Graduate Manufacturing Engineer

Date Posted:

2026-03-16

Country:

United Kingdom

Location:

Kilkeel, Newry, Mourne and Down

Position Role Type:

Onsite

Joining Collins Aerospace isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology.  

Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defence industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers’ problems and requirements and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.  

At our Kilkeel Facility, we manufacture aircraft interior seating for global customers. To support our existing business and enable future growth we have an opportunity for a Graduate to join our Manufacturing Engineering team. The role will be based on site at Kilkeel, Northern Ireland. 

What you will do:  

Supported by our experienced team you will:

• Work with Design and Manufacturing Teams to develop manufacturing solutions that meet cost, quality, and schedule requirements. 

• Act as a liaison between manufacturing and design teams to ensure alignment and effective communication. 

• Provide vendor support on basic manufacturing and design queries. 

• Assist in leading new programs/products through the NPI processes, including participating in Design Reviews, Drawing Reviews, DFMA, BOM verification, and Risk and Mitigation management. 

• Support operations in new line and process development and material flow using lean principles.

• Assist in establishing recurring and non-recurring costs. 

• Identify and support the implementation of tools and fixtures required for manufacturing. 

• Collaborate with operations teams to innovate and enhance assembly and manufacturing processes with moderate supervision. 

• Contribute to challenging existing manufacturing and business processes to drive improvements. 

• Maintain a safe working environment. 

• Participate in initiating and leading problem-solving techniques. Identify and assist in assessing feasibility and managing changes for both continuous improvements and mandatory requirements. 

• Demonstrate the effectiveness of manufacturing process selection in terms of costs, quality, and cycle times under limited supervision.  

• Ensure operations achieve output and quality targets in collaboration with other support functions. 

Skills and Experience Required:  

This graduate opportunity is ideally suited to you if you have a strong interest in manufacturing engineering, process improvement, and production optimisation within an aerospace environment.

We will delight in training and supporting your transition into industry. As such, you will demonstrate a proactive learning mindset, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to delivering both business objectives and personal development goals while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.  

Essential Criteria:

You will have a minimum 2:2 degree in an Engineering discipline, be a confident and effective communicator proficient in Microsoft Office. You will be comfortable working to tight deadlines in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.

Desirable Criteria:

• Working knowledge of New Product Development & Introduction (APQP), LEAN manufacturing principles and familiarity with the use of CAD systems, SAP or similar ERP systems would be advantageous.  

• 6 months relevant industry experience

What We Offer:  

In return we offer a benefits package which includes a competitive base salary as well as 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays. In addition, there is an Employee Assistance Programme, ability to buy and sell holidays, employee discounts, a fantastic pension scheme, discounted gym membership and much, much more.   

You will be part of our graduate programme, designed to support your development both professionally and personally. The programme offers exposure to a wide range of the business, and opportunities to grow your network through attending a range of exciting Early Careers and STEM events. You will be supported by experienced colleagues while building valuable connections that will enhance your career progression and broaden your understanding of how your work delivers impact across the organisation. 

More about us:  

The Kilkeel facility, part of our Interiors team, is focused on innovation, safety and cost efficiency. But we don’t just get people from point A to point B. We’re committed to making air travel more comfortable, connected and secure. As a leader in aviation interior products and services, we’re helping airlines and original equipment manufacturers create a positive experience for their customers. With offices and manufacturing facilities across the U.S. and more than 10 countries around the globe, we’re changing the game of aircraft interiors. Are you ready to join our team? 

Join us as we take flight! 

Candidates are required to submit a covering letter with their application, alongside their CV. You must clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role. This information will be used for shortlisting purposes. 

Where a high volume of candidates meet the essential criteria, the desirable criteria will be used to further shortlist applicants. 

Please note that submission of a covering letter is mandatory for this role. Applications submitted without a covering letter will not be progressed. 

The vacancy will close on 22nd March 2026 if sufficient applications are received.

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.  

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