Production Engineer in Tonbridge

The Production Engineer, based at our site in Snodland, Kent, will support and improve manufacturing operations through continuous improvement, process optimisation, production engineering support, and implementation of best practices across the business. Working closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance and Management teams, the role is responsible for improving safety, quality, delivery performance, productivity and cost efficiency across all manufacturing processes. The successful candidate will be process-driven, proactive and capable of supporting operational performance through engineering knowledge, data analysis and continuous improvement activities. The role will involve identifying inefficiencies, supporting problem-solving activities, improving manufacturing methods, supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), developing standard processes and providing day-to-day engineering support to production operations.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Evaluate manufacturing processes and identify opportunities for improvement
• Support implementation of Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing activities
• Analyse production data to improve efficiency, reduce waste and improve throughput
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and manufacturing documentation
• Carry out process reviews, time studies and workflow analysis to identify inefficiencies
• Investigate production and quality issues using root cause analysis techniques and implement corrective actions
• Provide day-to-day engineering support to production operations and maintenance activities
• Support the reduction of machine downtime and improve equipment performance
• Work alongside Engineering and Production teams to support New Product Introduction (NPI)
• Assist with design for manufacture and process development activities
• Support implementation of cost reduction initiatives whilst maintaining quality standards
• Ensure manufacturing activities comply with Health & Safety standards and company procedures
• Identify unsafe operations or practices and report concerns immediately
• Support the development and implementation of best manufacturing practices
• Assist with layout improvements, tooling, fixtures and manufacturing methods where required
• Support production trials, sample builds and process validation activities
• Produce and maintain manufacturing records, reports and engineering documentation
• Work collaboratively with internal departments to support operational and business objectives
• Read, interpret and produce engineering drawings and CAD models
• Support manufacturing process improvements through CAD and engineering software systems

Essential Experience:

• Demonstrable Experience within a Production Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering role.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production engineering principles and process optimisation.
• Proven experience in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement and waste reduction techniques.
• Strong knowledge and experience of Root Cause Analysis and corrective action methodologies.
• Ability to interpret and apply engineering drawings, CAD models and technical documentation.
• Strong understanding of Health & Safety requirements within manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience supporting and improving manufacturing operations within a fast-paced production environment.
• Proven experience carrying out Root Cause Analysis using structured problem-solving techniques.
• Experience supporting production teams with technical problem-solving and process improvements.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office packages, including Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work across Production, Engineering, Quality and Management functions.
• Experience creating SOPs, manufacturing documentation and process controls.
• Experience working within KPI-driven manufacturing environments focused on OTIF, quality and productivity improvements.

Essential Qualifications:

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• CAD software certifications or advanced.

Equal Opportunities Statement:

We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, in line with the Equality Act 2010. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and accessible to all. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.