At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of manufacturing processes for advanced thermal components and mentor junior engineers.
- Company: Innovative engineering company focused on advanced thermal management technologies.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, equity participation, enhanced leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic culture with open communication and regular team-building events.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact in scaling breakthrough technologies while working in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant engineering field and five years' experience in manufacturing process development.
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Location: Hybrid working, with office and laboratory facilities based in Oxfordshire
Start Date: As soon as possible
About the Company
We are an innovative engineering company developing advanced thermal management technologies for next-generation energy systems. Our mission is to improve efficiency and reduce emissions across a range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and data infrastructure. As a growing technology business, we combine cutting-edge engineering with a collaborative and agile working environment, offering employees the opportunity to make a tangible impact while helping scale breakthrough technologies from research into commercial production.
What We Offer
- Hybrid working
- Flexible working hours
- Equity participation through an employee share option scheme
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service
- Annual leave carry-over allowance
- Enhanced company sick pay
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Salary sacrifice pension scheme with employer contribution
- Reimbursement of professional membership fees
- Life insurance
- Income protection insurance
- Private virtual GP access for immediate family members
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Employee discount programme
- Visa sponsorship available where applicable
Our Culture
We believe innovation thrives in a collaborative environment where talented people are empowered to contribute ideas and take ownership. We encourage flexible working, maintain open communication across the business, and support continuous learning and professional development. Alongside challenging technical work, we value teamwork and regularly bring colleagues together through company-wide events and social activities.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Lead Manufacturing Engineer to lead the development of manufacturing processes for advanced thermal components, supporting the transition from outsourced prototype production to scalable, in-house manufacturing. This role is central to the industrialisation of innovative products, ensuring manufacturing processes are robust, repeatable and commercially viable. You will work closely with engineering teams, suppliers and external partners to develop production methods, establish quality systems and support the introduction of new manufacturing capabilities. The successful candidate will take ownership of technical manufacturing workstreams while helping shape the company's long-term production strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify, evaluate and manage external manufacturing partners for prototype production using processes such as additive manufacturing, powder-based manufacturing, metal joining and precision machining.
- Plan and oversee mechanical, thermal and materials testing to validate manufacturing, joining and assembly processes.
- Assess manufacturing technologies suitable for long-term production scale-up.
- Develop and implement quality assurance processes for internally and externally manufactured components, including inspection and non-destructive testing methods.
- Lead the specification, installation, commissioning and operation of in-house manufacturing, assembly and inspection equipment.
- Develop Design for Manufacture (DfM) guidelines and work closely with engineering teams to embed manufacturing considerations into product development.
- Provide manufacturing feedback to improve product designs and optimise production efficiency.
- Drive continuous improvement in manufacturing processes, ensuring reliability, repeatability and traceability.
- Support the planning and delivery of research and development projects and collaborative programmes.
- Coordinate manufacturing activities, project timelines and technical deliverables.
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the growth of the engineering team.
- Support the development of new manufacturing technologies and production capabilities.
Essential Requirements
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science or a related discipline.
- At least five years' experience in manufacturing process development.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing, joining, testing and quality assurance techniques.
- Experience managing external suppliers and prototype manufacturing programmes.
- Knowledge of process control, dimensional tolerancing and quality assurance for additively manufactured components.
- Excellent organisational, communication and technical documentation skills.
Desirable Experience
- Experience with powder-based manufacturing processes, including metal binder jetting or metal injection moulding.
- Experience establishing or commissioning pilot manufacturing lines.
- Background in thermal management, heat exchanger or precision-engineered component manufacturing.
- Experience developing in-house manufacturing facilities or laboratories.
- Experience working within regulated industries such as aerospace or automotive.
- Familiarity with industry qualification and environmental testing standards such as DO-160 or equivalent.
Lead Manufacturing Engineer employer: EnviroTech Talent
As a leading specialist engineering consultancy, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel in their careers. With a strong focus on low-carbon energy projects, we offer unique opportunities for professional growth, including mentorship for junior engineers and a clear pathway to senior leadership roles. Our hybrid working model, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance and enhanced annual leave, make us an exceptional employer in the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Manufacturing 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 EnviroTech Talent, 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 Lead Manufacturing 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 EnviroTech Talent 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 EnviroTech Talent
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with EnviroTech Talent, 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 EnviroTech Talent 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.
