Lotus Cars is renowned for crafting world‑class, high-performance, and lightweight sports cars that are celebrated across the globe. Lotus Cars Limited serves as the company’s manufacturing HQ in the UK, where we proudly produce iconic models such as the Emira and the all‑electric Evija. As we continue to elevate our capabilities and global presence, we are seeking a Manufacturing Layout Engineer to join our dynamic Manufacturing Engineering team at our state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facility in Hethel.
Fixed‑term contract – 6 months, with possibility to extend to 12 months.
About the role
As a Manufacturing Layout Engineer, you will be responsible for the creation, development and maintenance of manufacturing layouts and CAD drawings across current production facilities and new vehicle programmes.
The role supports Manufacturing Engineering activities from early concept and feasibility through to equipment installation and final as‑built condition, ensuring layouts are accurate, controlled and optimised for manufacturing requirements.
You will help ensure
- Accurate and controlled manufacturing facility layouts
- Optimised use of manufacturing space
- Effective integration of equipment, processes, material flow and operator requirements
- Robust layout support for new programmes and manufacturing changes
- Accurate as‑built documentation and drawing revision control
What you’ll do
- Create, modify and maintain manufacturing facility layouts using AutoCAD.
- Develop concept, feasibility and detailed layouts for current production and new vehicle programmes.
- Develop layouts for production lines, workstations, machinery, tooling, material handling equipment, logistics areas and supporting facilities.
- Work closely with Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering and Industrial Engineering to develop and evaluate manufacturing concepts.
- Support manufacturing feasibility studies by developing alternative layout scenarios considering space, process, equipment and operational requirements.
- Design and optimise manufacturing layouts considering process flow, operator movement, material flow, ergonomics and space utilisation.
- Conduct site surveys and validate existing CAD layouts against actual factory conditions.
- Incorporate supplier equipment drawings into overall manufacturing layouts and identify potential integration or space conflicts.
- Support equipment installation, relocation and manufacturing change activities through accurate installation layouts and drawings.
- Maintain master factory layouts and ensure appropriate drawing revision and configuration control.
- Ensure layouts consider equipment access, maintenance requirements, pedestrian routes, logistics routes, emergency access and Health & Safety requirements.
- Support project and programme reviews with layouts and technical information required for feasibility and investment decisions.
- Work cross‑functionally with Production, Logistics, Facilities, Maintenance, Health & Safety and external suppliers to capture and incorporate manufacturing requirements.
- Support installation and commissioning activities and update layouts to reflect changes implemented during execution.
- Maintain accurate final as‑built layouts following project completion.
- Identify opportunities to improve space utilisation, manufacturing flow and layout standardisation.
- Provide general CAD and Manufacturing Engineering support as required across the business.
What you’ll bring
Essential criteria
- HNC / HND / Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Automotive, Design Engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Strong working knowledge of AutoCAD, particularly 2D drafting and manufacturing layout development.
- Experience creating and maintaining engineering, factory or manufacturing layouts.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, equipment drawings and technical specifications.
- Good understanding of CAD drawing standards, dimensions, scales, layers, blocks and revision control.
- Ability to conduct site surveys and translate physical measurements into accurate CAD drawings.
- Good understanding of manufacturing environments and production processes.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Logical and structured approach to problem solving and layout development.
- Proactive team player with the ability to work effectively across multiple engineering and operational functions.
Desirable criteria
- Previous experience within automotive manufacturing or a comparable production environment.
- Experience developing factory, production line and workstation layouts.
- Understanding of manufacturing process flow, material flow and space utilisation.
- Experience supporting new product introduction and manufacturing programme activities.
- Experience supporting machinery installation, equipment relocation or facility modification projects.
- Experience with 3D CAD and factory visualisation tools.
- Experience working with equipment suppliers and contractors.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement.
Additional information
- 25 Vacation Days + Bank Holidays: Recharge, explore, or binge‑watch your favorite series with plenty of time to relax and enjoy life outside of work.
- Performance Bonus: Get rewarded for your hard work with an exciting, non‑contractual bonus scheme—because great effort deserves great perks.
- Future‑Proof Pension: Plan for your tomorrow while thriving today with a solid pension scheme to keep your future bright.
- Private Healthcare: Stay healthy and stress‑free with premium healthcare coverage tailored to keep you at your best.
- We work hybrid, meaning you will be in the office when necessary and you can work from home when you’re needed there.
Additional information
- Candidates must be eligible to work in UK without VISA sponsorship.
- This role is on‑site at Hethel full‑time.
- This is a 6‑month fixed‑term contract, with the possibility of extension up to 12 months.
Our company
Group Lotus is a leading sports car manufacturer with over 75‑year long history of iconic designs, groundbreaking engineering and legendary victories on the F1 track. Today we are transforming into a truly global performance car brand focused on the electrical future. In 2022 we launched the Eletre, the world’s first all‑electric hyper‑SUV, and in 2023 our fully‑electric Hyper‑GT, Emeya.
As part of the Lotus team, you push boundaries. Those of the car industry and of your own. Every member of the Lotus family has some of the pioneering mindset of founder Colin Chapman in them.
Hethel, Norfolk, England has been the home of Lotus for over 60 years, ever since Colin Chapman, our founder, started making championship‑winning racing cars. In conjunction with production facilities in Norwich, and research facilities near Warwick, our UK sites offer a wide breadth of roles for all disciplines.
We're not just a car company; we're a diverse mix of talent from all walks of life. At Group Lotus, we firmly believe that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but essential pillars of a thriving and successful organisation.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Manufacturing Layout Engineer in Norwich employer: Group Lotus
Group Lotus in Coventry is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. Employees benefit from a strong focus on professional development, with opportunities to lead impactful projects in international treasury operations while enjoying a supportive culture that values teamwork and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Layout Engineer in Norwich
✨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 Group Lotus, 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 Group Lotus 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 Group Lotus
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Group Lotus, 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 Group Lotus 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.
