At a Glance
- Tasks: As a Production Engineer, you'll optimise processes and ensure product quality.
- Company: Join VACGEN, a leader in innovation with over 60 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, private medical insurance, 25 days holiday, and a modern workspace.
- Other info: Full-time position, Monday to Friday, in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: This role offers growth, a collaborative culture, and the chance to make an impact.
- Qualifications: We're looking for problem solvers with engineering knowledge and a passion for production.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: Hailsham, East Sussex (BN27 4EL)
Salary: Competitive, DOE + Excellent Benefits
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Benefits: Competitive salary, Private medical insurance, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, Salary sacrifice pension scheme, Life insurance, Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme, State-of-the-art manufacturing environment and Career development opportunities within a growing engineering business
Help Shape Technology Used by the World's Leading Scientific Organisations
For more than 60 years, VACGEN has been at the forefront of ultra-high vacuum (UHV) technology, designing and manufacturing precision-engineered solutions that enable some of the world's most advanced scientific research.
Our products support groundbreaking work conducted by organisations including NASA, CERN, the European Space Agency and leading research institutes across the globe.
We're now looking for an ambitious and technically-minded Production Engineer to join our growing team.
This is far more than a production support role. You'll play a key part in transforming innovative designs into manufacturable products, driving continuous improvement, supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) activities and helping to shape the future of our manufacturing operations.
If you're someone who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, improving processes and working on highly specialised products, this could be the perfect opportunity.
The Role
As a Production Engineer, you'll work closely with Design, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain and Customers to ensure products can be manufactured efficiently, economically and to the highest quality standards.
From developing manufacturing routes and supporting product launches to designing vacuum chambers and investigating production issues, you'll be involved throughout the product lifecycle.
You'll have the opportunity to influence how products are built, identify opportunities for improvement and help deliver innovative engineering solutions that make a real difference.
Key Responsibilities
- Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, ensuring products are successfully transitioned into manufacture.
- Develop and maintain manufacturing routes, Bills of Materials (BOMs) and engineering data within the ERP system.
- Provide technical input for quotations, cost estimates and manufacturing feasibility assessments.
- Collaborate with Design and Manufacturing teams to optimise products and production processes.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency and cost reduction.
- Create and maintain manufacturing documentation, work instructions and process controls.
- Support engineering change processes, reviewing and implementing ECNs.
- Lead root cause investigations and support corrective and preventative actions through NCR and 8D methodologies.
- Design vacuum chambers, fixtures and production tooling using 3D CAD software.
- Produce detailed engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation.
- Review customer build-to-print designs and provide engineering feedback where required.
- Complete DFMEA and PFMEA activities in line with PPAP requirements.
- Develop and deliver training relating to manufacturing systems and processes.
- Liaise with customers and suppliers to support project delivery and technical requirements.
About You
You'll be a practical and solutions-focused engineer who enjoys working between design and manufacture.
You will thrive in a collaborative environment, be comfortable taking ownership of projects and enjoy finding better ways of doing things.
- Proven experience within a manufacturing or production engineering environment.
- Degree, HNC or equivalent qualification in Engineering.
- Experience using CAD software and producing engineering models and drawings.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and engineering principles.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience creating technical documentation and process instructions.
- Hands‑on engineering capability, including the assembly of complex mechanical products.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- We'd Love to See
- Experience in precision engineering or high-technology manufacturing.
- Knowledge of ERP systems and manufacturing control processes.
- Experience supporting NPI projects.
- Understanding of DFMEA, PFMEA, PPAP, 8D and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Experience working directly with customers and suppliers.
Why Join VACGEN?
At VACGEN, you'll be part of a business where innovation, precision and collaboration drive everything we do.
You'll have the opportunity to work on fascinating engineering projects, influence manufacturing strategy and contribute to products that enable world-leading scientific discoveries.
Whether it's supporting space exploration, particle physics research or advanced industrial applications, your work will have a tangible impact on technologies used around the world.
Most importantly, you'll join a team that values expertise, encourages new ideas and invests in the development of its people.
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Production Engineer in Hailsham employer: Vacgen Ltd
Vacgen Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work culture in Hailsham, where innovation meets precision. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, private medical insurance, and generous holiday allowances, alongside opportunities for professional growth in a high-technology environment that values engineering excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Engineer in Hailsham
✨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 Vacgen Ltd, 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 Production Engineer in Hailsham
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 Vacgen Ltd 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 Vacgen Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Vacgen Ltd, 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 Vacgen Ltd 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.