Production Engineer / Manufacturing Engineer
Location: Taunton, Somerset
Salary: £55,000 - £65,000
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm
Own transport essential due to the site’s location
Great engineering keeps production moving. Can you help keep this food manufacturing operation running at its best?
We’re recruiting a hands‑on Production Engineer / Manufacturing Engineer to maintain and improve machinery within a food manufacturing environment near Taunton.
If you enjoy fault‑finding, solving practical problems and making equipment more reliable, this role offers the opportunity to make a real impact on day‑to‑day production—with a Monday‑to‑Friday daytime schedule.
The role
Working closely with the production team, you’ll help keep machinery safe, efficient and ready to deliver. Your responsibilities will include:
- Carrying out planned preventative maintenance (PPM) across production machinery and equipment.
- Responding to breakdowns, diagnosing faults and completing repairs to minimise downtime.
- Identifying recurring issues and tackling their root causes.
- Improving equipment reliability, performance and production efficiency.
- Planning maintenance around production requirements to minimise disruption.
- Keeping accurate records of maintenance, repairs and outstanding work.
- Ensuring engineering activities meet site health and safety, hygiene and food safety standards.
What we’re looking for
- Experience as a Production Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Maintenance Engineer or in a similar hands‑on role.
- Practical experience maintaining and repairing manufacturing machinery.
- Strong fault‑finding skills and a proactive approach to preventing breakdowns.
- Experience delivering PPM and responding to production downtime.
- The ability to work independently and communicate clearly with production colleagues.
- Relevant engineering qualifications or equivalent practical experience.
- Food manufacturing experience would be advantageous.
- A driving licence and access to your own transport are essential due to the location.
Why apply?
This is an opportunity to take ownership of machinery performance, put your engineering skills to practical use and see the results of your work across the production floor.
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Production Engineer in Taunton employer: Gap Personnel Limited
Join a dynamic team in Southend-On-Sea, where our client, a leader in the aerospace industry, offers a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth. With competitive pay, enhanced holiday benefits, and access to health care and fitness facilities, this permanent role as a Manufacturing Operative in Upholstery not only promises meaningful work but also fosters a collaborative environment for personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Engineer in Taunton
✨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 Gap Personnel Limited, 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 Gap Personnel Limited 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 Gap Personnel Limited
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Gap Personnel Limited, 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 Gap Personnel Limited 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.
