Application Engineer – Aerospace

Jennifer Griffiths Recruitment are exclusively representing our client, in the search for a Process/Application Engineer to join their team in Cardiff. This is a hands-on engineering role focused on developing reliable coating processes, troubleshooting production and equipment issues, investigating non-conformances, and designing fixtures and masking to ensure components are coated accurately and consistently. Working closely with Production, Quality, Planning and other engineering teams, you’ll play a key role in maintaining production efficiency, product quality and continuous improvement. You’ll also help maintain the site’s quality and regulatory requirements, supporting Nadcap and AS9100 approvals for industrial coatings, alongside ISO 13485 and EU MDR compliance for medical coatings. Key Responsibilities: Provide hands-on engineering support to thermal spray production, helping resolve issues and minimise downtime. Troubleshoot coating defects, spray parameter drift, torch, powder feeder, robot and extraction issues to minimise downtime Investigate NCRs, identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions. Monitor and improve coating processes to enhance quality, consistency, efficiency and production performance. Design fixtures, tooling and masking and specifying fixtures, masking and tooling (ideally in SolidWorks) with the CNC Machining and Programming areas, so that parts are coated accurately and efficiently. Maintain production documentation keeping Manufacturing Process Plans, WI's and set-up information accurate and current Review technical requirements, support job costing and identify opportunities to reduce scrap, rework and production costs. Work closely with Production, Quality and other engineering teams, providing technical guidance and promoting safe working practices. Follow site safety procedures and risk assessments when working with thermal spray equipment, robotics, powders and gases. About You: Ideally, you will have... An HNC, HND or degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent practical experience. Experience in a production, process or manufacturing engineering role in a precision, aerospace or special-process environment. A practical, hands-on approach to troubleshooting equipment and processes. Experience of structured problem solving and root cause analysis (e.g. 8D, 5 Whys, fishbone). The ability to read engineering drawings, apply GD&T and interpret customer specifications. CAD skills, ideally SolidWorks (other CAD experience is acceptable). Clear written and verbal communication, and the confidence to work with operators, customers and managers. Good computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and ERP/quality systems. Bonus points if you have.... Hands-on thermal spray experience (plasma, HVOF, HVAF, arc wire or flame spray). Experience working within a Nadcap or AS9100-accredited operation. Exposure to industrial robots (e.g. ABB) or offline robot programming. Knowledge of associated processes such as grit blasting, masking, grinding or machining of coatings. Lean, SPC or Six Sigma training. Membership of IMechE or IOM3, or working towards professional registration. Hours of Work: Staggered day shift pattern to support production, with working hours of either 7:00am–3:30pm or 10:00am–6:30pm. Flexibility is required to work either pattern, on a fixed or rotating basis depending on business needs. Salary: £33,000–£42,000 per annum, dependent on experience. Location: Cardiff Contract: Permanent For more information please contact [email protected] or call our office on 01656 767778.