Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum, depending on experience
Hours: Monday – Friday, 37.5 hours per week
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
The Opportunity
Workforce Group are working in partnership with an established and highly specialised automotive engineering and manufacturing business in Daventry to recruit an experienced
Design & Production Engineer.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a business at the forefront of precision automotive engineering, specialising in the design, development and manufacture of high-performance exhaust systems, powertrain components and bespoke automotive solutions.
Working with some of the world's most recognised automotive manufacturers, including BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin and Lotus, the business takes products from initial concept and design through prototyping, validation and into full production.
With significant investment in advanced manufacturing technology, in-house tooling and engineering capabilities, this is an opportunity to become part of a technically driven team where engineering innovation, product quality and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything they do.
The Role
As a Design & Production Engineer, you will play an important role in taking new products from initial concept through to successful production launch.
Working across both design and manufacturing engineering, you will develop CAD designs, support prototype builds, oversee tooling and fixtures, and ensure products can be manufactured efficiently, consistently and to the highest quality standards.
You’ll work closely with internal engineering, production and quality teams, as well as customers and external suppliers, helping turn complex engineering requirements into practical, cost-effective manufacturing solutions.
This is a varied, hands-on engineering position suited to someone who enjoys working across the full product development lifecycle rather than being restricted to either design or production alone.
Key Responsibilities
Develop 3D CAD models, engineering drawings and design concepts using CATIA V5.
Interpret customer specifications, technical data and packaging requirements.
Apply GD&T, datum structures and tolerance analysis to ensure accurate and manufacturable designs.
Assess design feasibility, manufacturing capability and production costs.
Support design reviews, technical presentations and customer meetings.
Prototype Development & Validation
Develop detailed designs for prototype components and assemblies.
Design and commission manufacturing tools, jigs and fixtures.
Coordinate prototype builds, working alongside production teams and external suppliers.
Review first-off components, analyse inspection results and implement design improvements.
Support DFMEA and PFMEA activities, identifying potential product and manufacturing risks.
Prepare products and manufacturing processes for production release.
Develop process flows, control plans, standard operating procedures and manufacturing documentation.
Support tooling installation, validation and production readiness.
Conduct capacity studies, layout reviews and production trials.
Ensure manufacturing processes meet required quality, efficiency and cycle-time targets.
Support new product introductions (NPI) and production launches.
Investigate and resolve design, tooling and manufacturing issues.
Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, quality and cost.
Support process capability improvements and continuous improvement initiatives.
Work collaboratively across engineering, production and quality departments.
What We're Looking For
We're keen to speak with candidates who have a background in mechanical, manufacturing or production engineering, ideally within an automotive or precision manufacturing environment.
Practical experience using
CATIA V5 for 3D modelling and 2D engineering drawings.
Good understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T and datum structures.
Knowledge of manufacturing processes, tooling and design for manufacture (DFM).
Experience supporting product development, prototype builds or new product introduction.
Understanding of manufacturing quality processes and continuous improvement.
Degree, HND or equivalent qualification in Mechanical, Manufacturing or Production Engineering.
Experience within the automotive industry, ideally working with an OEM or Tier 1 supplier.
Knowledge of APQP, DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans and IATF 16949.
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 8D and problem-solving techniques.
Previous experience with ERP systems or Factory Master.
Candidates from other technically demanding manufacturing sectors will also be considered, including aerospace, rail, marine, military vehicles, chemical processing and mining.
The Ideal Candidate
You’ll be a proactive and technically minded engineer who enjoys solving problems and seeing projects through from initial design to finished product.
You’ll be comfortable working independently as well as alongside cross-functional teams, with the ability to manage multiple projects, communicate effectively and adapt to changing priorities.
A practical approach, strong attention to detail and a genuine interest in engineering and manufacturing are essential.
What's On Offer?
Salary of up to
£40,000 per annum, depending on experience.
Monday to Friday working pattern
Opportunity to work on innovative automotive engineering projects.
Exposure to the full product lifecycle, from concept and prototype through to production.
Access to advanced manufacturing technology and in-house engineering facilities.
Opportunity to work alongside experienced engineering and manufacturing professionals.
If you're an experienced Design Engineer, Production Engineer or Manufacturing Engineer looking for a varied role where you can combine design engineering with hands‑on manufacturing and product development, we'd love to hear from you.
Design & Production Engineer in Daventry employer: Workforce Recruitment and Training
Join a dynamic logistics recruitment firm that values your expertise and offers an uncapped commission structure, allowing you to truly reap the rewards of your hard work. With a strong focus on employee growth and a supportive work culture, you'll have the opportunity to develop your career while building meaningful relationships across the UK. Experience the excitement of being part of a fast-growing business where your contributions are recognised and celebrated.
Contact Details:
Workforce Recruitment and Training Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design & Production Engineer in Daventry
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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!
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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 Workforce Recruitment and Training, 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!
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 Workforce Recruitment and Training 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 Workforce Recruitment and Training
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Workforce Recruitment and Training, 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 Workforce Recruitment and Training 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.
