An innovative, established technology manufacturer developing specialist high-performance systems for a range of global industrial and technology markets.
Info about what the Senior Production Engineer / Team Leader role entails
This is a hands‑on technical leadership role within Operations, leading a small Process / Production Engineering team supporting a low‑volume, high‑value manufacturing environment. The role acts as a key gatekeeper between Engineering and Production ensuring products, processes, tooling, documentation and manufacturing requirements are fully ready before release into production. You will lead a small team covering Process Engineering, Special Processes, NPI and Project Engineering, while remaining technically involved in resolving production, build and test issues. Typical activities include attending daily Operations meetings, reviewing production turnbacks, investigating root causes, improving tooling and work instructions, supporting calibration and test equipment, coordinating technical priorities, and helping deliver new product introductions. The position is primarily site based, with a 4 days onsite / 1 day from home hybrid arrangement, although flexibility will be required depending on operational needs.
Essential Requirements of the Senior Production Engineer / Team Leader
- Technical engineering background in Mechatronics, Electrical, Electronics or Mechanical Engineering.
- Strong hands‑on engineering experience within a manufacturing, production or test environment.
- Experience investigating and resolving production, build and test issues using structured problem solving and root‑cause analysis.
- Experience working with production processes, test equipment, tooling, calibration or similar technical assets.
- Previous experience leading, mentoring or coordinating engineers, or strong evidence of the people skills and capability to step into a Team Leader role.
- Able to provide day‑to‑day leadership, coaching and mentoring across a technical engineering team.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to balance hands‑on technical delivery, priorities, ownership and accountability
- Experience coordinating technical work, resources and priorities across multiple engineering activities.
- Strong communication and stakeholder‑management skills, working cross‑functionally with Engineering, Production, Quality and Purchasing.
Desirable Requirements of the Senior Production Engineer / Team Leader
- Experience within low‑volume, high‑value manufacturing.
- Lean / Continuous Improvement qualification such as Yellow Belt or Green Belt, or practical CI experience.
- Experience supporting new product introduction, process development and production‑readiness activities, including DfM and manufacturing handover.
- Experience supporting 1:1s, objective setting, performance management and employee development, or a clear desire and capability to develop in these areas.
- Experience with engineering and manufacturing tools such as CAD, ERP/MRP systems, basic scripting/programming such as Python, and manufacturing/test technologies.
- Previous exposure to calibration, soak testing, final test or technically complex production processes.
Benefits
- Discretionary company performance bonus
- 27 days’ annual leave plus public holidays
- Workplace pension with 5% employee and 5% employer contributions via salary sacrifice
- Income protection coverLife assurance / death‑in‑service benefit
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Smart‑casual working environment
- Private healthcare cover
*There is no visa sponsorship available for this role*
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Production Engineer in Oxford employer: April Quest
As a world leader in safety systems, this company offers an exceptional work environment for the Lead Manufacturing Engineer role, characterised by a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. Employees benefit from a supportive culture that encourages professional growth through hands-on projects and the implementation of modern lean principles, alongside competitive benefits such as enhanced pension contributions, flexible working hours, and generous parental leave. Located in a dynamic manufacturing setting, this role provides unique opportunities to drive meaningful change and contribute to the development of cutting-edge safety solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Production Engineer in Oxford
✨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 April Quest, 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!
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 April Quest 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 April Quest
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with April Quest, 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 April Quest 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.
