At a Glance
- Tasks: Support design processes and ensure product readiness for delivery.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a fast-paced engineering environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with cross-functional teams and drive improvements in manufacturing.
- Why this job: Make an impact by optimising production and enhancing product quality.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience with 3D CAD required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Responsibilities
- Support design processes from the mechanical side, using engineering knowledge combined with tools such as DFMEA to ensure DFM/DFA is considered throughout the design phase.
- Support mechanical workstreams within NPI projects, ensuring readiness for build and scale, and supporting the transition of products through to customer delivery.
- Work alongside electrical and software engineers within the NPI team to design and develop electromechanical test jigs that optimise production throughput and ensure product quality.
- Work alongside the manufacturing team to define and document mechanical build procedures, assembly instructions, and production workflows to establish repeatable manufacturing.
- Provide a hands-on approach during NPI builds, supporting root cause investigation and resolution of mechanical failures or assembly issues within the engineering change process (ECN) framework.
- Drive improvements in manufacturing readiness by identifying and implementing opportunities to streamline mechanical assembly processes and reduce build time.
- Work alongside the quality department to support non-conformance investigations, and product quality improvements during NPI phases.
- Contribute to the development of the new NPI team's standards and processes.
Required Skills & Experience
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
- Experience with 3D CAD (e.g. SolidWorks).
- Strong understanding of DFM/DFA, tolerance analysis, GD&T and material selection.
- Ability to create and evaluate 2D technical manufacturing drawings to BS8888.
- Experience supporting products through prototype to production transition for low to medium volume products.
- Experience creating technical documentation and releasing into a controlled change management system.
- Knowledge of mechanical manufacturing methods (machining, sheet metal, moulding, assemblies).
- Experience working cross-functionally in a fast-paced engineering environment.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Experience of assembly and testing of hand-held electromechanical devices within a lean manufacturing environment.
- Experience designing jigs, fixtures, tooling, or mechanical test equipment.
- Experience with design and assembly of optical products.
- Experience designing products to military standards.
- Understanding of engineering change control and quality systems (ISO9001).
- Experience setting up and managing SOPs within a production environment.
- Experience working in controlled cleanroom environments.
Operations Manager in Waterbeach employer: Octagon Group
Octagon Group is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Waterbeach, UK. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, hands-on experience in product development, and a supportive environment that values teamwork and quality. With a focus on meaningful projects and a commitment to employee development, Octagon Group stands out as a rewarding place to advance your career in mechanical engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Waterbeach
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Octagon Group.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Octagon Group love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Octagon Group and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Waterbeach
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Octagon Group and the Operations Manager role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Octagon Group
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Octagon Group.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Octagon Group.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Octagon Group, making you a more appealing candidate.
