Production Engineer in Severn Beach

We are recruiting for a Production Engineer for a permanent role based in Severn Beach, Bristol. In this role, you’ll provide first‑line support and diagnosis for operational issues. The outcome will be a faster flow through the factory, reduction in rework, less diversion of Engineering Designers, reduction in errors in Testing, which all impact positively in terms of increased capacity in our Production space, reduced labour hours and therefore delivery times. The role will also positively influence the engagement of our Production Teams, as they have greater autonomy to resolve issues and maintain our manufacturing flow.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice and guidance on production engineering and test processes, and ensure these are adhered to.
• Ensure products are manufactured and tested to the standards as set out in our documentation.
• Support the Manufacturing engineering team to keep documentation (SOP, Instructions) up to date.
• Provide training or supplementary information required by build or test so SOP’s are followed consistently.
• Ensure robustness of all transferred production processes.
• Check all the necessary build documentation is available in a timely manner to support the assembly and test plan.
• The BOM, ECO and DP’s are reviewed in a timely manner to ensure material is correct and added to any work orders if needed.
• Provide ‘out of hours’ support for operations whenever the factory is operating.
• Create KPI’s to monitor production engineer performance.
• Track and monitor any Quality Notifications and customer feedback/faults on commissioning relating to Operations.
• Monitor and optimise product quality.
• Ensure all manufacturing and test data is archived and kept up to date.
• Manage the cut‑in of engineering changes to production/Materials and supply chain.

Issue Resolution

• The first line of diagnosis for all production issues associated with assembly and test, and to determine the root cause.
• Follow the KT problem‑solving methodology or 8D RCA investigation tools where necessary.
• Use practical mechanical, electrical and electronic expertise when fault‑finding.
• Coordinate with other departments and consult to determine the appropriate containment and preventative measures, and ensure manufacturing continuity and delivery schedule.
• Support corrective action requests, typically FRN (fault reports) and DP’s Deviation permits.
• Provide the resolution to these within a timely manner.

Continuous Improvement

• Work with manufacturing engineering to propose improvements to BOM structures, control plans and part routings.
• Identify and implement cost reduction ideas.
• Promote a CI culture through cross‑functional team working, training and process improvements.
• Support CI and 6S activities as and when required.

Education / Qualifications

• HND or higher (Mechanical, Electrical & Electronic disciplines).

Professional Skills/ Abilities

• Substantial experience in electro‑mechanical systems production engineering environment – preferably small batch, high technology system integration, ideally with machining/fabs.
• Experience in a fast‑paced operations environment.
• Commercial awareness.
• Experience in Lean Methodologies, both working with and implementing, would be advantageous.
• Problem‑solving skills.
• Recent and practical experience in mechanical and electrical assembly.

Personal Qualities

• Excellent communicator, can converse at all levels of the company.
• Accomplished mediator, able to diffuse and deal with conflict.
• Comfortable with responsibility and high‑pressure working.
• Results‑driven and proactive.
• Demonstrates a mature and effective approach to implement improvement.

At Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology, we provide tools for the engineering of micro‑ and nano‑structures, with customers using our process solutions to research and produce materials and semiconductors vital for everything from medical devices and diagnostics, to electric cars and quantum computers.

Benefits

• In addition to a competitive starting salary, structured career development opportunities, and a good work‑life balance, Oxford Instruments offers 25 days annual leave, early finish on Fridays, private healthcare, a share incentive plan, a defined contribution Group Personal Pension Plan, and a flexible benefits package that you can tailor to your own requirements.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and would ask you to get in touch if you are concerned about any barriers you feel you may be facing in your application process with us.