At a Glance
- Tasks: Support production activities and resolve manufacturing challenges on the shopfloor.
- Company: Join Thales, a global tech leader shaping the future with innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a four-day work week, private medical insurance, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and social value.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in engineering with hands-on experience and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Some experience in manufacturing and a passion for continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
Location: Templecombe, United Kingdom
This is a full-time position, working 37 hours per week over four days (Monday to Thursday). The role offers some flexibility in start times, typically between 6:00am and 7:30am, with working days of 9.25 hours. This is an onsite role.
We are seeking an Industrial Process Engineering Technician to provide first-line support to the shopfloor. Working alongside Industrial Process Engineers, you will help identify innovative solutions to day-to-day production challenges and bring fresh perspectives to more complex technical issues.
The successful candidate will support daily production activities, help manage non-conformances and assist in resolving manufacturing-related technical issues to ensure efficient and effective operations. This is an entry-level role within the Industrial Process Engineering (IPE) team, offering an excellent opportunity to develop and progress within the company.
You will work closely with the IPE team and wider functions across Thales and will be predominantly based and sat on the shopfloor. This role will entail working within a manufacturing environment that includes electrical/electronic/mechanical build, assembly and test activities. It is desired that the successful candidate will bring a general working knowledge of manufacturing techniques and processes across some of these disciplines, which will be developed further through the role.
As an entry-level member of the team, the Industrial Process Engineering Technician will work under the guidance of Industrial Process Engineers. You will contribute to broader manufacturing discussions and help promote best practice across Industry, Engineering and Project teams, particularly in relation to non-conformance management and problem resolution. Over time, the role will enable you to build knowledge, develop capability and gradually take ownership of a wider workload.
The role requires alignment with wider business objectives and the manufacturing cell’s industrial strategy. You will support improvements in quality, efficiency and the reduction of non-conformances, with a genuine drive and enthusiasm for continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Be a key point of contact on the shopfloor, helping to spot and resolve day-to-day manufacturing issues and non-conformances, and coordinating with other Industrial Process Engineers (IPEs) when needed.
- Organise and coordinate Material Review Boards (MRBs), working collaboratively across functions to manage production failures and configuration changes.
- Help identify and suggest improvements to manufacturing processes, working methods and documentation to make production activities run smoother, improving efficiency and quality and keeping aligned with project needs.
- Support survey, repair and refurbishment activities for items that are returned to the work cell, following the required processes and guidance.
- Contribute to continuous improvement by looking for opportunities to improve ways of working across the manufacturing function.
- Support Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) best practice in daily activities, ensuring work is carried out safely and in line with regulations.
- Help identify and reduce manufacturing risk, escalating concerns appropriately and learning how risks are assessed and managed.
- Learn to use ERP and data management systems to help with daily tasks.
- Learn on the job from experienced team members, building your skills in problem-solving, non-conformance handling, and manufacturing techniques.
- Get involved in the wider IPE team and its processes, building your understanding and confidence so you can contribute more over time.
About You
You will have some proven experience within manufacturing, ideally within one or more of the following disciplines: electrical/electronic assembly, mechanical assembly or production test environments. You will also bring:
- Some experience within low- to medium-volume light mechanical, electro-mechanical or electronics manufacturing environments with either time served or similar role held.
- Experience or awareness of continuous improvement methodologies and manufacturing techniques.
- An understanding of manufacturing systems and processes, including routings, BOMs, concessions and change requests.
- Process knowledge across assembly and test activities.
- Good communication and technical documentation skills.
- Effective time management skills.
- Pragmatic and forward-thinking approach when addressing problems.
- The ability to follow processes and instructions.
At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role.
We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring.
Industrial Process Engineering Technician employer: Thales
Thales is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Crawley where innovation meets social responsibility. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to market-leading training and mentorship from industry experts, alongside competitive benefits such as private healthcare, a robust pension plan, and opportunities for career advancement within a diverse global organisation. Join us to contribute to cutting-edge projects in defence and aerospace while enjoying a supportive culture that values your growth and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Industrial Process Engineering Technician
✨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 Thales, 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 Industrial Process Engineering Technician
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 Thales 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 Thales
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Thales, 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 Thales 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.