Join ICOMAT – Revolutionising the Future of Lightweight Manufacturing!
iCOMAT is an advanced manufacturing company that invented Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS) - the only proven technology for producing defect-free curved-fiber composite parts at industrial scale. We deliver the lightest structures possible for aerospace, automotive, defense, and space, at a rate and cost efficiency that far exceeds existing composite production processes.
We build and operate automated factories for composite materials, delivering components to Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs. The business has three main divisions: development of automated production machines, development of software design and production tools, and operation of the factory. We work with 25+ customers and completed the largest ever Series A in composites manufacturing to fuel a significant scale-up, with growth plans that will see the business multiply in size over the next two to three years and expand operations into the UK, Europe and the US.
The business has currently more than 130,000 sqm of production capacity with manufacturing facilities in the UK (Gloucester and Swindon) and the US (Dayton, Ohio); a Hardware R&D Centre in Bristol, UK; and a Software R&D Centre in Athens, Greece.
We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Manufacturing Engineering Lead to manage the Manufacturing Engineering and Tooling capability within an iCOMAT plant.
Each plant will have an ME Lead responsible for the local ME and Tooling teams. The role will report into the Director of Engineering and work closely with the Operations team. Day-to-day direction will come from Operations, with process standards, technical governance and longer-term strategy coming from Engineering.
This is a practical leadership role. The successful candidate will be expected to deliver technical Manufacturing Engineering work content directly, while also managing the team, setting objectives, developing capability and planning the workload.
The ideal candidate will bring strong Manufacturing Engineering experience in a production environment. Experience across both composite manufacture and metallic machining/tooling is preferred.
What will you be doing?
Support BD with quotations, including manufacturing methodology, process assumptions, tooling requirements and costings.
Step-by-step manufacturing instructions.
Health and Safety requirements, including COSHH assessments where required.
Tooling required.
Equipment required.
Key material specifications.
Cure cycle specifications and programme numbers.
Deliver APQP process on NPI where required, including process flow, PFMEA, control plan and PPAP / Fair.
Take build-to-print components, tooling and parts from Design Engineering through to production, ensuring manufacturing risks, process controls and quality requirements have been evaluated.
Own local manufacturing readiness for new products and processes, ensuring process development, tooling, material, documentation, training and quality controls are in place before production release.
Lead structured problem solving for manufacturing, tooling, quality and process issues, using practical root cause analysis and corrective actions.
Develop plant capability through skills matrices, SME ownership, training plans and help standardised process knowledge across ME, Tooling and Operations.
Support procurement and suppliers with technical guidance on materials, tooling, equipment, packaging and manufacturing requirements.
What do we need from you?
Required
Strong understanding of manufacturing process development, production documentation, routings, BoMs, process sheets, work instructions and Methods of Manufacture.
Experience with PFMEA, structured problem solving, root cause analysis, gauge R&R awareness and continuous improvement methods.
Ability to plan workload, set objectives, manage priorities and communicate clearly with Operations, Engineering, Quality and Supply Chain stakeholders.
Knowledge of CNC machining, jigs, fixtures, precision tooling, metallic components and manufacturing cost drivers.
Ideal but not essential, degree qualification in Composite Materials, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline.
Our Values: Uncompromising Excellence
Discipline over excuses. We commit. We follow through. We hold ourselves and each other to the highest standard, especially when the pressure is on.
Push the edge. iCOMAT was built on a refusal to accept that curved fiber could not be manufactured at scale. We innovate where others hesitate.
Aligned and accountable. Everyone owns their lane, communicates openly, and delivers without being chased. No silos. No ambiguity.
Why iCOMAT?
Competitive Salary & Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare, pension scheme.
Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
Career Growth Opportunities: Join us at a pivotal time as we scale up, offering unmatched professional growth opportunities in the rapidly advancing field of composite materials.
Innovation-Focused Culture: We pride ourselves on our inclusive, forward-thinking work environment. Recognized by Bloomberg as a "UK Startup to Watch," iCOMAT celebrates diversity and encourages all applicants, regardless of background, to apply.
Global Impact: Be a part of our mission to redefine lightweight structures for the automotive, aerospace, and space industries, working with some of the most influential companies worldwide.Ready to be part of something big?
Apply now to learn more and join us on our exciting journey!
