Production Engineer in Bridgend

Production Engineer

Location: Bridgend

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full Time, 36 per week

Salary: Up to £18.40 per hour depending on experience

Benefits: Pension Salary Sacrifice Scheme, Life Assurance, Cycle to Work Scheme, Company Sick Pay, Corporate Eyecare vouchers, Health Care Cashplan

About Us:

IrvinGQ is a world-leading supplier of parachutes, aerial delivery systems and naval decoys to customers around the world. We create innovative products that our customers know they can rely on in highly challenging conditions where there are no second chances. Our systems must work right first time, every time. If you want to be part of a collaborative and supportive team that helps customers achieve their goals through great engineering that stands out from the crowd and are looking for your next challenge, then we want to hear from you!

Role Summary

As a Production Engineer you will be responsible for supporting the development, improvement and standardisation of manufacturing processes across the business. You will work closely with the operational teams to identify improvement opportunities, develop practical engineering solutions and implement changes that improve safety, quality, productivity, repeatability and cost performance. The role requires strong practical manufacturing knowledge together with proven 3D CAD design capability for the development of tooling, fixtures, work holding, layouts and production support equipment.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Identify, evaluate and deliver manufacturing process improvement opportunities in line with business objectives.
• Develop engineering solutions to improve safety, quality, throughput, efficiency, ergonomics and process repeatability.
• Use 3D CAD software to design and detail jigs, fixtures, gauges, tooling, work holding, layouts and production support equipment.
• Produce accurate engineering drawings, design data, bills of materials and supporting manufacturing documentation as required.
• Review existing production methods, cycle times, quality concerns, operator feedback and process constraints to support continuous improvement activity.
• Support the introduction of new or revised products, processes, equipment and tooling through manufacturability reviews, trials and validation activities.
• Work collaboratively with production, quality, maintenance, R&D, suppliers and other stakeholders to implement sustainable process improvements.
• Prepare and maintain process documentation, work instructions, standard operating methods, risk assessments and records relating to improvement activity.
• Measure and report the effectiveness of implemented improvements, including safety, quality, cost, delivery and productivity benefits.

Essential Skills, Qualifications and Experience:

• Relevant experience in production engineering, manufacturing engineering, process improvement or a similar technical manufacturing role.
• Demonstrable 3D CAD design capability, including the ability to model, assemble and detail practical manufacturing equipment and production aids.
• Ability to read, interpret and produce engineering drawings, including dimensions, tolerances, assemblies and associated manufacturing requirements.
• Sound understanding of manufacturing processes, tooling, work holding, inspection requirements, production flow and shop-floor constraints.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify root causes and implement effective corrective or improvement actions.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with operators, engineers, managers, suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise workload and deliver agreed actions within required timescales.
• A practical, hands-on approach with a clear commitment to health and safety, quality standards and continuous improvement.
• A relevant HNC, HND, foundation degree, degree or equivalent Level 4 qualification; an accepted apprenticeship/experience route; and formal or demonstrable 3D CAD competence.

Advantageous skills and experience:

• Experience using Autodesk Inventor or similar 3D CAD software.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, SMED, value stream mapping, standard work, root cause analysis or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience designing jigs, fixtures, gauges, lifting aids, ergonomic improvements or bespoke production equipment.
• Experience within CNC machining, fabrication, assembly, metrology, special processes or regulated manufacturing environments.

Other Considerations:

• The role is site based and will require regular engagement with production areas and teams.
• The post holder may be required to support trials, installations, commissioning activities, or urgent improvement actions outside normal working patterns where business needs require.
• Occasional travel may be required to suppliers, subcontractors, customers or equipment manufacturers for design reviews, technical support, training or project delivery.
• Hold or be eligible for UK Security Clearance.