Production Engineer in Essex

Overview

Production Engineer

Company: Radleys is a successful family-owned company with a proud history and a strong supportive team. We foster a genuine sense of belonging where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute. Youll join a friendly collaborative environment that promotes innovation outstanding customer service and active employee engagement.

Location: Radleys, Shire Hill, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 3AZ, United Kingdom. t: f: e: Directors: R.B. Radley, I.E. Radley, M.D. Radley. R.B. Radley & Co Ltd registered in England 889911. Member of GAMBICA & LPA.

Our Vision: Within 5 years we want Radleys to be the global market leader for chemistry productivity tools growing existing markets developing new ones and strengthening our reputation for innovation.

Summary: Reporting to the Head of Manufacturing. A proactive and hands-on Production Engineer to play a key role in the continued development of our Production Engineering function. This role will focus on designing and implementing jigs, tools and engineering solutions that improve manufacturing efficiency, maintain our high-quality standards and support continuous improvement across all production processes. Working closely with various departments to provide timely support for manufacturing issues and also contributing to the effective release and manufacture of new product lines.

The role also has a requirement to produce technical drawings on CAD SolidWorks for custom products and to manage 3D printing capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaboration & Support — Report to the Head of Production working closely with Glassblowers, Assemblers, Supply Chain and R&D teams to ensure timely solutions for manufacturing issues and maintain delivery capability for in-house manufactured items. Manage production engineering projects and lead weekly engineering meetings.
• Equipment & Tooling — Project manage the design and implementation of jigs, fixtures and tooling to improve manufacturing efficiency. Liaise directly with suppliers as needed. Troubleshoot equipment issues as they arise.
• Lean & Continuous Improvement — Support the Head of Production with continuous improvement initiatives using a positive and inclusive approach. Identify and implement improvements that increase productivity, maximise uptime, elevate product quality and enhance profitability.
• Infrastructure & Equipment Management — Maintain jigs and tools to ensure they provide maximum operational efficiency. Ensure preventative maintenance schedules are in place and followed for all production equipment. Troubleshoot infrastructure and equipment issues as required. Manage and maintain 3D-printing capabilities.
• Technical Drawings — Produce 3D CAD models on SolidWorks and manufacturing drawings in line with customer specifications. Liaise with customers when required to clarify custom requirements.
• Other Responsibilities — Troubleshoot mechanical and electronic assemblies as required. Support the maintenance of product safety approvals and associated documentation. Promote and meet all Health Safety & Environmental (HSE) requirements.

Experience & Qualifications

Person Experience: Minimum of 5 years production engineering experience. Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to engage and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Good understanding of quality systems within a manufacturing environment. Excellent time management, planning and organisational skills. Fully IT-literate including strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. Familiarity with SolidWorks (or similar) for CAD and technical drawing. Experience of using an ERP and/or MRP system. Any previous experience or knowledge of scientific glassblowing, glass working and/or scientific equipment manufacture would be useful but is NOT essential.

Person Skills: Hands-on, willing to get involved in practical work as well as planning and delegation. Reliable, punctual and consistent in delivery. Adaptable and eager to learn new skills. Positive and approachable in day-to-day interactions. Clear and effective communicator with colleagues and suppliers. Highly organised with strong attention to detail and accuracy. Solution-focused mindset with perseverance and a can-do attitude. Forward-thinking with a continuous improvement approach. Diligent, committed to seeing tasks through to completion. Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Capable of prioritising across a busy multifunctional workload.

Other Criteria: Holds a current UK driving license. Live within commutable distance of Radleys office in Saffron Walden. Occasional travel to suppliers may be required.

Working Pattern & Location

This is a full-time role designed to provide consistent Engineering support for the business. Exact hours are flexible with core hour requirements totaling to a 37½ hour working week. Location: The role is based at Radleys headquarters in Saffron Walden Essex with the option to work from home on occasions and with agreement from the Head of Manufacturing. Candidates must live within a commutable distance to ensure regular in-person collaboration and support for the team.

Remuneration & Benefits

Competitive salary. Workplace Pension contributions. 3-month notice period (after 6-month probation). Discretionary annual bonus. 25 days of paid holiday plus bank holidays. An extra day off for your birthday each year. Option to buy up to five additional days of unpaid leave annually. Comprehensive training / mentoring. Flexible working hours.

Other Details

Required Experience: IC

Key Skills: Lean Manufacturing, Python, Root cause Analysis, 5S, gRPC, New Relic, Linux, Production Management, Shell Scripting, Manufacturing, Troubleshooting, Application Support

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1