At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to enhance manufacturing processes and support product delivery.
- Company: MacTaggart Scott, a leader in Naval Defence engineering since 1898.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, comprehensive leave policy, and health benefits.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and continuous improvement in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Engineering apprenticeship required; experience in assembly or machining preferred.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: On site - Loanhead, Edinburgh
Flexible Working Options: 4- or 5-day week
Contract Type: Permanent
Join Our Team: Production Engineers (Assembly & Machining)
We are expanding our Production Engineering team and are looking for talented engineers to support both our Assembly & Test and Machining operations. Whether your expertise lies in building and testing complex systems or developing robust machining processes, this is an opportunity to play a key role in delivering high-quality engineered products within a collaborative and forward-thinking environment. As we target new and exciting opportunities, we are particularly keen to hear from candidates with experience or understanding of APQP tools and processes.
About Us: MacTaggart Scott supports the Naval Defence industry, delivering complete engineering solutions from concept through to manufacture and in-service support. With a heritage dating back to 1898, we combine experience with continuous improvement to maintain excellence across everything we do.
What is the job about? As a Production Engineer, you will apply engineering and manufacturing principles to improve efficiency, reduce cost, and support successful product delivery. These roles are critical to ensuring our manufacturing processes are efficient, cost-effective, and right first time. You’ll work closely with design, production, and supply chain teams, contributing from early design stages through to final delivery.
Depending on your background, you will specialise in either:
- Assembly & Test – focusing on build, integration, and testing processes
- Machining – focusing on manufacturing planning, machining methods, and process optimisation
In both areas, you will play a key role in new product introduction, production support, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Support new product introduction, ensuring designs are manufacturable and efficient
- Contribute to bid and project planning activities, including cost and risk estimation
- Develop Manufacturing Bills of Materials (BoMs) and routings
- Ensure production readiness through reviews, documentation, and planning
- Identify tooling, fixtures, and equipment requirements
- Provide hands‑on production support and resolve technical issues
- Lead problem‑solving and root cause investigations
- Drive continuous improvement across manufacturing processes
- Work collaboratively across engineering, production, and supply chain teams
- Support Health & Safety activities including risk assessments and safe systems of work
About You: We are looking for engineers with experience in either assembly and test or machining and manufacturing planning environments. You will bring:
- Strong problem-solving skills and a methodical approach
- Ability to communicate effectively across teams
- Good planning and organisational skills
- A proactive mindset with the ability to work independently
- Flexibility and willingness to learn and develop
Desirable Experience (depending on specialism):
- Assembly: Experience in assembly and test of complex systems; Knowledge of hydraulic or mechanical systems
- Machining: Strong understanding of machining processes and manufacturing methods; CNC programming experience (or interest in developing this skill)
Qualifications:
- Essential: Time-served Engineering Apprenticeship
- Desirable: HNC or equivalent in Engineering; Relevant technical training (e.g. hydraulics)
Additional Information: Training will be provided on internal systems including IFS, Windchill, Creo, and Microsoft Office. Successful applicants will be required to meet Ministry of Defence security clearance requirements. Experience and or knowledge of APQP tools and Processes. Experience and or knowledge of PFMEA, MSA and Control Plans etc.
Your Future at MacTaggart Scott – What We Offer:
- Flexible Working: Choose a 4- or 5-day week with flexible hours (07:00–19:00, core hours 09:30–15:30).
- Comprehensive Leave Policy including annual leave, paid parental leave, and military reservist leave.
- Career Development & Learning Support through our dedicated Learning and Development team.
- Wellbeing Programmes including an Employee Assistance Programme, online wellbeing resources, and onsite nurse.
- Health & Lifestyle Benefits such as life insurance, sick pay, free flu jabs, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
- Financial & Recognition Rewards including a company pension and a generous employee referral scheme.
- Convenience & Facilities: free onsite parking, canteen, and employee discounts.
Production Engineer (Assembly & Machining) in Loanhead employer: MacTaggart, Scott and Company
MacTaggart Scott is an exceptional employer located in Loanhead, Edinburgh, offering a collaborative and forward-thinking environment for Production Engineers. With flexible working options, comprehensive leave policies, and a strong focus on career development, employees are supported in their professional growth while enjoying health and lifestyle benefits. The company’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in the Naval Defence industry makes it a rewarding place to work for those seeking meaningful contributions to engineering excellence.
Contact Details:
MacTaggart, Scott and Company Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Engineer (Assembly & Machining) in Loanhead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at MacTaggart Scott on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on APQP tools and processes. Show us you know your stuff and can bring fresh ideas to the table. We love candidates who are proactive and ready to dive into problem-solving!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Keep an eye on our website and apply directly. We’re always looking for talent, and applying through our site shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to collaborate with various teams, so being able to articulate your thoughts clearly is key. Mock interviews with friends can help you nail this.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Engineer (Assembly & Machining) in Loanhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Production Engineer role. Highlight any relevant experience in assembly, machining, or APQP tools to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about engineering and how your background aligns with our mission at MacTaggart Scott. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills:We love engineers who can think on their feet! In your application, share examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. This will help us see your methodical approach in action.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply 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 us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MacTaggart, Scott and Company
✨Know Your Engineering Basics
Brush up on your engineering principles, especially those related to assembly and machining. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these principles in past roles, as this will show your practical experience and understanding of the job.
✨Familiarise Yourself with APQP Tools
Since the company is keen on candidates with knowledge of APQP tools and processes, make sure you understand these concepts. Prepare examples of how you've used similar tools in previous projects to demonstrate your capability.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in production engineering and how you resolved them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your strong problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about their continuous improvement initiatives or how they support new product introductions, which will demonstrate your proactive mindset and eagerness to contribute.
