Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer – Forging & Machining

The Role

• We are looking for a hands -on, driven Manufacturing Engineer to take ownership of manufacturing performance across our forging, machining, and secondary operations.
  
• This is not a desk -based role. You will be expected to be on the shop floor, resolving issues in real time, driving standards, and ensuring processes are robust, repeatable, and production -ready.
  
• You will play a key role in supporting and improving operations across:
  
  • Press Shop (1300T / 1600T / 4000T press suite)
    
  • Induction heating systems
    
  • CNC machining & secondary operations
    
• Your focus: improve output, reduce downtime, eliminate waste, and stabilise production.
  

Key Responsibilities

Process Ownership & Improvement

• Take full ownership of manufacturing processes — if it runs poorly, you fix it
  
• Improve cycle times, throughput, and yield
  
• Standardise processes to remove variation and operator dependency
  

Shop Floor Problem Solving

• Be present on the shop floor during issues — not managing via email
  
• Lead structured root cause analysis (8D, 5 Why, fault finding)
  
• Resolve chronic issues including:
  
  • Press stoppages
    
  • Induction instability
    
  • Tooling failures
    
  • Scrap trends
    

Continuous Improvement

• Deliver real, measurable improvements:
  
  • OEE improvement
    
  • Downtime reduction
    
  • Scrap reduction
    
• Implement Lean tools properly (5S, Standard Work, Visual Management)
  
• Challenge poor practices — “we’ve always done it this way” isn’t acceptable
  

Process Control & Documentation

• Create and maintain:
  
  • SOPs
    
  • Work instructions
    
  • Process flows
    
• Ensure documentation reflects actual working practice
  
• Implement controls to prevent repeat failures
  

NPI & Process Validation

• Lead new product introduction from concept to production
  
• Define processes, tooling, and trials
  
• Deliver right -first -time launches
  
• Support validation through capability studies and sign -offs
  

Data -Driven Performance

• Monitor and act on:
  
  • OEE
    
  • Scrap
    
  • Downtime
    
• Use data to drive action, not just reporting
  
• Deliver measurable improvements
  

Tooling & Equipment Support

• Support die design and improvements
  
• Drive tool life optimisation
  
• Work with Toolroom to eliminate repeat failures and poor quality
  

Cross -Functional Working

• Work closely with Production, Maintenance, and Quality
  
• Take ownership — no silos, no finger -pointing
  

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with:
  
  • HSE
    
  • PUWER
    
  • UKCA requirements
    
• Challenge unsafe practices immediately
  

Skills & Experience

• HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical / Manufacturing Engineering
  
• Experience in forging, heavy engineering, or automotive manufacturing
  
• Strong background in process improvement within production environments
  
• Strong Experience with CAD (Fusion 360 or similar)
  
• Good understanding of:
  
  • Engineering drawings & tolerances
    
  • PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC
    
  • Structured problem solving (8D, 5 Why)
    

What We’re Looking For (Fit)

• Can -do attitude — no passengers
  
• Self -driven and able to work on own initiative
  
• Comfortable in a fast -paced, hands -on environment
  
• Willing to challenge poor standards
  
• Strong shop floor presence — visible and accountable
  
• Focused on solutions, not excuses
  

Key KPIs

• Reduction in scrap and rework
  
• OEE improvement across key processes
  
• Reduction in downtime (press & machining)
  
• Successful NPI delivery
  
• Demonstrated cost savings
  
• Reduction in repeat issues / firefighting
  

Additional Expectations

• Be on -site and engaged from the start of shift
  
• Support production start -up where required
  
• Deliver improvements that are visible within weeks, not months
  
• Maintain high standards of documentation and accountability