Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Oxford Instruments

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support production of advanced benchtop NMR products and drive continuous improvement.
  • Company: Join Oxford Instruments, a global leader in scientific instrumentation.
  • Benefits: Collaborative environment, career growth opportunities, and impactful projects.
  • Other info: Passionate team focused on innovation and operational excellence.
  • Why this job: Make a real-world impact while working with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Manufacturing or Electronics Engineering and experience in Lean Manufacturing.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

Location: High Wycombe, UK, onsite

Business Unit: Materials Analysis

About the Role

Join Oxford Instruments’ Materials Analysis business unit, where we design and manufacture advanced benchtop systems that enable scientists and industry to better understand and analyse materials. As a Manufacturing Engineer, you’ll play a key role in supporting the production of our benchtop NMR products—ensuring they are built efficiently, to the highest quality standards, and ready to meet the needs of customers across research, academia, and industry. You’ll work at the intersection of engineering, production, and innovation—driving improvements, supporting new product introduction, and helping translate cutting‑edge technology into reliable, manufacturable solutions.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Provide hands‑on engineering support to production, ensuring quality products are delivered on schedule
  • Analyse and improve manufacturing processes, identifying waste and driving continuous improvement
  • Lead initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma to improve yield, reliability, and efficiency
  • Monitor and improve key metrics such as product yield and returns (wRMA)
  • Support New Product Introduction (NPI), ensuring products and processes are production‑ready and repeatable
  • Develop and maintain work instructions, inspection criteria, and manufacturing documentation
  • Collaborate with engineering, supply chain, and production teams to resolve issues and implement improvements
  • Support supplier performance across cost, quality, and delivery
  • Contribute to shop floor layout and tooling design to support evolving product needs
  • Champion safe working practices, 5S, and operational excellence

Qualifications

  • Degree/HND in Manufacturing, Electronics Engineering, or equivalent experience
  • Proven experience applying Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement tools
  • Strong structured problem‑solving skills
  • Knowledge of ISO 9000 quality systems
  • Experience with NPI, DfX, and product lifecycle management
  • Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (BOMs, routings, etc.)
  • Experience working with precision or scientific instrumentation is highly advantageous
  • Strong communicator, able to influence across teams
  • Proactive, driven, and solutions‑focused
  • Passionate about continuous improvement and delivering results
  • Collaborative with a positive, can‑do mindset

Why Join Materials Analysis at Oxford Instruments?

  • Be part of a globally recognised technology leader in scientific instrumentation
  • Work on innovative benchtop NMR products with real‑world impact
  • Collaborate with talented engineers and scientists in a purpose‑driven environment
  • Opportunity to shape manufacturing excellence and grow your career

Make an Impact

If you’re motivated by improving processes, solving complex challenges, and contributing to advanced analytical technology, we’d love to hear from you.

Manufacturing Engineer employer: Oxford Instruments

At Oxford Instruments, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the scientific instrumentation sector, offering a dynamic work environment in High Wycombe where innovation meets collaboration. As a Manufacturing Engineer, you'll not only contribute to cutting-edge technology but also benefit from a culture that champions continuous improvement and professional growth, with opportunities to work alongside talented engineers and scientists dedicated to making a real-world impact. Join us to be part of a purpose-driven team that values your contributions and supports your career development in a globally recognised organisation.

Oxford Instruments

Contact Details:

Oxford Instruments Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Engineer

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 Oxford Instruments, 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

Lean Manufacturing
Six Sigma
Manufacturing Process Improvement
New Product Introduction (NPI)
DfX
Product Lifecycle Management
ISO 9000 Quality Systems

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 Oxford Instruments 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 Oxford Instruments

Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with Oxford Instruments, 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 Oxford Instruments 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.