At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive continuous improvement in manufacturing processes and support production teams.
- Company: Join Ifor Williams Trailers, a family-owned business with a strong heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Experience the beauty of North Wales while working in a dynamic, multi-site setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in diverse manufacturing operations while growing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Degree or HNC/HND in Manufacturing Engineering and experience in production environments.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Location: Tyn Llidiart, Tyn Llidiart Industrial Estate, Corwen, Denbighshire, LL21 9RR
Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm ~ Office based with local travel between sites as required ~ 33 days holiday per year
The Manufacturing Engineer plays a key role in driving continuous improvement across manufacturing operations, focusing on the development, implementation, and optimisation of processes to support safe, efficient, and cost-effective production.
The role involves:
- Analysing performance, improving quality, and working closely with production teams to achieve operational targets and enhance overall business performance.
- Developing and implementing manufacturing processes for new and existing products.
- Supporting production with technical problem solving and root cause analysis.
- Supporting continuous improvement initiatives to improve productivity, quality, and efficiency.
- Supporting new product introduction (NPI) and production ramp-up activities.
- Analysing production data and identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Working with quality teams to resolve manufacturing defects and implement corrective actions.
Key attributes include:
- A desire to learn and grow the role, with a “Can-Do” attitude and the ability to accept guidance on manufacturing engineering practices.
- A flexible and enthusiastic team player with a passion for problem solving.
- Computer literate and understanding of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook etc).
Responsibilities:
- Working closely with Design, Manufacturing Engineers, Site Leaders, and Quality Engineers to deliver a Right First-Time solution.
- Having a practical understanding of Fabrication and Welding, including Weld Symbols and usage on drawings.
- Being experienced in the use of SolidWorks 3D CAD Software and the creation of Engineering Drawings.
- Willingness to travel between all sites to ensure a working process or procedure is delivered.
- Taking responsibility for identifying process improvement opportunities and delivering measurable manufacturing outcomes.
- Ensuring engineering changes and improvements are implemented effectively and sustained in production.
- Acting promptly to resolve process, quality, and efficiency issues within manufacturing operations.
Quality & Right First Time Mindset:
- Promoting high standards in process design, validation, and control to achieve right-first-time manufacture.
- Applying root cause analysis techniques to eliminate defects and prevent recurrence.
- Ensuring all process improvements support product quality, compliance, and customer requirements.
- Actively engaging on the shop floor, supporting production and understanding real-time process challenges.
- Applying Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement tools to develop practical engineering solutions.
- Balancing structured engineering methods with operational practicality to deliver effective outcomes.
- Continuously seeking opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, quality, and productivity.
- Challenging existing processes using engineering insight while valuing team experience and input.
- Using data analysis, KPIs, and performance metrics to drive informed decision-making and improvements.
- Delivering results in a fast-paced, multi-site manufacturing environment.
- Adapting engineering approaches to meet varying production needs and operational priorities.
Qualifications:
- Degree or HNC/HND in Manufacturing, or Manufacturing / Production Engineering (or equivalent experience).
- Good knowledge and experience in sheet metal and fabrication/welding.
- Experience in manufacturing or production environments.
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.
- Experience using engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation.
- Experience using SolidWorks 3D CAD Software, that can be demonstrated at an interview.
- Extensive experience in the creation of Drawings generated from the 3D model that can be demonstrated at an interview.
Ifor Williams Trailers is a family‑owned business with a strong heritage, long‑term stability, and a clear commitment to continuous improvement. Founded in 1958 and operating across five advanced manufacturing sites in North Wales, we offer the scale, complexity, and operational depth to genuinely challenge and develop improvement professionals.
This role provides the opportunity to work across diverse manufacturing operations, including assembly, fabrication, finishing, and process‑led environments, giving real breadth and impact. We invest in our people, offering genuine opportunities for professional development, exposure to senior leadership, and the chance to make a measurable difference in a business that values quality, practicality, and long‑term improvement.
North Wales also offers an outstanding quality of life, with the coast and Eryri (Snowdonia) on the doorstep and Liverpool and Manchester just over an hour away.
Virtual Manufacturing Engineering Engineer employer: Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd
Ifor Williams Trailers is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in the heart of North Wales. With a strong commitment to continuous improvement and employee development, we provide our team with opportunities to engage in diverse manufacturing operations while enjoying a healthy work-life balance, including 33 days of holiday per year. Our family-owned heritage ensures stability and a culture that values quality and innovation, making it a rewarding place for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Virtual Manufacturing Engineering Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Ifor Williams Trailers on LinkedIn or through industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your SolidWorks skills and understanding lean manufacturing principles. Be ready to showcase how you've used these in past roles – real examples will make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for problem-solving during interviews. Share specific instances where you identified process improvements or tackled challenges head-on. This will demonstrate your 'Can-Do' attitude!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Ifor Williams family.
We think you need these skills to ace Virtual Manufacturing Engineering Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your manufacturing engineering background, especially any experience with process optimisation and problem-solving.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about manufacturing engineering. Share specific examples of how you've driven continuous improvement in past roles and how you can bring that to our team.
Show Off Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in SolidWorks and any experience with fabrication and welding. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their technical know-how, so be specific!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of manufacturing processes, especially those relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss how you've developed or optimised processes in the past, and think about specific examples where you've driven continuous improvement.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Since the job requires experience with SolidWorks and engineering drawings, be prepared to demonstrate your proficiency. Bring along examples of your work or be ready to discuss how you've used these tools to solve problems or improve processes.
✨Emphasise Your Problem-Solving Mindset
The role is all about tackling challenges head-on. Share instances where you've successfully resolved manufacturing defects or implemented corrective actions. Highlight your 'Can-Do' attitude and willingness to learn from others.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
This position requires collaboration with various teams. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for teamwork and share experiences where you've worked closely with production, quality, or design teams to achieve operational targets. Show that you're a flexible team player who values input from others.