Manufacturing Engineer

Cramlington, United Kingdom Posted on 04/22/2026

• We are looking for a hands on, driven Manufacturing Engineer to take ownership of manufacturing performance across our forging, machining, and secondary operations.
• This is not a desk based role. You will be expected to be on the shop floor, resolving issues in real time, driving standards, and ensuring processes are robust, repeatable, and production ready.

You will play a key role in supporting and improving operations across:

• Press Shop (1300T / 1600T / 4000T press suite)
• CNC machining & secondary operations
• Your focus: improve output, reduce downtime, eliminate waste, and stabilise production.

• Take full ownership of manufacturing processes - if it runs poorly, you fix it
• Improve cycle times, throughput, and yield
• Standardise processes to remove variation and operator dependency

• Be present on the shop floor during issues - not managing via email
• Lead structured root cause analysis (8D, 5 Why, fault finding)

Resolve chronic issues including:

• Press stoppages
• Induction instability
• Scrap trends

Deliver real, measurable improvements:

• OEE improvement
• Downtime reduction
• Scrap reduction
• Implement Lean tools properly (5S, Standard Work, Visual Management)
• Challenge poor practices - "we've always done it this way" isn't acceptable

• SOPs
• Work instructions
• Process flows
• Ensure documentation reflects actual working practice
• Implement controls to prevent repeat failures

• Lead new product introduction from concept to production
• Define processes, tooling, and trials
• Support validation through capability studies and sign offs

• OEE
• Scrap
• Downtime
• Use data to drive action, not just reporting
• Deliver measurable improvements

• Work with Toolroom to eliminate repeat failures and poor quality

• Work closely with Production, Maintenance, and Quality

• HSE
• PUWER
• UKCA requirements

• HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical / Manufacturing Engineering
• Experience in forging, heavy engineering, or automotive manufacturing
• Strong background in process improvement within production environments
• Strong Experience with CAD (Fusion 360 or similar)

Good understanding of:

• PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC
• Structured problem solving (8D, 5 Why)

• Self driven and able to work on own initiative
• Comfortable in a fast paced, hands on environment
• Willing to challenge poor standards
• Strong shop floor presence - visible and accountable
• Focused on solutions, not excuses

• Reduction in scrap and rework
• OEE improvement across key processes
• Reduction in downtime (press & machining)
• Demonstrated cost savings
• Reduction in repeat issues / firefighting

• Be on site and engaged from the start of shift
• Support production start up where required
• Deliver improvements that are visible within weeks, not months
• Maintain high standards of documentation and accountability