Senior Production Engineer

Are you a diligent collaborator with ability to work and communicate at all levels of the business? Then we have a great opportunity for a Senior Production Engineer to join us within the Engineering department, reporting into the Head of Engineering, based out of our manufacturing site in Whitstable.

Position Summary:

The Senior Production Engineer is responsible for ensuring the manufacturability and production efficiency of new and existing products with a particular focus on New Product Developments (NPD). This role plays a critical part in the NPD process, collaborating closely with engineering, design, and production teams to facilitate the seamless transition of products from design to full-scale manufacturing. The Senior Production Engineer will lead efforts to optimise production processes, troubleshoot manufacturing issues, and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and product quality. Reporting directly to the Head of Engineering, the Senior Production Engineer will serve as a key technical resource, balancing innovation with practical production requirements.

Main duties and responsibilities:

1. Design for Manufacturability (DFM / DFA):
1. Collaborate with the design engineering team to review and optimise product designs for manufacturability.
2. Provide feedback and recommendations to ensure that new products are designed for efficient production and assembly.
2. Prototype Development and Pilot Runs:
1. Lead the planning and execution of pilot production runs for new products, ensuring alignment with design specifications and regulatory requirements.
2. Work closely with Production Managers to oversee the production team during pilot runs and resolve any operational challenges that arise.
3. Process Optimisation:
1. Lead the development and implementation of efficient manufacturing processes to reduce cycle time and waste while enhancing product quality.
4. Jigs and Fixtures Development:
1. Lead design, development, and implementation of jigs and fixtures to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of manufacturing processes.
2. Ensure that jigs and fixtures are used effectively within production operations to minimise handling time and improve assembly quality.
5. Collaboration with Supply Chain:
1. Coordinate with supply chain utilising first off samples or initial production runs.
6. Manufacturing Documentation (SOP):
1. Lead in the creation and maintenance of comprehensive manufacturing documentation, including assembly instructions and process sheets in line with quality control procedures.
2. Work closely with the Quality Department to ensure that manufacturing processes and outputs meet established quality standards.
3. Ensure that production teams have clear guidance for building products efficiently and to high-quality standards.
7. Continuous Improvement Initiatives:
1. Identify and implement continuous improvement projects aimed at enhancing production efficiency and product quality.
2. Collaborate with the compliance and technical teams to ensure that all products meet regulatory and quality standards.
8. Equipment Optimisation:
1. Recommend and implement new manufacturing technologies or equipment as needed to enhance production capabilities.
9. Cross-functional Collaboration:
1. Lead PFMEA for production relevant segments.
2. Participate in regular cross-functional meetings with the Head of Engineering and Production Managers to align on NPD projects, production issues, and process improvements.
3. Foster a collaborative environment among engineering, design, and production teams to ensure effective communication and alignment on project objectives.

Experience:

Essential:

1. 5+ years of experience in production or manufacturing engineering, preferably within a regulated industry.
2. Proven experience in leading teams and managing production processes.
3. Strong knowledge of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) processes.
4. Experience with Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) for identifying and mitigating process risks.
5. Knowledge of NPD (New Product Development) processes and the delivery of projects within this framework.
6. Expertise in lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
7. Experience in developing jigs and fixtures to improve production efficiency.
8. Hands-on experience in troubleshooting manufacturing issues and improving process reliability.

Desirable:

1. Experience in production or manufacturing engineering within a regulated industry.
2. Proficiency with CAD software.
3. Certification in Six Sigma or other relevant quality improvement frameworks.

Qualifications:

Essential:

1. HND in relevant subject.

Desirable:

1. Degree in relevant Engineering Subject.