Manufacturing Process Optimization Engineer

Location: Hengelo, Overijssel, Netherlands

Department: Production & Manufacturing

Workplace: on_site

Description

About The Role

Imagine being on the production floor where hardware becomes reality and every decision is backed by data. As our Manufacturing Process Optimization Engineer for the production area, you will turn complex manufacturing operations into streamlined, measurable, and high performing systems. You will not just observe processes you will redesign them, optimize them, and elevate them using real time data and sharp engineering judgment.

At Destinus, we are revolutionizing the defense industry with cutting edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles UAVs. Our innovative technologies are designed to meet the unique demands of modern defense operations, delivering unparalleled speed, precision, and cost effectiveness. Destinus partners with government agencies and defense organizations worldwide to provide advanced solutions for mission critical operations, enabling a new era of efficiency and technological superiority. Join us in shaping the future of defense with groundbreaking aerospace innovations.

What You’ll Do

• Take ownership of manufacturing processes on the production floor and continuously improve them based on real performance data.
• Monitor and analyze KPIs such as cycle time, scrap, yield, and equipment performance, turning insights into concrete actions.
• Identify bottlenecks and variability, then implement structured improvements to increase stability and throughput.
• Lead root cause analysis for production deviations and quality issues, ensuring corrective actions are effective and sustainable.
• Optimize workflows, layouts, and work instructions to improve efficiency and repeatability.
• Support new product introduction by defining robust, production ready processes and ensuring smooth ramp up.
• Work closely with operators, quality, and engineering teams to drive a culture of operational excellence and data transparency.

Requirements

What You’ll Need

• Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong experience in a production or manufacturing environment, ideally within aerospace, defense, or other high precision industries.
• At least 3 years of experience in process optimization, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proven ability to work with production data, KPIs, statistical tools, and performance dashboards.
• Experience with root cause analysis and structured problem solving methods.
• Hands on mindset with the ability to spend time on the shop floor and translate theory into practical improvements.
• Strong technical documentation and communication skills.
• Experience with ERP or MES systems is a plus.

Who You Are

You thrive in a fast paced production environment where every second and every metric counts. You see numbers as a story waiting to be decoded and processes as systems that can always be improved. When others accept inefficiencies, you challenge them. You take ownership, dig into details, and push for solutions that are not just quick fixes but long term improvements. You are collaborative, pragmatic, and driven by results, with the integrity to stand by your data and the curiosity to keep learning.