At a Glance
- Tasks: Enhance manufacturing processes and support automation in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Bearward Engineering, a leading firm in power generation manufacturing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Join a team that values innovation and continuous improvement in safety and efficiency.
- Qualifications: Degree in Manufacturing or Engineering preferred; experience with automation and robotics is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
A Division of Wabtec UK Ltd, Northampton-based firm Bearward Engineering manufactures radiators for the power generation industry and is currently recruiting for a Manufacturing Engineer – Health & Safety Project Support.
Salary: £Competitive
Location: Northampton, NN4 8HJ
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 08:00am to 16:30pm, and Friday 08:00am to 15:30pm
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
How will you make a difference? We are looking for a skilled Manufacturing Engineer (Automation) to join our growing team in Northampton. You will be responsible for improving and maintaining manufacturing processes, supporting automation and robotics, and driving continuous improvement across the site. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys problem‑solving, working with robotics, and delivering real improvements in safety, quality, and efficiency.
Typical day:
- Maintain and update PFMEAs, Control Plans and Process Instructions.
- Ensure all documents meet regulatory, quality and operational requirements.
- Review processes for safety, cost effectiveness and quality performance.
- Lead structured problem‑solving (5‑Why, Fishbone, DMAIC).
- Deliver lean manufacturing and continuous improvement projects.
- Monitor KPIs and support Team Leaders with improvement actions.
- Develop, optimise, and troubleshoot robotic welding systems.
- Work on robotic cells, PLC‑controlled equipment and automated assembly.
- Support programming, path optimisation and cycle‑time improvement for MIG/TIG robotic welding.
- Identify opportunities to introduce automation to improve safety, quality and productivity.
- Lead new process and equipment introductions following internal change controls.
- Ensure tooling, fixtures, documentation and training are ready for launch.
- Run trials, validations and capability studies.
- Analyse production times, resources and cost requirements.
- Support design and implementation of tooling and fixtures.
- Work with Maintenance on equipment reliability and preventative maintenance.
Qualifications:
- Degree in Manufacturing or Engineering preferred or equivalent qualification.
- Experience with PFMEA, A3/Kaizen and Poka‑Yoke.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and production workflows.
- Experience with automation, robotics or robotic welding systems.
- Proficiency with lean tools, kaizen and structured problem‑solving.
- Ability to analyse manufacturing data to support decisions.
If you don’t have all the above criteria, we would still like to hear from you. Apply today!
Legal authorisation to work in the UK is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening.
We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more. Need accommodation? Just let us know - we’ve got you.
Manufacturing Engineer in Northampton employer: Wabtec Careers
Contact Detail:
Wabtec Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Engineer in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Bearward Engineering. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to manufacturing engineering and automation. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for continuous improvement! Be ready to discuss specific projects where you’ve implemented lean manufacturing principles or improved processes. This will demonstrate your fit for the role and your proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Bearward Engineering.
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Engineer in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in manufacturing and engineering. Use keywords from the job description to show we’re a perfect match for each other!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for automation and problem-solving, and explain how you can contribute to our team at Bearward Engineering.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your experience with PFMEA, lean tools, and robotics. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so be specific about your achievements!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get the ball rolling on your journey with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wabtec Careers
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of manufacturing processes, automation, and robotics. Familiarise yourself with PFMEAs, Control Plans, and the lean tools mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've used structured problem-solving techniques like 5-Why or DMAIC. Think of a time when you improved a process or solved a tricky issue. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and contribute to continuous improvement.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with questions that show your interest in the company and the role. Ask about their current projects in automation or how they measure success in their manufacturing processes. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers want to see if you'll fit into their team culture. Be genuine, share your passion for engineering, and let them know why you're excited about the opportunity at Bearward Engineering.