At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead machine build projects, ensuring high-quality assembly and commissioning of automated machinery.
- Company: Harwin plc, a family-owned precision engineering company with a global growth vision.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, life cover, and employee assistance programme.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking team and contribute to innovative automation solutions in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in mechanical assembly, electrical wiring, and system integration.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Portsmouth/Onsite
Hours: 39 Hours/week
Are you an experienced Senior Machine Build Engineer looking for your next career move? Do you want to work for a manufacturing company specialising in the innovative design and production of electrical/electronic components?
The Company
Harwin plc is a Portsmouth-based, family-owned precision engineering company on an ambitious global growth journey. With a strong international presence and a well-established partner network, the organisation has built a reputation over decades for quality, reliability, and long-term thinking. As an employer, Harwin offers a distinctive environment shaped by its heritage and forward-looking mindset. The business is currently investing significantly in technology, digital transformation, and ways of working, alongside the development of a new headquarters and state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Portsmouth. This is a period of meaningful growth and evolution, with a clear ambition to scale capabilities and strengthen its global impact. At the same time, the values associated with family ownership remain central — fostering a culture that emphasises collaboration, accountability, and sustained success. For those looking to develop their careers, Harwin provides the opportunity to contribute to a growing organisation while being part of a team that values both innovation and long-term perspective.
The Role
- Take a lead role in machine build projects, ensuring high-quality delivery from assembly through to commissioning.
- Build and assemble special purpose automated machinery to engineering drawings.
- Manufacture and assemble sub-assemblies with a high level of precision and attention to detail.
- Work closely with design engineers on new automation developments and R&D challenges.
- Follow electrical schematics and support electrical build, wiring, and fault finding.
- Integrate and fault-find pneumatic systems to specification.
- Collaborate with commissioning teams to deliver fully operational machines.
- Prove and test machinery post-build, ensuring performance meets design requirements.
- Support machine sequencing and optimisation for production efficiency.
- Work to project timelines and deadlines set by Project Management.
- Take ownership of specific machine builds, including commissioning and delivery.
Requirements
- Extensive experience in mechanical machine assembly and fitting.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and assembly documentation.
- Experience with pneumatic and electromechanical system integration.
- Strong understanding of PLC-controlled machinery and automation systems.
- Ability to fault-find across mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems.
- Experience with sensors, actuators, motion systems, and control equipment.
- Knowledge of machine build processes, commissioning, and validation.
- Understanding of Design for Assembly (DFA) and Design for Manufacture (DFM) principles.
- Hands-on machining experience using mills, lathes, and other toolroom equipment.
- Electrical wiring skills including crimping, terminating, and following schematics.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive and collaborative approach.
Salary And Benefits
- Competitive Salary.
- 25 days holiday plus bank/public holidays.
- Additional 3 days off over the festive period.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Company pension scheme.
- Life Cover 3x salary.
- Company bonus scheme.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
Please apply today with your CV for this exciting role.
Senior Machine Build Engineer in Portsmouth employer: Harwin
Harwin plc is an exceptional employer located in Portsmouth, offering a unique blend of family-owned values and innovative growth. With a strong commitment to employee development, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises accountability and long-term success, while providing competitive benefits such as generous holiday allowances, a company pension scheme, and opportunities for career advancement in a state-of-the-art manufacturing environment. Join Harwin and be part of a team that values both your contributions and your professional growth in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Machine Build Engineer in Portsmouth
✨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 Harwin, 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 Senior Machine Build Engineer in Portsmouth
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 Harwin 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 Harwin
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Harwin, 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 Harwin 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.
