At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape manufacturing solutions and support bid activity with technical input.
- Company: Join a supportive company that values engineering expertise and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, competitive salary, and opportunities for skill development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and problem-solving.
- Why this job: Work on exciting projects and make a real impact in manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Relevant engineering qualification and experience with composite materials preferred.
We are looking for a practical, detail-focused Bid Manufacturing Engineer to help shape manufacturing solutions at the earliest stages of new opportunities. This is a key role supporting bid activity, defining materials and manufacturing approaches, and providing technical manufacturing input that helps our teams produce accurate, competitive and achievable proposals.
You will work closely with Estimating, Projects, Business Development and Manufacturing Engineering colleagues, helping to translate customer requirements and technical information into robust manufacturing plans, work breakdown structures and supporting documentation.
About the role
As our Bid Manufacturing Engineer, you will be responsible for defining manufacturing engineering information during the bid phase. You will help identify suitable materials, manufacturing methods and process routes, while providing technical input that supports accurate estimating and successful project handover.
When required, you will also support wider manufacturing engineering activity, including process planning, production performance improvement, test sample definition and manufacture, CATIA v5 drawing and model interpretation, manufacturing instructions, and technical communications with customers, suppliers and internal teams.
What you'll be doing
- Support in defining manufacturing materials and manufacturing methods at bid phase.
- Provide Manufacturing Work Breakdown Structures (WBSs) to support bid estimating.
- Provide robust communication and support to the Estimating, Projects and the Business Development teams.
- Provide technical manufacturing information in support of collation of bid documentation.
- Ensure WBS data is compatible for data entry into the company MRP system.
Additional responsibilities
- Provide Manufacturing Information Sheets, route cards, bill of materials and manufacturing specification data in accordance with company standards.
- Develop the most cost effective and efficient solutions that satisfy design to cost and design for manufacture best practice.
- Specify material requirements, define suitable methods of manufacture and identify and implement tooling and equipment.
- Creation of test specifications and manufacture of composite and polymer test samples.
- Develop processes to a production steady state standard that meets specification and design intent.
- Support design and customer reviews and other meetings as required.
- Support Production and Quality Assurance in resolving production problems and non-conformances.
- Utilise Lean Principles to improve the product, process flow, build cycle and waste reduction.
- Train employees on process, applications, and manufacturing specification data.
About you
- Relevant engineering/manufacturing/chemistry qualification and/or equivalent experience.
- Specific experience of composite & polymer materials and materials/component processing.
- Computer literate, windows based and 3D model-based definition (CATIA v5 preferred).
- Ability to develop successful working relationships, work on own initiative and as part of a team.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate at all levels.
- Strong problem-solving ability applied through a practical approach.
- Continuous Improvement, zero defect and customer focused mind-set.
- A good team player with a flexible attitude to work load.
Why join us?
- We offer a supportive working environment where engineering expertise is valued and people are encouraged to contribute ideas, solve problems and make a practical difference.
- You will be part of a collaborative team working on technically interesting manufacturing projects, with the opportunity to develop your skills and support continuous improvement across the business.
- 4-day working week, helping support a better work-life balance.
- Opportunity to work on varied and technically challenging manufacturing projects.
- Collaborative team environment with close links across Engineering, Projects, Estimating and Business Development.
- Scope to contribute to process improvements and practical manufacturing solutions.
If you enjoy combining technical problem-solving with practical manufacturing knowledge, and you are confident working across teams to support high-quality bid and production outcomes, we would like to hear from you.
Manufacturing Engineer in Portland employer: Tods Defence Limited
At Tods, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Portland, Dorset. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to work-life balance through our 4-day working week, we provide numerous benefits including generous holiday allowances, a company pension scheme, and access to private healthcare. Join us to be part of a fast-growing business where your skills will be nurtured, and every day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Engineer in Portland
✨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 Tods Defence Limited, 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 Manufacturing Engineer in Portland
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 Tods Defence Limited 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 Tods Defence Limited
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Tods Defence Limited, 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 Tods Defence Limited 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.
