At a Glance
- Tasks: Transition electromechanical prototypes into structured production and design jigs/fixtures.
- Company: Verso, supporting a major engineering programme with a hands-on approach.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate of £45 to £50, onsite work, and dynamic environment.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for hands-on problem solving and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of engineering innovation and make a tangible impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in NPI, mechanical/electromechanical manufacturing, and CAD interpretation.
The predicted salary is between 50 - 50 £ per hour.
Location: Hereford
Rate: £45 to £50 per hour
Employment Type: Contract (Inside IR35)
Working Arrangements: Onsite working
Verso are supporting a major engineering programme entering the final stages of development, and we’re looking for a hands-on NPI Manufacturing Engineer to help transition complex electromechanical prototypes into structured, repeatable production. This 3-month contract is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-moving environments and enjoys practical engineering, jig/fixture design, and early industrialisation work.
The Role
This is a practical NPI role focused on stabilising prototype builds, improving manufacturability, and creating the tooling, fixtures, and documentation needed for repeatable production. You’ll work directly with design, production, and test teams to mature evolving assemblies, resolve build issues, and define how products should be manufactured on the shop floor. You’ll be central to turning early prototypes into production-ready assemblies - ensuring build flow, tooling, and documentation are in place for a smooth transition into low–medium volume manufacture.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead NPI activity to transition electromechanical prototypes into stable, repeatable production.
- Design and develop jigs, fixtures, and simple tooling to support assembly, alignment, and test.
- Work with design engineering to refine product architecture for manufacturability (DfM/DfA).
- Build and validate early assemblies, capturing issues and feeding structured feedback into design.
- Create clear build instructions, process maps, and early production documentation.
- Support goods-in inspection and define initial inspection criteria for incoming components.
- Run prototype testing and provide concise, actionable feedback to engineering teams.
- Improve assembly flow, reduce build variability, and support production with hands-on problem solving.
What You’ll Bring
- Background in NPI, prototype-to-production transition, or early industrialisation.
- Mechanical or electromechanical manufacturing experience.
- Ability to read and interpret CAD/mechanical drawings; comfortable designing basic fixtures.
- Experience in low–medium volume, high-value product manufacturing.
- Hands-on approach to assembly, inspection, and prototype test activity.
- Strong communication skills and confidence working within established engineering and production teams.
Desirable Experience
- Electromechanical prototypes (PCBs, RF cabling, multi-part assemblies).
- SolidWorks or similar CAD for jig/fixture design.
- Experience in fast-paced development environments or maturing product lines.
- Understanding of DfM/DfA principles and early production readiness.
For more information, please contact Cathy Swain.
Contract NPI Manufacturing Engineer in Hemel Hempstead employer: Verso Recruitment Group
Join a well-established technology company in Colchester that values innovation and collaboration, offering a dynamic work environment where your expertise in thermal design will be pivotal. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have opportunities to engage in hands-on projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and explore cutting-edge thermal technologies. The supportive culture and commitment to professional development make this an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding work in the engineering sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contract NPI Manufacturing Engineer in Hemel Hempstead
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Industry
For a temporary role in manufacturing, don’t shy away from physically visiting local factories and production sites. A friendly walk-in can often lead to spontaneous interviews or valuable connections, and can really help you get a sense of the workplace vibe.
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring Windows
Manufacturing often sees spikes in hiring during particular seasons, like summer when production ramps up. Keep an eye on local job boards and community centres, or even visit seasonal job fairs—they’re golden for snagging those temporary roles we’re after.
✨Join Industry-Specific Communities
Consider joining online forums and social media groups specific to manufacturing. Sites like Reddit or even LinkedIn groups can give you insights into open positions and allow you to connect with current employees who might give you an edge in the hiring process.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Site!
With Verso Recruitment Group looking for temporary talent, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s often the fastest way to get your foot in the door, so make the most of it. Plus, it shows you're proactive—always a win!
We think you need these skills to ace Contract NPI Manufacturing Engineer in Hemel Hempstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Practical Skills:In manufacturing and production, hands-on skills are key! Make sure your CV showcases any relevant experience with machinery, quality control, or assembly line work. If you’ve got certifications related to operating specific equipment, don’t forget to include those too!
Focus on Flexibility and Adaptability:For a temporary role, employers are looking for candidates who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work well under pressure. Share any experiences where you've successfully adjusted to changing circumstances or tight deadlines.
Include Specific Measurements of Your Impact:Manufacturing roles often revolve around efficiency and productivity. If you’ve previously worked in similar roles, be sure to quantify your achievements. For example, mention how you improved production rates or reduced waste – numbers stand out and show you mean business!
Express Your Interest in the Industry:Temporary roles can be a great stepping stone for future opportunities! Take a moment in your application to express why you’re interested in manufacturing and production. Showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make a real difference and may keep doors open for upcoming positions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Verso Recruitment Group
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
In the manufacturing and production world, they want to see that you can actually handle the tools and machines. Bring along any certifications you have or even pictures of projects you’ve worked on. We want to demonstrate that you're not just a theory person but someone who can jump right in.
✨Emphasise Safety Knowledge
Safety's a huge deal in manufacturing, so make sure you’re clued up about health and safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've followed safety protocols in past roles. It's all about showing you can contribute to a safe working environment at Verso Recruitment Group.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, highlight your adaptability and willingness to step into different roles as needed. Share examples of times you’ve adjusted quickly to new situations or tackled varied tasks. We want to show you're the go-to person when things get busy!
✨Ask About Team Dynamics
In any temporary role, fitting in quickly is vital. Ask about team dynamics and collaboration processes during the interview. This shows you’re not only ready to contribute but also keen to blend into Verso Recruitment Group’s culture, making you a valuable asset.