At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the industrialisation of innovative manufacturing processes and tooling.
- Company: Join WIKA, a global leader in measurement technology with over 75 years of expertise.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for continuous improvement and technical excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising production and driving LEAN transformation.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and experience in manufacturing process optimisation.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
Company Overview: For over 75 years, WIKA has been a renowned partner and competent specialist for any task in the field of measurement technology. With steadily growing efficiency, innovative technologies are applied when developing new products and system solutions. The reliability of the products and the readiness to face all challenges of the market have been the key factors for WIKA achieving a leading position in the global market. Within the WIKA Group, currently 11,200 employees are dedicated to maintain and improve technology in pressure, temperature, force and level measurement, and also in the fields of flow measurement, calibration and SF6 gas solutions. WIKA Optical Sensing Ltd, previously known as Oxsensis, was acquired by WIKA in 2023 and brings expertise in optical sensing technology, particularly for pressure and temperature measurement.
Your activities:
- Lead the industrialisation of new tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing processes.
- Define, validate, and optimise production processes to ensure repeatability, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
- Oversee process capability studies, PFMEAs, and control plans for new or modified processes.
- Collaborate with Engineering and R&D teams to ensure manufacturability and smooth product introduction.
- Manage tooling lifecycle: specification, procurement, commissioning, maintenance & calibration strategy & delivery, and end-of-life planning.
- Analyse production performance data and Value Stream Mapping to identify bottlenecks, waste, and improvement opportunities.
- Drive initiatives to improve throughput, reduce cycle time, and enhance overall equipment effectiveness.
- Support cost-reduction programmes through process optimisation and waste elimination.
- Lead LEAN transformation activities across the manufacturing area.
- Facilitate Kaizen events, root-cause analysis sessions, and cross-functional problem-solving workshops.
- Implement and sustain 5S practices, ensuring workplace organisation becomes part of daily culture.
- Train and mentor teams in LEAN tools such as value stream mapping, SMED, visual management, and standard work.
- Manage and develop the Manufacturing Engineering and Test Manufacturing Engineering teams.
- Set clear priorities, allocate resources, and ensure alignment with operational goals.
- Work closely with production, quality, supply chain, and Engineering and R&D teams to resolve issues and support daily operations.
- Build a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.
- Ensure process documentation, work instructions, and configuration items are accurate and up to date.
- Maintain compliance with the company’s quality management system and relevant industry standards.
- Oversee ERP/MRP configuration related to manufacturing processes, routings, and BOM accuracy.
- Support audits and drive corrective actions where required.
Your profile:
Essential Experience:
- Degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or similar).
- Proven experience developing, industrialising, and optimising manufacturing processes, tooling, and fixtures.
- Strong background in process validation, capability studies, PFMEA, and control plan creation.
- Demonstrated success implementing LEAN methodologies, such as Kaizen, 5S and value stream mapping.
- Track record of delivering measurable improvements in production efficiency, cycle time, yield etc.
- Hands-on experience in a live production environment.
- Experience leading structured problem-solving activities.
- Competence in ERP/MRP systems, including configuration of routings, BOMs, and process data.
- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Desirable:
- Experience working with D365 Finance and Operations (Microsoft ERP system).
- Knowledge of quality systems such as ISO9001 and AS9100.
- Prior leadership experience managing engineers or technicians, or significant project leadership demonstrating equivalent capability.
- Experience of working with and processing optical fibres including splicing and joining.
- Technical understanding and experience of manufacturing optical devices.
Principal Engineer in Didcot employer: All The Top Bananas
My Four Wheels is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career as a Trainee Driving Instructor with flexible working hours and the potential to earn up to £50,000+ annually. With comprehensive training provided through our new Training Academy, employees benefit from ongoing support and resources, ensuring a fulfilling journey towards becoming a qualified instructor while enjoying the satisfaction of teaching locally in Westfield, Surrey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer in Didcot
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like All The Top Bananas, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer in Didcot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to All The Top Bananas specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with All The Top Bananas, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like All The Top Bananas value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
