Vectis Recruitment
Principal Continuous Improvement Engineer

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Principal Continuous Improvement Engineer
A global leading manufacturer of precision engineered components to the Aerospace, Defence & Energy Sectors has a new vacancy for a Principal Continuous Improvement Engineer. Part of the senior operational excellence team, you will play a key role in identifying opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, reduce waste, enhance quality, and increase productivity. Candidates are sought with a proven track record of driving continuous improvement, a good understanding of CNC machining processes, and will have worked in a fast-paced, highly regulated manufacturing environment (aerospace, automotive, defence, etc).
The Role
- Lead the analysis of production data to identify performance trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities, translating findings into strategic action plans.
- Drive the optimisation of machining operations, maximising machine utilisation, tooling performance, cycle times, and overall workflow efficiency.
- Lead continuous improvement projects from initial assessment and feasibility studies through to implementation, validation, and sustained performance gains.
- Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), using data-driven insights to evaluate performance, prioritise initiatives, and drive accountability.
- Champion operational excellence through process standardisation, structured problem-solving, best-practice implementation, and employee engagement initiatives.
- Ensure all improvement activities comply with health and safety requirements, quality standards, engineering specifications, and operational procedures.
- Provide technical leadership and guidance to support the development of machining processes, improve operational capability, and embed a culture of continuous improvement.
- Identify and deliver opportunities to reduce manufacturing costs, minimise downtime, improve productivity, and enhance overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
The Person


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Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
- Proven track record of driving lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
- A good understanding of CNC machining processes.
- Previous experience within a fast-paced and highly regulated environment (aerospace, defence, energy, etc).
- Excellent leadership and influencing skills.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
- Ability to interpret data and translate findings into practical solutions.
- A proactive approach with a passion for challenging the status quo.
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Jessica, London
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