At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise manufacturing processes while driving Lean initiatives and new product introductions.
- Company: Surface Transforms is the UK's only manufacturer of carbon-ceramic brakes, focused on innovation and performance.
- Benefits: Enjoy an attractive salary, 25 days annual leave, and extra leave for your birthday.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for mentorship and career development.
- Why this job: Shape your role in a passionate team dedicated to continuous improvement and technical excellence.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and 5+ years in high-volume manufacturing with proven process optimisation skills.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 60000 £ per year.
Surface Transforms are experts in the development and production of carbon-ceramic materials and the UK’s only manufacturer of carbon-ceramic brakes for automotive use. Surface Transforms' unique patented Carbon-Ceramic technology provides the ultimate braking performance for road and track. Here at Surface Transforms, passion is at the heart of our brand. As a team, we refuse to accept the impossible. We know that impossible only means that we haven’t found the solution yet.
Your role at Surface Transforms is yours to steer – toward opportunities and away from risks. You have the power to shape your role and we cannot wait to see where you take us, and we’ll take pride in supporting the future you chose to build at Surface Transforms.
We are looking for a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to join our growing Process Engineering team. Our Senior Manufacturing Engineer will play a key leadership role within the site’s engineering function, taking ownership of critical manufacturing processes while driving the deployment of the future state Value Stream Map (VSM), Lean initiatives, and new product/process introductions. This position will support the strategic transformation of the operation by embedding technical excellence, process stability, and continuous improvement into daily operations. This role combines deep technical knowledge with cross-functional leadership to improve cost, quality, and delivery performance in line with business imperatives.
What you’ll be doing as our Senior Manufacturing Engineer:
- Process Ownership & Improvement
- Lead and optimize core manufacturing processes (e.g. grinding, assembly, machining, heat treatment) for performance, reliability, and repeatability
- Own process documentation, standard work, and FMEA updates
- Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for process issues
- Implement data-driven improvements using Lean Six Sigma methodology
- VSM & Lean Leadership
- Develop, lead, and sustain future state VSM deployment for designated areas
- Facilitate Kaizen activities and drive Lean tools (5S, SMED, visual management, standardization)
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (production, quality, maintenance, supply chain) to align improvement plans with strategic goals
- Track and report KPI progress (OEE, scrap, rework, downtime, etc.)
- New Product & Process Introduction
- Support flawless launch of new products/processes from concept through SOP
- Participate in DFM/DFA reviews with design engineering
- Validate and industrialize new equipment, tooling, and processes
- Ensure alignment with cost, timing, and quality targets
- Leadership & Team Development
- Mentor and coach engineers, graduates & interns
- Promote engineering best practices and problem-solving culture
- Support succession planning and capability development within the team
- Compliance & Quality Systems
- Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and internal quality systems
- Lead process audits and readiness for customer/third-party assessments
- Maintain robust control plans and support zero-defect manufacturing objectives
Essential Skills, Knowledge and Experience you will need as our Senior Manufacturing Engineer:
- Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent)
- 5+ years of hands-on experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment
- Proven track record in process optimization and Lean deployment
- Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis capability
- Experience leading cross-functional projects or teams
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Desirable Skills, Knowledge and Experience you will need as our Senior Manufacturing Engineer:
- Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification
- Familiarity with Toyota/JLR Lean systems or similar benchmarking
- Experience with digital manufacturing tools (e.g. MES, OEE dashboards)
- Project management qualification or experience in product launch (APQP, PPAP)
You’ll have these personal attributes:
- Accountability
- Troubleshooting
- Continuous improvement
- Adaptability
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Independent thinking and working and problem-solving skills
What we’ll give you in return:
- Attractive salary
- 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank holidays
- Extra day Annual Leave for your birthday
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Death in service scheme
Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 dependent on experience
Hours: Monday – Thursday 8am – 5pm, Friday 8am – 2.30pm
Senior Manufacturing Engineer in Huyton employer: Surface Transforms
At Surface Transforms, we pride ourselves on being the UK's only manufacturer of carbon-ceramic brakes, where innovation and passion drive our success. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering opportunities for mentorship and leadership within a dynamic team. With competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we empower our employees to shape their careers while contributing to cutting-edge technology in the automotive industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manufacturing Engineer in Huyton
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Surface Transforms' unique carbon-ceramic technology. Understanding the specifics of their products will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and its innovations.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with Lean methodologies and Six Sigma in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've implemented these practices in previous roles, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the Senior Manufacturing Engineer position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've mentored or coached team members in the past. This role requires strong leadership, so demonstrating your ability to develop others will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manufacturing Engineer in Huyton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in manufacturing engineering, particularly in process optimisation and Lean methodologies. Use specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and leadership in cross-functional projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the company. Mention how your background aligns with Surface Transforms' mission and values, and provide examples of how you've successfully led process improvements in previous roles.
Highlight Technical Skills:Clearly outline your technical qualifications, such as your degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering and any certifications like Six Sigma. Emphasise your hands-on experience in high-volume manufacturing environments and familiarity with digital manufacturing tools.
Showcase Leadership Experience:Detail your experience mentoring and coaching others, as well as your ability to lead teams through change. Highlight any specific instances where you have promoted best practices or contributed to team development in your previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surface Transforms
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep technical knowledge. Be prepared to discuss specific manufacturing processes you've optimised in the past, and how your expertise aligns with Surface Transforms' focus on carbon-ceramic technology.
✨Emphasise Lean Methodologies
Since the role involves driving Lean initiatives, make sure to highlight your experience with Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Share examples of how you've implemented these practices to improve efficiency and reduce waste in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
This position requires collaboration with various teams. Be ready to discuss your experience working with cross-functional teams, and how you’ve successfully aligned improvement plans with strategic goals in past projects.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a mentor and coach, showcasing your leadership abilities is key. Prepare to share instances where you've led teams or projects, focusing on how you fostered a culture of continuous improvement and problem-solving among your colleagues.
