• Assemble accurate job packs (drawings, BOMs, COS, customer process sheets) for production.
• Raise requisitions for materials, tooling and outsourced processes as required.
• Collaborate with supervisors, operators and customers to resolve engineering and manufacturing issues.
• Maintain documentation in line with the company QMS and support NCR/RCCA activities.

Required profile

• Completed an engineering apprenticeship or strong base engineering knowledge.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment (aviation/aerospace desirable but not essential).
• Strong communication skills, organised and able to manage workload.
• Team player with a genuine desire to learn and progress.

Required skills

• Kinetic MRP/ERP system (experience advantageous).
• Catia V5 / 3‑D modelling knowledge.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

What we offer

• Competitive salary of £27,000‑£30,000 per year.
• Permanent full‑time role – Mon‑Thu 07:30‑17:00, Fri 07:30‑11:30.
• Opportunity to develop expertise in aerospace manufacturing.
• Supportive team environment with clear career progression.