As the global aerospace industry enters a new phase of sustained production growth, manufacturers are placing increasing emphasis on the engineers who can bridge the gap between technical excellence, digital manufacturing and customer delivery.
For Burnley-headquartered Velocity Composites plc, that investment in people continues with the recruitment of a new Project Engineer, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting major aerospace programmes as demand for advanced composite manufacturing continues to grow.
The appointment comes at a time when aircraft manufacturers are increasing build rates across both commercial aerospace and defence, creating fresh opportunities for suppliers capable of combining engineering expertise with agile project delivery and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Unlike traditional engineering roles focused solely on production, today’s project engineers are expected to coordinate complex programmes across customers, manufacturing teams, supply chain partners and internal engineering functions, ensuring new products move efficiently from concept into full-rate manufacture.
Velocity Composites has built its reputation by helping some of the world’s leading aerospace manufacturers improve the way advanced composite materials are managed, kitted and delivered. Its combination of engineering services, digital material management and integrated supply chain support has become increasingly important as manufacturers seek greater efficiency, traceability and sustainability throughout production.
The new Project Engineer will play a central role in delivering New Product Introduction (NPI) projects involving structural and processed composite materials, while supporting change management, manufacturing improvements, continuous improvement initiatives and customer programmes across Velocity’s international operations.
James Eastbury, Chief Customer Officer at Velocity Composites, said:
“Engineering careers have evolved significantly over the past decade. Our engineers work at the intersection of technology, manufacturing and customer collaboration, helping customers introduce new programmes, improve production efficiency and solve complex manufacturing challenges.
“This role offers the opportunity to work on some of the most advanced aerospace programmes in the world while developing experience across engineering, project management and customer engagement. For ambitious engineers, it provides exposure to the full manufacturing lifecycle rather than a single discipline.”
The recruitment reflects broader changes taking place across aerospace manufacturing.
As production rates continue to increase, manufacturers are investing heavily in digital technologies that improve visibility across the supply chain, optimise material utilisation and strengthen manufacturing resilience. Engineers increasingly require a broader skill set that combines technical knowledge with commercial awareness, data-driven decision making and collaborative project leadership.
Velocity Composites has invested extensively in proprietary digital manufacturing systems that enhance material traceability, improve nesting efficiency and reduce waste while supporting higher production volumes. These technologies allow customers to maximise composite material utilisation and improve inventory control across complex aerospace programmes.
The successful candidate will work alongside customers, suppliers and manufacturing teams across Velocity’s global operations, contributing directly to programmes that support many of the world’s leading aerospace manufacturers.
“People remain one of our greatest strengths. As our customers continue to increase production, investing in talented engineers is essential to maintaining the high levels of quality, innovation and service they expect. We want to attract engineers who are curious, collaborative and excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of advanced aerospace manufacturing” Eastbury added.
The recruitment follows a period of continued operational progress for Velocity Composites, including the achievement of Nadcap Merit status at its Tallassee, Alabama manufacturing facility and ongoing expansion of customer programmes across North America, Europe and other international markets.
With demand continuing to grow across commercial aerospace, defence and emerging advanced air mobility programmes, the company believes engineers who combine technical capability with project leadership and customer focus will become increasingly valuable across the global aerospace supply chain.
Applications for the Project Engineer role are now open through the Velocity Composites careers website.
