Manufacturing Engineer – Composite preforming
- Location
- Bristol, United Kingdom
- Work type
- On-site
- Job type
- Full-time
- Salary
- Not listed
- Clearance
- Clearance required
- U.S. citizenship
- Not stated
- Posted
- Oct 20, 2026
About the role
Job Description
Manufacturing Engineer – Composite preforming
Bristol
SNBG 7 - 10
Why join Rolls-Royce?
At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere.
By joining Rolls-Royce, you'll have the opportunity to work on world-class solutions, supported by a culture that believes individuality is our greatest strength, and all perspectives, experiences and backgrounds help us innovate and enable our high-performance culture.
Rolls-Royce are currently developing manufacturing methods, processes and materials for their composite fan systems. We are currently going through an exciting phase of growth as we deliver composite components and manufacturing programmes across a range of products for Civil Aerospace and Defence divisions.
This is an excellent opportunity for a Manufacturing Engineer to work within the Composite Technology Facility (CTF) as part of our Engineering, Test and Safety business. This work will predominantly involve the development of preforming processes for dry 3D woven fibre preforms, such as trimming and assembly prior to moulding. The role will be based in CTF Bristol on the Filton site and involve visits to our offsite facility, working closely with other parts of the business including Rolls-Royce Derby, external suppliers and the National Composites Centre (NCC).
The Engineering, Test and Safety business (ET&S) operates across all divisions (Civil Aerospace, Defence, Power Systems) in Rolls-Royce creating a culture of One Team, One Strategy, One Rolls-Royce.
This role will give the chosen applicant an opportunity to develop within Rolls-Royce manufacturing function and enable them to influence the creation and delivery of the next generation composite fan system. The successful candidate will manage packages of work within the CTF and be responsible for delivering results across a cross-functional team from Design Engineers, Technical specialist through to Operations and Quality.
What you will be doing:
- Develop and deliver composite preforming processes including trimming and assembly of dry fibre preforms for the latest fan system providing a capable method to the Operation Team in the facility.
- Ensure the preforming process techniques meet our customer’s requirements for Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery and Lead time.
- Develop the Technical Package (Equipment Specification, TI’s, PFMEAs, Tooling, Equipment and HSE documentation) to define the manufacturing process and control it effectively.
- Identify opportunities for new or improved process using statistical process control (Ppk and Cpk) to meet current or future requirements whilst sharing best practice across the community.
- Drive the composite process to Zero Defects through cost and quality waterfalls, owning the technology plan and strategy as we head towards industrialising the fan system.
Position qualifications:
- Engineering or relevant discipline degree, HND or HNC with Manufacturing Engineering experience
- Previous work experience in handling and processing of dry (3D woven) fibres
- Understanding of technology readiness levels (TRL) (or similar processes such as MCRL) and driving processes to maturity
- Understanding of the manufacturing engineering toolset to improve processes in our route to zero defects
- Experience working to aerospace management systems and following process controls.
Regional Benefits:
- Work in a safety-first environment were doing the right thing and keeping it simple are core principles.
- Join a culture that values making a real difference through your work.
- Develop your career as a mid-career professional blending technical expertise with strong personal qualities.
- Thrive in a role that encourages integrity, accountability, resilience, and curiosity.
- Collaborate and build relationships in a team-focused environment while also working independently.
- Take initiative, lead, and make smart decisions with confidence and support.
- Grow through continuous learning, openness to improvement, and exposure to challenging opportunities.
To work for the Rolls-Royce Defence business, an individual has to hold a Security Check clearance. Rolls-Royce will support the application for Security Clearance if you do not currently already have this in place. Due to the nature of work the business conducts and the protection of certain assets we can only progress applications from individuals who are a UK national or, in MOD and Government body approved cases, a dual national.
Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too.
Rolls-Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive.
As part of our selection process, candidates in certain locations may be asked to complete an online assessment, which can include cognitive and behavioural aptitude testing relevant to the role. If required, full instructions for the next steps will be provided.