At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development from concept to production in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Innovative engineering and manufacturing business with a focus on design.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and healthcare support.
- Other info: Enjoy a hands-on role with opportunities for growth and travel.
- Why this job: Make your designs come to life and influence real-world products.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in product design.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Northampton
Salary: ÂŁ30,000 - ÂŁ50,000 (Dependent on Experience)
Job Type: Permanent | Full-Time
Impact Recruitment is supporting a well‑established and highly innovative engineering and manufacturing business in their search for a Production Engineer with strong design and product development capability. This is not a purely production‑based role. It is a design‑led position within a manufacturing environment, ideal for an engineer who enjoys taking ownership of products from concept through to full‑scale production. You will play a key role in shaping product design, ensuring manufacturability, and supporting successful delivery into production.
The Role
You will be responsible for the full product lifecycle, with a particular emphasis on design engineering and Design for Manufacture. Working closely with cross‑functional teams, you will ensure that products are not only innovative but also practical, efficient, and production‑ready.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading end‑to‑end product development, from concept design through to production implementation
- Producing detailed designs using CAD (ideally Autodesk Inventor), with a strong focus on manufacturability
- Applying Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles at all stages of development
- Developing prototypes, conducting testing, and supporting validation and verification activities
- Designing jigs, fixtures, and assembly aids to support efficient production processes
- Acting as the key link between design and production, ensuring smooth transition into manufacturing
- Providing hands‑on technical support on the shop floor, troubleshooting design and production issues
- Driving continuous improvement across both product design and manufacturing processes
- Collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders to deliver products to specification
- Occasional UK and international travel as required
About You
We are looking for a design‑led engineer who thrives in a manufacturing environment and enjoys seeing their designs come to life on the shop floor. You will ideally have:
- A degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent practical experience)
- Proven experience in product design and development within a manufacturing setting (minimum 2 years)
- Strong CAD capability (ideally Autodesk Inventor or similar)
- A solid understanding of engineering standards and structured product development processes
- Experience applying DFM/DFA principles in real‑world applications
- The ability to balance design intent with practical production constraints
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross‑functionally
- A hands‑on, problem‑solving mindset with a proactive approach
What’s on Offer
- Flexible working hours
- Hybrid working (Fridays)
- Early finish on Fridays
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Pension contribution (5%)
- Life assurance (4x salary)
- Healthcare support scheme
- Free refreshments on‑site
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity for a design‑focused Production Engineer to join a forward‑thinking business where design plays a critical role in manufacturing success. You will have genuine ownership of projects, influence over product development, and the opportunity to see your designs progress from concept through to reality.
Production Engineer employer: Northampton Business Directory
Contact Detail:
Northampton Business Directory Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your design projects, prototypes, and any CAD work you've done. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on DFM and DFA principles. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles. Employers love candidates who can demonstrate practical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented engineers like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Production Engineer role. Highlight your design-led projects and any experience with CAD tools like Autodesk Inventor. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about product design and how your background aligns with our needs. Share specific examples of your work that demonstrate your problem-solving mindset and hands-on approach.
Showcase Your Design Process: In your application, don’t just list your skills—show us your design process! Talk about how you've applied DFM/DFA principles in past projects and how you’ve collaborated with cross-functional teams. We love seeing how you think and work!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to attach all your documents in one go. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own channels!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northampton Business Directory
✨Know Your Design Principles
Make sure you brush up on Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in your previous roles, as this will show your understanding of the practical aspects of product design.
✨Showcase Your CAD Skills
Since strong CAD capability is crucial for this role, be prepared to talk about your experience with Autodesk Inventor or similar software. Bring examples of your designs and be ready to explain your thought process behind them.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've encountered design or production issues and how you resolved them. This will highlight your hands-on approach and proactive mindset, which are key traits for a Production Engineer.
✨Engage with Cross-Functional Teams
Prepare to discuss your experience working with different teams. Highlight any collaborative projects you've been involved in, as this role requires strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across various functions.