Manufacturing Engineer
The Opportunity
Are you an experienced Manufacturing Engineer with a passion for process optimisation, problem-solving and continuous improvement?
We’re looking for a proactive, hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to develop and improve manufacturing processes, support new product introductions and enhance production efficiency within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
You’ll play a key role in developing manufacturing methods, designing tooling and fixtures, supporting prototype builds and resolving complex production issues. Working closely with engineering, production and technical teams, you’ll use your analytical skills and manufacturing expertise to improve quality, reduce waste and drive operational excellence.
This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys working on the production floor, tackling technical challenges and delivering practical engineering solutions.
Key Responsibilities
-
Manufacturing Process Development: Evaluate, develop and optimise manufacturing processes, considering product design, fabrication, assembly methods, tooling and materials.
-
New Product Introduction: Support new projects and prototype builds, providing Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) input to new and existing product designs.
-
Industrialisation: Develop project documentation, including process flows, production layouts and industrialisation plans.
-
Tooling & Equipment Design: Design, develop and commission equipment, tools and fixtures, integrating them into production lines and improving existing systems.
-
Process Documentation: Create and maintain PFMEAs, work instructions, process flows and other production-related documentation.
-
Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis: Investigate manufacturing and production issues using structured problem-solving methodologies, including 8D, Ishikawa (Fishbone) diagrams and 5 Whys, implementing effective corrective and preventive actions.
-
Process Risk Management: Develop, review and maintain PFMEAs, identifying potential process failures, assessing risks and implementing appropriate mitigation measures.
-
Production Analysis: Analyse production performance, labour requirements, material usage and manufacturing costs to identify opportunities for improvement.
-
Data Management & Reporting: Maintain accurate product and process databases, analyse manufacturing trends and prepare reports to support operational decision-making.
-
Equipment Reliability: Coordinate maintenance and repair activities to ensure production equipment remains safe, reliable and operational.
-
Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement improvements to manufacturing processes, productivity, quality and efficiency.
-
Technical Support & Training: Provide technical guidance and support to technicians, contributing to successful project delivery and knowledge sharing.
-
Quality & Compliance: Support and adhere to established quality management systems, including ISO 9001 and IATF 16949.
-
Health & Safety: Ensure all engineering activities comply with relevant health, safety and operational procedures.
Essential Skills & Experience
-
A recognised engineering qualification.
-
Experience in a production or manufacturing environment, preferably within the automotive sector.
-
Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, production methods and process optimisation.
-
Practical CAD modelling skills, ideally relating to tooling, fixtures or production equipment.
-
Strong knowledge of structured problem-solving tools, including 8D, Ishikawa/Fishbone diagrams, 5 Whys and root cause analysis.
-
Good understanding and practical experience of PFMEA, including process risk assessment, failure prevention and the implementation of corrective actions.
-
Experience investigating production issues and implementing sustainable solutions to improve quality, reliability and efficiency.
-
Good analytical skills, with the ability to interpret manufacturing data and identify trends.
-
Good IT skills, including Microsoft Windows and Office applications.
-
Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional engineering, production and quality teams.
-
A proactive approach to continuous improvement, quality and operational excellence.
Desirable Skills & Experience
-
Programming and Coding: Experience with programming languages such as C++, C#, Lua or VBA.
-
PLC & Automation: Knowledge of PLC programming, industrial automation and control systems.
-
Manufacturing Equipment: Experience designing, developing and commissioning production equipment, tooling and fixtures.
-
Quality Systems: Familiarity with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 quality management standards.
-
New Product Introduction: Experience supporting prototype builds, product launches and manufacturing industrialisation.
-
Lean Manufacturing: Knowledge of continuous improvement techniques and methodologies to reduce waste and improve production performance.
The Ideal Candidate
You’ll be a practical, analytical and solutions-focused engineer who can combine strong manufacturing knowledge with a structured approach to problem-solving.
You’ll have the confidence to investigate complex production issues, identify root causes and implement lasting improvements. Your understanding of PFMEA and risk management will help prevent issues before they occur, while your CAD and coding knowledge will support the development of innovative manufacturing solutions.
You’ll also be comfortable collaborating with technicians, production teams, quality engineers and external suppliers to deliver measurable improvements across the manufacturing process.
Interested?
If you’re an experienced Manufacturing Engineer looking for a role where you can apply your technical expertise, improve production performance and contribute to engineering excellence, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today to take the next step in your manufacturing engineering career.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Manufacturing Engineer 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 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 GERRELL & HARD 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 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.
