Location: Great Amwell, Hertfordshire, England
Job type: Full-time
About C.U. Phosco
C.U. Phosco is the UK’s largest designer and manufacturer of outdoor lighting equipment, with three production facilities across the country. We export worldwide and are recognised as a leader in high mast lighting. Our range includes street lighting columns and luminaires, floodlights, LED lighting, wind turbine towers, monopoles, mobile telecom poles and sports lighting. We also run a dedicated contract division that installs and maintains more complex systems, so you’ll get exposure to a wide range of engineering projects and technologies.
The role
We’re looking for a practical, hands‑on Technical Engineer to link our design team, our production floor and our customers. You’ll report to the Operations Manager / Technical Director and be based at our Great Amwell site, with UK and occasional overseas travel.
The job is varied and sits at the centre of the business. You’ll know you’re doing it well when products are built right first time and customers’ technical issues are resolved quickly and properly.
What you’ll be doing
- Supporting new product development by building first‑off samples, including samples for external testing, and helping with IP, vibration and other product testing
- Managing product changes and component obsolescence, working with Purchasing to source alternative parts and turning technical data into clear production information
- Looking after production tooling and test equipment, including calibration, settings, repairs and test programs
- Designing jigs and fixtures and contributing to shopfloor layout and line design
- Writing build instructions, wiring diagrams and how‑to guides, and training production staff so every product is built right first time
- Investigating production and supplier quality issues, handling technical complaints and leading root‑cause investigations using 8D, 5 Whys and similar tools
- Carrying out inspections, repairs and remedial work, both in‑house and on customer sites
- Giving technical support to Sales, customers and contractors on wiring, fault‑finding, on‑site set‑up (including reprogramming drivers) and method statements
- Supporting ISO and customer audits and helping set up products on our ERP system
What we’re looking for
- Good working electrical knowledge, with practical experience of wiring, testing and fault‑finding
- Strong hands‑on ability: you’ll build samples, make jigs and carry out repairs yourself
- The ability to read technical drawings and understand how products are made and assembled
- A structured approach to solving quality problems (familiarity with 8D, 5 Whys or Six Sigma is desirable)
- Confidence communicating with shopfloor staff, engineers, sales colleagues and customers alike
- Self‑motivation and good organisation, with the ability to work under pressure without close supervision
- Good PC skills in Word and Excel. Access, Adobe and ERP/MRP experience are a bonus, ideally including configurators and BOM structuring
- A full UK driving licence. You’ll travel in the UK and occasionally overseas in a company van or your own vehicle (business insurance required), which can mean long days and overnight stays
- Comfort working at height using MEWPs (training provided) and handling used lanterns returned from the field, which can be a dirty job
- Experience at a lighting or other electrical product manufacturer, and awareness of lighting product standards, IP ratings, LED drivers or lighting controls
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as casting, moulding, vacuum forming, welding and painting
- An understanding of water ingress, corrosion and wind loading on exterior products, including columns and brackets
- An HNC/HND or apprenticeship in electrical, electronic or mechanical engineering (not mandatory)
What we offer
- Salary of £40,000 to £45,000 per year
- Full‑time hours, Monday to Friday, with weekend work rare
- 25 days’ annual leave plus UK bank holidays
- Company pension scheme
- Training, including MEWP certification
- Real variety, combining design, production and customer work in one role
- The chance to shape how we build and support our products
Technical Engineer in Ware employer: CU Phosco
C.U. Phosco is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for a Manufacturing Planner & Steel Purchaser to thrive in a supportive and collaborative environment in Coleford, Gloucestershire. With a focus on employee growth, you will have direct influence over operational performance while enjoying benefits such as flexible working hours, generous holiday allowances, and the chance to work with a world-leading exterior lighting company that values your contributions and fosters continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Engineer in Ware
✨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 CU Phosco, 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 CU Phosco 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 CU Phosco
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with CU Phosco, 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 CU Phosco 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.
