Production Engineer

Our client is seeking an experienced Production Engineer to support the development, implementation and optimisation of manufacturing processes across multiple production sites. The role will be responsible for managing several new product development projects simultaneously, ensuring successful delivery from initial concept through to full production within defined timelines.

The successful candidate will provide technical expertise across a wide range of manufacturing processes, support continuous improvement activities, develop automation solutions, and work closely with engineering teams both in the UK and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the process design and implementation of 3 to 4 new product development projects at any one time, ensuring successful delivery within a 12 month project cycle.
• Develop and implement production processes, controls and documentation for a variety of projects across UK and overseas manufacturing sites.
• Provide technical support to production operations, including first line engineering support across:
• Surface Mount Assembly (SMA)
• Hybrid Assembly
• Production Test
• Dicing Lines
• Automated Diced Product Lines
• FHP Moulding Lines
• Encapsulation Processes
• Laser Marking Systems
• Provide engineering support to additional manufacturing sites when required.
• Support product transfers to the client''s main overseas manufacturing facility.
• Collaborate with international process engineering teams to develop and introduce automated manufacturing solutions.
• Monitor, analyse and optimise the technical performance of manufacturing equipment across UK and overseas facilities.
• Develop and deliver structured training plans for trainee technicians and production personnel.

Job Specification

Engineering & Manufacturing Responsibilities

• Lead process design and implementation activities for assigned product development projects, ensuring delivery against agreed timelines and technical requirements.
• Provide day to day technical support and guidance to manufacturing technicians.
• Troubleshoot production issues to minimise downtime and maximise manufacturing output.
• Support prototype builds, pilot production and full-scale manufacturing process development.
• Create mechanical product designs, concepts and development solutions for new and existing products.
• Design, manufacture and qualify production fixtures and tooling, using internal manufacturing capabilities including CNC and 3D printing equipment where appropriate.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing processes, ensuring they are robust, repeatable and suitable for volume production.
• Investigate and implement new technologies, automation solutions and equipment improvements.

Project Management

• Manage engineering projects from concept through to production implementation.
• Provide regular project updates to engineering management teams.
• Maintain accurate project records and updates within internal project management systems.
• Develop project plans, timelines and deliverables to ensure successful completion.
• Support cross functional teams including Production, Test Development, Design Engineering, Quality and Manufacturing Engineering.

Product Transfer & International Support

• Manage product transfer activities between UK and overseas manufacturing facilities.
• Prepare detailed transfer documentation including:
• Production readiness reviews
• Transfer plans and schedules
• Training documentation
• Qualification reports
• Failure analysis reports
• Manufacturing feedback
• Coordinate and complete product transfers within agreed timescales, typically within 4 to 6 weeks.
• Provide ongoing engineering support for legacy products manufactured overseas.
• Work closely with overseas engineering teams to resolve technical issues and support continuous improvement activities.
• Travel internationally when required to support equipment installation, qualification and training activities.

Process Documentation & Technical Support

• Create and maintain detailed manufacturing documentation including:
• Assembly Instructions
• Workmanship Standards
• Work Instructions
• Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis (PFMEA)
• Control Plans
• Risk Assessments
• Manufacturing workflows
• Develop detailed Bills of Materials (BOMs) and Quality Process Assurance documentation.
• Create production costings, labour estimates and process time studies.
• Produce manufacturing yield reports and failure analysis investigations for UK and overseas production sites.
• Design, coordinate and qualify internal and external product packaging solutions.

Continuous Improvement & Compliance

• Support continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations.
• Implement and maintain 5S standards throughout production areas.
• Work in accordance with IATF 16949 automotive quality standards and support ongoing compliance activities.
• Maintain awareness and compliance with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards.
• Participate in process reviews, audits and improvement activities.
• Conduct supplier visits, audits and technical evaluations when required.
• Ensure all activities comply with company health and safety requirements.

Training & Development

• Support the Production Engineering Manager in identifying training requirements.
• Develop and deliver structured training programmes for technicians and production teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and technical staff.
• Ensure knowledge transfer and competency development within manufacturing teams.

Required Experience

• Strong technical engineering capability.
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent organisation and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet challenging deadlines.
• Mentoring and coaching capability.
• Flexible and adaptable approach.
• Self-motivated with a proactive attitude.
• HNC qualification or equivalent experience in an engineering discipline.
• Strong mechanical engineering experience.
• Minimum 3 years'' experience within a manufacturing or production engineering environment.
• Experience developing and implementing manufacturing processes.
• Experience working with IATF 16949 automotive standards.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards.
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience creating technical documentation and process procedures.
• Willingness to travel internationally when required.

Proactive Global is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.
Proactive Global is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.