At a Glance
- Tasks: Support setup and optimisation of manufacturing processes in a new automotive facility.
- Company: Join a dynamic European manufacturing business launching a new site in Basildon.
- Benefits: Strong long-term progression opportunities and hands-on role with real ownership.
- Other info: Work within an established international manufacturing group with a proactive culture.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting launch and make a real impact on quality standards.
- Qualifications: Experience in automotive or manufacturing environments, eager to learn and grow.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are supporting an established European manufacturing business as they launch a brand-new UK production facility in Basildon, focused on plastic injection moulding and paint shop operations for the automotive sector.
As part of the site launch, we are looking for a hands-on Process Engineer with strong manufacturing and production process experience who is looking to develop further into a broader quality-focused position over time. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing operation at an early stage and play a key role in helping establish production standards, process controls, and operational quality across the site.
The Process Engineer will support the setup, optimisation, and ongoing improvement of manufacturing processes across injection moulding and paint line operations. Working closely with production and plant leadership, you will help ensure process stability, quality standards, and operational efficiency across the facility. The role would suit someone from a process engineering, production engineering, or manufacturing engineering background who has exposure to quality processes and is keen to grow into a broader quality and operational leadership role as the plant scales.
Key Responsibilities- Support setup and optimisation of manufacturing processes across moulding and paint operations
- Monitor process performance, scrap, downtime, and production efficiency
- Support troubleshooting and root cause analysis for production issues
- Assist with process documentation, operating procedures, and production standards
- Support implementation of quality standards and process controls
- Work closely with production teams to improve consistency and reduce defects
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives across the site
- Assist with audits, inspections, and production quality activities
- Work closely with production, tooling, and maintenance teams
- Support commissioning and ramp-up activities during the site launch phase
- Help establish best practices and operational workflows as the facility grows
- Experience within automotive or manufacturing production environments
- Background in Process Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Production Engineering, or similar operational/process-focused roles
- Exposure to plastic injection moulding and/or paint line environments
- Strong hands-on approach and shopfloor presence
- Good understanding of manufacturing KPIs, process control, and continuous improvement
- Exposure to automotive quality standards or quality processes
- Experience supporting process improvement or operational optimisation projects
- Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma exposure beneficial
- Hands-on and proactive mindset
- Eager to learn and develop into a broader quality-focused role
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Comfortable working within a growing manufacturing environment
Opportunity to join a brand-new automotive manufacturing site at launch stage. Strong long-term progression opportunities as the operation scales. Hands-on role with real ownership and development potential. Work within an established international manufacturing group.
Graduate Engineer / Quality Engineer in Essex employer: Parkside Recruitment
Join a pioneering automotive manufacturing site in Basildon, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape production standards and quality processes from the ground up. Our collaborative work culture fosters hands-on involvement and encourages continuous learning, ensuring that you can grow into a broader quality-focused role as the facility expands. With strong long-term progression opportunities and the backing of an established international group, this is an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Engineer / Quality Engineer in Essex
✨Get Hands-On: Workshops and Open Days
Manufacturing is all about the practical experience! Check out local workshops or open days at factories. These are fantastic opportunities to get a feel for the environment and meet potential employers, plus you might even land an entry-level gig on the spot.
✨Sign Up for Industry Events
Keep your eyes peeled for industry trade shows and career fairs specific to manufacturing. These events are golden for networking and getting your face known in the industry—you never know when a connection could lead to your next job!
✨Utilise College Resources
If you're newly graduated, don't forget about your university's career services! They often have strong ties with local manufacturing firms and can help you find entry-level opportunities where you might not even need to apply.
✨Apply Directly to Companies
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to manufacturers you're interested in, like Parkside Recruitment. A well-timed email or application can set you apart. Remember, we encourage applying through our website, too—get your foot in the door and let your passion shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Engineer / Quality Engineer in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing and production world, it's all about the skills! Make sure to emphasise any relevant technical skills you have on your CV, like experience with machinery, quality control, or understanding production processes. If you have technical certificates, be sure to include those too—they show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
Showcase Teamwork and Communication:Manufacturing roles often require you to be part of a team, so don't hold back on mentioning your teamwork experience. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of when you collaborated with others in projects, demonstrating your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. This is something that employers really value in production environments!
Be Enthusiastic About Learning:As you’re applying for an entry-level position, let your motivation shine through in your application. Talk about your eagerness to learn and grow within the manufacturing industry. Sharing how you're keen to develop your skills or take on new challenges shows that you're serious about making this role your first step in a rewarding career.
Tailor Your CV for Each Application:When you apply to Parkside Recruitment for the Graduate Engineer / Quality Engineer role, make sure to customise your CV for this position, focusing on the most relevant skills and experiences for manufacturing. It's worth taking a little extra time to tweak your documents for each application—it can really help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Parkside Recruitment
✨Show Your Understanding of the Production Process
When you head into your interview for an entry-level position in manufacturing-production, make sure you're clued up on the basics of the production process. Brush up on common methodologies like Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma. This shows that while you might be entry-level, you're keen to get involved and understand how things work.
✨Get Hands-On with Tools and Technology
Manufacturing roles often use specific tools and technologies, so if you can demonstrate familiarity with things like CAD software or basic machinery, you're already ahead of the game. If you've done any practical projects or training (even in school), bring that up to give them a sense of your hands-on skills.
✨Highlight Your Ability to Learn Fast
As an entry-level candidate, one of your biggest assets is your adaptability. Be prepared to discuss situations where you've quickly picked up new skills or navigated through challenges. Manufacturing is all about efficiency and flexibility, so showing that you're agile in your learning will go a long way.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
In manufacturing, unexpected issues can pop up, and interviewers often ask how you've handled challenges in the past. Think of specific examples where you’ve identified a problem and come up with a solution, either in work experience or during your studies. This will demonstrate your critical thinking and willingness to tackle obstacles head-on!
