Own a portfolio of customers building satellites, fusion reactors, submarines and robots, and the factories that make their parts. You'll take every job from the first drawing review to good parts on the bench, and help a profitable, fast-growing business decide how it runs.
This is a profitable, boutique manufacturing consultancy that gets custom parts made for hardware teams, from start-ups to blue chips. Engineers send in CAD, the team reviews it, briefs long-standing partner factories in China, the UK and Europe, and manages the job to quality-checked delivery. More than 400,000 parts across about 4,000 projects, mostly for repeat customers, and a place on the FT1000 list of Europe's fastest growing companies.
The role
Day-to-day you'll review RFQs, CAD and drawings, spot the DFM issues across CNC, sheet metal, anodising and plating, and explain them to busy engineers in plain language. You'll brief the factories, challenge their quotes, issue your own, and track orders through production, handling slippage and quality calmly when manufacturing reality bites. You'll sit alongside the founder and a manufacturing project engineer, set the pace for a newer hire, and fix the processes that cause rework or delay.
It's a step up into running part of a business, not just projects. You'll own customer relationships, re-engage old clients and bring orders in, in a team where good ideas get tried the same week.
What you'll need
- Proven experience running customer-facing manufacturing projects, sitting between the people who design parts and the suppliers or factories who make them.
- Practical DFM knowledge for CNC machined parts and working knowledge of finishing such as anodising, plating and bead blasting.
- Confidence reading and interrogating CAD models and 2D drawings, even where you aren't the person who designed the part.
- An outgoing, commercial streak. You're happy to pick up the phone to a client, explain a trade-off and ask for the order.
The details
- Reporting to the Founder and director
- Small studio team of four, close to Lee station
- Around four days a week in the studio
- Funded factory trips to China and the UK
- Start: ASAP
- 33 days holiday including bank holidays and your birthday
- Private health including mental health, same-day GP and physio
- Employer pension and a discretionary bonus
- MacBook Pro, monitor and home office kit
What it isn't
This isn't a corporate engineering role with a department behind you. It's a team of four, so everyone does a bit of everything, including marketing and chasing old clients for work. You won't own the design of the parts, you'll get them made correctly. And it's four days a week in the studio, more in the early months. If you want a big team, a defined ladder or a fully remote role, this won't suit. If you want to be a big part of a small business, it will.
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Senior Manufacturing Engineer employer: Kodu
Vax is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in Droitwich. As a Project Lead, you will benefit from competitive compensation, including an annual bonus and generous holiday allowance, while being part of a team dedicated to rebuilding product development with a focus on curiosity-led design. With opportunities for professional growth and a supportive environment, Vax is committed to empowering its employees to drive meaningful change in the floor care industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manufacturing Engineer
✨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 Kodu, 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 Kodu 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 Kodu
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Kodu, 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 Kodu 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.
