Job Overview

Working collaboratively with Operations, Quality, EHS, Industrial Engineering, Planning, and external suppliers, the Manufacturing Engineer will provide technical leadership and day-to-day manufacturing support, driving improvements in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost. The position is accountable for establishing robust process controls, supporting equipment installation and commissioning, resolving production and quality issues, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives to achieve operational and business objectives.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the new Molding Value Stream delivers sustainable manufacturing performance through effective project management, data-driven decision making, and the application of lean manufacturing principles.

Your new role:

Provide day-to-day Manufacturing Engineering support to the Thermofit Molding Value Stream, ensuring process stability, product quality, and operational efficiency.

· Lead and deliver manufacturing projects supporting capacity expansion, equipment installation, process improvements, new product introduction, product transfers, and business growth initiatives.

· Manage project activities from concept, specification, and justification through procurement, installation, commissioning, validation, and handover to operations.

· Analyse manufacturing and performance data to identify opportunities for improvement, resolve production challenges, and develop business cases for capital investment.

· Develop, implement, and maintain robust manufacturing processes and controls to ensure safe, repeatable, and capable production.

· Ensure all manufacturing documentation is current and compliant, including process specifications, work instructions, machine recipes, BOMs, routings, PFMEAs, control plans, and validation records.

· Drive continuous improvement activities focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity using Lean Manufacturing and structured problem-solving techniques.

· Investigate and resolve in-process quality issues, customer complaints, and non-conformances, implementing effective corrective and preventive actions.

· Ensure all process changes are managed and documented in accordance with company procedures, customer requirements, and regulatory obligations.

· Support New Product Introduction activities, ensuring products are successfully industrialised and transferred into production.

· Work collaboratively with Production, Quality, Planning, and Technical functions to deliver operational objectives and improve value stream performance.

· Participate in daily operational reviews and provide timely engineering support to resolve manufacturing issues and minimise disruption.

· Promote and maintain a strong safety culture, ensuring hazards are identified, risks assessed, and all activities conducted in accordance with site health, safety, and environmental requirements.

· Support the achievement of operational targets relating to productivity, quality, scrap reduction, on-time delivery, and overall equipment effectiveness.

Your ideal background:

· HNC, HND or Degree qualified in an Engineering discipline, or equivalent combination of qualifications and relevant experience.

· Demonstrable experience within a Manufacturing Engineering role, supported by strong hands-on practical knowledge of manufacturing equipment, processes, and production environments.

· Proven experience delivering manufacturing improvement, capital investment, capacity expansion, New Product Introduction (NPI), or process industrialisation projects.

· Strong understanding of manufacturing process control methodologies, including PFMEA, Control Plans, process validation, change control.

· Experience analysing manufacturing data and applying structured problem-solving methods to resolve technical, process, and quality issues.

· Excellent organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver agreed objectives.

· Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Planning, and Supply Chain functions.

· Ability to make informed decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment using data and sound engineering judgement.

· Self-motivated and capable of working independently while also contributing effectively within cross-functional teams.

· Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP/ERP) systems, preferably SAP.

· Knowledge and application of Lean Manufacturing, Root Cause Analysis, 8D Problem Solving, and Continuous Improvement methodologies.

· A proactive, enthusiastic, and results-driven approach with a passion for driving positive change and continuous improvement.

· Understanding of Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality requirements within a manufacturing environment.

Desirable

· Experience within Molding, plastics processing, polymer manufacturing, or similar production technologies.

· Experience working with machining, anodising, assembly operations, harness building, electrical testing, or other discrete manufacturing processes.

· Knowledge of Aerospace quality standards, regulatory requirements, and controlled manufacturing environments.

· Eligibility to work within Defence-regulated manufacturing areas with no restrictions.

· Six Sigma Green Belt certification or higher.

· Experience with automation, vision systems, process monitoring, and modern manufacturing technologies.

· Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, validation, and product industrialisation processes