Production Engineer
Salary £ Competitive
Bedford
Vacancy listed 27/02/2026
Application deadline 12/05/2026
Details
ARA is a unique SME representing some of the best engineering of our time. With a strong and rich heritage, we are proud to have a passionate workforce of highly skilled engineering and aerodynamic professionals. We are a leading specialist in model design and manufacture, aerodynamic testing and numerous associated technologies, e.g. Computational Fluid Dynamics.  We are actively involved in research, providing meaningful and innovative solutions and services to our global customer base.

Our site in Bedford is centred around our impressive transonic wind tunnel – the equipment which drives it – whilst the research performed is often unique to ARA and involves many bespoke processes.

About the Role

We are seeking a proactive and detail-driven Production Engineer to join our Design & Manufacture function. This role bridges design, project delivery, and manufacturing, ensuring efficient transition from bid phase through to production.

You will take ownership of production planning, D4M input, subcontract management, and manufacturing readiness to ensure projects are delivered on time, to cost, and to quality requirements.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own and populate the D&M pricing document during bid phase, ensuring full stakeholder input
  • Contribute to D&M project schedules, including identification of subcontract requirements
  • Provide formal Design for Manufacture (D4M) input and secure design sign-off
  • Determine material requirements, check stock, and order billets
  • Create and control route cards, defining method of manufacture, timings, and inspection requirements
  • Ensure adherence to route cards within the Model Manufacture Centre (MMC)
  • Manage subcontract RFQs, quotation reviews, and delivery performance
  • Participate in meetings and monitor part progress
  • Support Project Launch, PDR, CDR, MRR, and Lessons Learned reviews

About You
  • ONC /HNC or equivalent experience in Mechanical / Manufacturing / Production Engineering
  • Experience in a project-led manufacturing environment
  • Strong understanding of production methods and route card creation
  • Experience managing subcontract suppliers
  • Confident communicator with strong organisational skills

What We Offer
  • A precision-focused, specialist manufacturing environment, with extensive plans for modernisation in the fabrication of the building, tools and equipment 
  • Opportunities to work on technically challenging and rewarding projects
  • Ongoing training and development
  • Supportive and collaborative team culture

This is an opportunity to play a visible, accountable role within a fully integrated Design & Manufacture function.

Apply today by clicking the link. 

Please note that we operate a preferred supplier list for recruitment agencies. We are not seeking additional agency support for this vacancy and kindly ask that speculative approaches are not made.

The successful candidate must satisfy security clearance requirements – including the last 5 years continual UK residency, British passport holder only. 

Aircraft Research Association Ltd is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We recognise the value in an inclusive and diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified people.

Benefits

Annual leave – 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays per annum
Contributory pension scheme whereby the company matches up to a 7% contribution
Private medical insurance
Life cover of 3 x basic annual salary
Enhanced company sick pay
BAE shares as part of the BAE share incentive plan (SIP)

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