At a Glance
- Tasks: Take projects from design to manufacture while solving problems and improving processes.
- Company: Lydwood (Glos) Ltd, a dynamic manufacturer of wooden components.
- Benefits: Engaging work, modern machinery, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a young management team with ambitious plans for the future.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, varied role with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: CAD experience and a strong mechanical understanding are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Fancy taking projects from customer requirements through design, programming, machine setting and manufacture, while improving processes and solving problems along the way? If so, read on...
Company Overview
Lydwood (Glos) Ltd manufactures wooden components and products for customers across a wide range of industries. From medical equipment and furniture through to specialist engineering projects, no two days are quite the same! Operating from Lower Lydbrook, we have 7 CNC routers and more than 80 other machines, allowing us to manufacture everything from one-off prototypes to large production runs. We're an engineering-led business that works with wood. We enjoy solving problems, finding better ways of doing things and investing in equipment and technology that helps us stay ahead. If you're the sort of person who likes figuring things out, improving processes and seeing your ideas become reality, you'll enjoy Lydwood life!
Summary
We're looking for a practical, technically minded Manufacturing Engineer to join our team and get involved in our production — from customer enquiries and design, through to programming, machine setting and manufacture. A good mechanical understanding is essential, whether that's come from previous jobs, hobbies, or simply being the person who always wants to know how things work. The work is varied, fast-paced and often challenging. One day you could be designing a new product, the next proving out a CNC program, solving a production issue or developing a more efficient manufacturing method. We're a relatively young management team with ambitious plans for the future, supported by a reliable and experienced workforce. We're looking for somebody who wants to grow with the business and make a genuine impact.
Responsibilities
- CAD Design & Product Development
- Use Fusion 360 and Alphacam to produce accurate 3D models, renders, drawings and manufacturing programs.
- Produce, interpret and amend technical drawings.
- Review customer drawings and specifications.
- Develop designs for manufacture, balancing customer requirements with efficient production methods.
- Collaborate with customers and production teams to overcome technical challenges.
- Modify and improve existing designs.
- Identify opportunities to improve manufacturability and reduce production costs.
- Ensure designs comply with relevant standards and safety requirements where applicable.
- Maintain organised records of design files and revisions.
- Stay up to date with developments in CAD/CAM technology and manufacturing methods.
- Support in-house product development projects, including design, testing, technical files and manufacturing documentation.
- CNC Programming
- Create CNC programs using Alphacam (training will be provided if required).
- Optimise machining strategies, tooling, feeds and speeds.
- Verify geometry and manufacturing data before release to production.
- Maintain program libraries and revision control.
- Troubleshoot programming and machining issues.
- Research and implement new programming methods, tooling solutions and software capabilities to improve efficiency, quality and productivity.
- Machine Setting & Manufacturing Support
- Set CNC machinery and support operators during production.
- Prove out new programs and first-off components.
- Select appropriate tooling and machining methods.
- Investigate production issues and implement corrective actions.
- Maintain high standards of quality, accuracy and efficiency.
- Production Engineering
- Develop manufacturing processes and standard operating procedures.
- Improve cycle times, machine utilisation and workflow efficiency.
- Monitor production performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Assist with quoting, manufacturing costings and production planning activities where required.
Qualifications & Experience
- Proficient in CAD software (Fusion 360/Alphacam experience desirable but not essential).
- Experience with CNC machining and/or CNC routing.
- Strong understanding of mechanical principles.
- Practical and methodical problem solver.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- High standard of workmanship and accuracy.
- Experience producing and interpreting technical drawings.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple projects.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
- Understanding of Health & Safety requirements within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience working with timber and woodworking machinery would be advantageous but is not essential.
What We Offer
- Varied and interesting work.
- Significant involvement in projects from concept through to manufacture.
- Opportunities to influence manufacturing processes and drive improvements.
- Modern CNC machinery and engineering software.
- A growing business with ambitious plans for the future.
- A supportive team environment led by practical engineers.
If you've made it this far, you must be at least half interested! Stick your CV in and come and have a chat with us.
Job Type: Full-time. Monday - Thursday 7:30am - 5:00pm. Friday 7:30am - 12:30pm.
Manufacturing Engineer (CAD/CAM & CNC) employer: Lydwood
Lydwood (Glos) Ltd is an excellent employer for those seeking a dynamic and rewarding role in manufacturing engineering. With a focus on innovation and problem-solving, employees enjoy a supportive work culture that encourages personal growth and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on projects from design to production. Located in Lower Lydbrook, the company offers modern CNC machinery and a collaborative environment led by a young management team with ambitious plans for the future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Engineer (CAD/CAM & CNC)
✨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 Lydwood, 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 Manufacturing Engineer (CAD/CAM & CNC)
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 Lydwood 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 Lydwood
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Lydwood, 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 Lydwood 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.
