At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of production processes for cutting-edge defence hardware systems.
- Company: Join a leading defence technology firm focused on innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while mentoring future engineers.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and experience in new product introduction.
The Senior Production Engineer is a technical leader responsible for defining, developing, and optimising the end-to-end production capability for defence-grade hardware systems.
This role provides strategic influence across design, industrialisation, and full-rate manufacturing, ensuring products are engineered for reliability, regulatory compliance, and scalable delivery.
Operating within a secure and highly regulated environment, the Senior Production Engineer drives manufacturing excellence through robust process development, disciplined configuration control, and structured risk management.
The role champions Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA), strengthens cross-functional collaboration between engineering and operations, and ensures production readiness from prototype through series manufacture.
As a senior technical authority, the role mentors engineering teams, guides continuous improvement initiatives, and leads the development of resilient production solutions for complex electro-mechanical systems, supporting both programme delivery and long-term operational capability.
Key Responsibilities
- Translate hardware designs into robust, scalable production processes, ensuring manufacturability, repeatability, and compliance with defence standards.
- Develop and optimise production workflows, including tooling, fixtures, assembly methods, and test procedures.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for production issues, driving continuous improvement and reducing defects.
- Collaborate closely with design engineering to influence early design decisions and ensure alignment with production capability.
- Create and maintain manufacturing documentation, including build instructions, process specifications, PFMEAs, and control plans.
- Support new product introduction (NPI) from prototype through to full rate production.
- Ensure compliance with defence, safety, and quality regulations, including configuration control and traceability requirements.
- Drive cost effective production solutions without compromising performance, reliability, or security.
- Develop and manage CAPEX proposals, including ROI analysis and investment appraisal.
- Perform engineering analysis to reduce test equipment and production assembly equipment downtime and outages.
- Develop best practices to improve production capacity, quality and reliability.
- Support purchasing with supplier management, process improvement and corrective action.
- Assist with production staff training and the development of workmanship standards in both Mechanical and Electrical teams, identifying areas of improvement.
Skills & Experience Essential
- Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing or Production Engineering (or equivalent experience)
- Demonstrated experience leading NPI activities, including process development, prototyping, and transition to full-rate manufacturing.
- Deep understanding of DFM/DFA principles, with demonstrated ability to embed manufacturability into early-stage design and industrialisation strategy.
- Strong working knowledge of 3D CAD systems, with the ability to interrogate models for DFMA, tolerance analysis, and tooling development.
- Demonstrated experience in the manufacture and integration of complex electro-mechanical systems, including PCB assemblies and precision mechanical components.
- Working knowledge of defence and industry standards (e. g., IPC, MIL-STD) and their application within regulated manufacturing environments.
- Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction, yield improvement, cycle time optimisation, and process capability enhancement.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work cross functionally in a fast paced, regulated environment.
- Experience supporting products through full lifecycle stages, from prototype and low-rate initial production (LRIP) through to full-rate manufacture
Senior Production Engineer employer: Chess Dynamics Ltd
As a Senior Buyer in our dynamic Purchasing team, you will thrive in a culture that prioritises teamwork, integrity, and excellence. We offer a supportive work environment with flexible working arrangements, a generous benefits package including a matched pension plan and comprehensive employee assistance programmes, and ample opportunities for professional growth within an innovative supply chain network. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a healthy work-life balance in a role that challenges and rewards you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Production Engineer
✨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 Chess Dynamics Ltd, 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 Senior Production Engineer
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 Chess Dynamics Ltd 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 Chess Dynamics Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Chess Dynamics Ltd, 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 Chess Dynamics Ltd 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.
