Graduate Manufacturing Engineer

Surface Transforms are experts in the development and production of carbon ceramic materials and the UK's only manufacturer of carbon ceramic brakes for automotive use.

Here at Surface Transforms, our mission is to "Innovate and develop a sustainable, world leading, high performance braking system to push performance boundaries to new levels. Investing in our people and processes to empower and enable profitable success."

Leadership - Decisive, united together, acknowledging our success

Collaboration - Empowering and challenging our entire team

Communication - Thorough, inclusive, agile, and considered decisions

Ambition - Resilience through brave and bold thinking

Excellence - Striving to continuously improve our high standards

Trust - Autonomy to develop and deliver, knowing you are fully supported

We are looking for a passionate, driven and ambitious Graduate Manufacturing Engineer to join our growing Manufacturing Technology team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a Mechanical Engineering graduate to begin a career in advanced manufacturing, contributing to the industrialisation of cutting edge carbon ceramic braking technology for the world's leading automotive brands.

Under the guidance of our experienced engineers, you will develop your technical and professional skills across core manufacturing processes - from process optimisation and lean implementation to new equipment introduction and data driven problem solving.

• Support the development, industrialisation, and optimisation of carbon ceramic manufacturing processes.
• Work cross functionally with Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams to ensure process capability and quality standards are met.
• Assist in root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma tools.
• Participate in process mapping, time studies, and data analysis to identify and eliminate waste.
• Support the design, specification, and validation of new equipment or tooling.
• Produce and maintain key manufacturing documentation including Work Instructions, PFMEA, and Control Plans.
• Monitor key process metrics and recommend improvements to drive efficiency, yield, and safety.
• Contribute to cost reduction and productivity improvement projects.
• Learn and apply advanced manufacturing methods for high temperature processing, machining, and assembly operations.

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Data driven approach to decision making.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Interest in advanced materials and manufacturing processes.
• Awareness of Lean Manufacturing principles.

• A Bachelor's degree (2:1 or above) in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Automotive Engineering.
• Passion for manufacturing, process improvement, and technology.

• Experience with CAD software (PTC Creo or similar).
• Knowledge of continuous improvement tools (5S, Kaizen, FMEA).
• Industrial placement or internship in a manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of CNC, furnaces, or materials processing.

• Positive attitude and resilience
• Strong desire to learn and achieve results
• Analytical thinking and curiosity
• Initiative and self motivation
• Team player with a hands on approach

• Attractive salary
• 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
• Extra day Annual Leave for your birthday
• Learning & Development opportunities
• Reward and recognition incentives for hard work and idea generation
• Employee appreciation events and celebrations
• Confidential employee assistance helpline for physical and emotional support
• Internal promotion and job transfer opportunities
• Death in service scheme

Starting salary: £28,000 (Review after year 1 and year 2)

Closing date is 5th December 2025, with availability for an immediate start required.

In order to be eligible for this opportunity, you need to have the right to work in the UK or have visa sponsorship.

Surface Transforms are an equally opportunities employer. Our mission is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams. We celebrate difference and encourage everyone to join us, and be themselves at work.