Production Engineer
Wickham
Production Engineer salary: £41,750 – £45,250
Please note: only applicants with the full-time, permanent right to work in the UK will be considered.
Production Engineer Overview
- Lead NPI activity from prototype build through to production release
- Create work instructions, build plans, tooling and process documentation
- Support pilot builds, validation testing, troubleshooting and readiness reviews
- Work across electro-mechanical products, production support and test equipment
- Improve manufacturability, repeatability, quality and efficiency before full production
This Production Engineer role is with a specialist technical manufacturer, supporting the validation and introduction of new products into manufacturing. The Production Engineer will work heavily across NPI, prototype builds, pilot production, work instructions, testing, troubleshooting and product transfer. This Production Engineer position suits someone who enjoys practical NPI work and can turn new product designs into stable, repeatable manufacturing processes.
The Production Engineer role
As Production Engineer, you’ll help take new products from early build stages through to production handover. The role involves identifying manufacturability issues, supporting prototype and pilot builds, creating build documentation, training production teams and making sure issues are resolved before full production begins.
This is a hands‑on Production Engineer role, not just a documentation position. You’ll be involved in building, testing, troubleshooting and improving electro‑mechanical products while keeping work instructions, process controls and handover information accurate.
Day-to-day responsibilities of a Production Engineer
- Manage NPI activity to ensure new products are ready for production
- Prepare build plans for prototype and pilot production activity
- Create work instructions using build photos and lessons learned
- Support prototype builds, validation testing and production readiness reviews
- Identify and resolve manufacturability, assembly and test issues
- Design or support tooling, fixtures and process documentation
- Take part in design reviews and recommend practical improvements
- Define acceptance criteria, test limits and pass/fail requirements
- Investigate build issues, test failures and non‑conformances
- Support production transfer, including documentation, training and handover
- Train manufacturing staff on new products, build methods and process changes
- Support electro‑mechanical troubleshooting, assembly, inspection and test activity
What they’re looking for - Production Engineer
- Experience in Production Engineering, NPI Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering
- Strong understanding of NPI, prototype builds, pilot production or product transfer
- Able to create work instructions, build documentation and production handover packs
- Comfortable identifying manufacturability issues and suggesting practical improvements
- Experience troubleshooting electro‑mechanical products, assemblies or test equipment
- Able to work from drawings, schematics, diagrams and specifications
- Confident supporting validation, testing, build issues and root cause investigations
- Good communication skills across design, production, quality and project teams
- Organised, hands‑on and comfortable maintaining accurate technical records
Desirable - Production Engineer
- Experience with industrial computers, rack‑mounted products or similar electro‑mechanical equipment
- Knowledge of process FMEA, tooling, fixtures or specialist test equipment
- Background in DFM, design reviews or engineering change activity
- Experience training operators on new products and build methods
- Exposure to lab areas, 7S, KPIs or prototype build environments
- Experience working within a structured BMS/QMS environment
What’s on offer - Production Engineer
- Production Engineer salary: £41,750 – £45,250
- A Production Engineer role with a strong focus on NPI, prototype builds, pilot production and transfer into manufacture.
- The chance to work hands‑on with electro‑mechanical products while shaping how they are built, tested, documented and released.
- A good opportunity for a Production Engineer who enjoys taking products from early build stages through to stable production.
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Production Engineer in Wickham employer: Holt Engineering
Join a dynamic manufacturing and engineering organisation in Horsham, where we prioritise employee growth and development within a collaborative work culture. As a Supply Chain Team Leader, you will benefit from competitive salary packages, comprehensive training programmes, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Engineer in Wickham
✨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 Holt Engineering, 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 Holt Engineering 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 Holt Engineering
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Holt Engineering, 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 Holt Engineering 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.