Senior Manufacturing Engineer – NPI
Permanent
Great Yarmouth
Security Clearance: Required / must be obtainable
The Opportunity
We are looking for an experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer – NPI to lead Manufacturing Engineering delivery across new product introduction and industrialisation programmes.
This is a hands‑on senior technical role for an engineer who can take products from early design engagement and prototype through qualification, pilot build, production release, ramp‑up and stable manufacture.
You will combine strong manufacturing engineering expertise with structured project delivery, ensuring products are manufacturable, production‑ready and introduced safely, to the required quality, cost and schedule.
This is not a stand‑alone project management position. Proven hands‑on NPI and industrialisation experience is essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Manufacturing Engineering activity across the complete NPI lifecycle.
- Develop and maintain manufacturing plans, milestones, deliverables, dependencies and acceptance criteria.
- Lead Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) reviews and translate design intent into practical manufacturing solutions.
- Plan and coordinate prototype and pilot builds, build‑readiness reviews, production trials and process prove‑out.
- Define manufacturing process flows, routings, tooling, fixtures, equipment, test interfaces and training requirements.
- Ensure manufacturing readiness before production release, including controlled documentation, capable processes, validated tooling, materials and trained personnel.
- Lead the transfer from development into production and provide engineering support through ramp‑up and stabilisation.
- Develop, validate and continuously improve robust, repeatable and scalable manufacturing processes.
- Lead process characterisation, verification and validation using objective data.
- Own manufacturing documentation, including SOPs, work instructions, process specifications, routings and relevant Bills of Materials.
- Lead complex root‑cause investigations and corrective/preventive actions.
- Drive improvements in yield, cycle time, throughput, scrap, rework, cost and delivery performance.
- Lead wider Manufacturing Engineering projects covering NPI, industrialisation, capacity, yield improvement and equipment.
- Coordinate cross‑functional activities across Design, Production, Quality, Test, Supply Chain, Programme Management and suppliers.
- Act as a senior technical escalation point for manufacturing, process, material and integration issues.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to Manufacturing Engineers, Junior Engineers and Technicians.
- Support critical builds, trials, process prove‑out and production ramp‑up.
What We're Looking For
You will ideally have:
- Significant Manufacturing Engineering experience within a production environment.
- Proven hands‑on experience leading NPI and industrialisation from development/prototype through to stable production.
- Strong experience developing and validating manufacturing processes, tooling, documentation and production controls.
- Practical experience with build readiness, production trials, process prove‑out, manufacturing release and ramp‑up.
- The ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, Bills of Materials and product requirements.
- Strong root‑cause analysis and complex problem‑solving experience.
- Experience planning and controlling engineering work, including schedules, milestones, resources, risks, issues and dependencies.
- The ability to coordinate cross‑functional teams and suppliers to deliver technical and business outcomes.
- Excellent communication skills and the confidence to influence and constructively challenge stakeholders.
- A structured, data‑driven approach with strong planning and follow‑through.
- The ability to operate comfortably at both strategic and shop‑floor levels.
Qualifications & Technical Experience
A Degree, HNC/HND, apprenticeship or equivalent significant experience in Engineering, Manufacturing, Electronics, Production or a related discipline is expected.
Experience within one or more of the following environments would be advantageous:
- Hybrid microelectronics
- Advanced electronic assembly
- Semiconductor
- Aerospace
- Defence
- Other high‑reliability manufacturing environments
Knowledge of cleanroom operations, bonding, electronic test, high‑precision assembly, special processes, ISO 9001, AS9100 and ERP/MRP systems would also be beneficial.
Project Management, Lean or Six Sigma qualifications are desirable.
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity for a senior manufacturing engineer to take genuine technical ownership of new product introduction and industrialisation projects, working across design, production, quality, test and supply chain while helping shape robust and scalable manufacturing processes.
If you have the hands‑on NPI experience and technical leadership capability to take products from prototype through to stable production, we'd like to hear from you.
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Senior Manufacturing Engineer – NPI in Great Yarmouth employer: GERRELL & HARD LIMITED
GERRELL & HARD LIMITED is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and continuous improvement. With a strong focus on Lean Manufacturing principles, employees are empowered to drive meaningful change while benefiting from professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture. Located in a thriving industrial area, the company provides a unique chance to be part of a transformative journey in manufacturing, making it an attractive place for those seeking rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manufacturing Engineer – NPI in Great Yarmouth
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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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!
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
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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 GERRELL & HARD 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 GERRELL & HARD LIMITED
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with GERRELL & HARD 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 GERRELL & HARD 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.
