Senior Production Launch Engineer

Prodrive Advanced Technology (AT) operates across a wide range of industries including automotive, defence, marine and renewable energy. We specialise in the design, development and integration of electromechanical control systems, and mechanical system architectures for vehicles and other applications.

Applications range from high performance supercars and ultra-luxury passenger vehicles to the very latest in electric vehicle technology and government funded research programmes. We operate from problem identification, root cause or requirement, into concept definition and sign off, all the way through to production release. Within these phases we deploy concept design, then detailed design including manufacturing considerations.

Reporting to the Head of NPI, in this role you will be responsible for leading the introduction of new production programmes from bid development to series production.

Key responsibilities:

1. Accountable for the introduction of new manufacturing programmes from bid development to series production, ensuring they deliver margin, quality and schedule targets.
2. Define and implement production programme timing, including milestones, gateways, and build schedule.
3. Responsible for co-ordinating the Production quality planning and quality control team to comply with all project requirements.
4. APQP - Advanced Product Quality Planning to verify product and process design, including supply chain planning.
5. PPAP - Production Part Approval Process to verify Quality and capacity targets can be met with design and manufacturing processes.
6. Working with the Manufacturing Engineering, Procurement, Quality and Logistics teams to ensure Production requirements for new products meet programme Cost, Timing & Quality requirements.
7. Define Health and Safety requirements, Risk assessments and PPE for NPI.
8. Working with the relevant Engineering team(s) throughout the design and development phase to series production to ensure plans for the delivery of production Facilities, Production tooling, rigs, jigs and fixtures, manufacturing processes, End of Line Test and quality approval processes are in place to support a successful Production launch.
9. Working with the relevant Engineering and Quality team(s), Define inbound and outbound inspection, traceability and part marking requirements.
10. Responsible for resourcing planning for pre-production builds and production launch.
11. Lead design/ manufacturing reviews and drive design teams to complete DFM to achieve build financial targets.
12. Working with Programmes, MRP and Purchase team, ensure the Production MRP structure is aligned with agreed production ramp and future scheduling demands, ensuring build components and material are available to support planned build schedules.
13. Working with Logistics and Manufacturing Engineers, define inbound and outbound packaging and delivery plans.
14. Working with Logistics and Material manager, define inbound and outbound stores layout and facility requirements.
15. Co-ordination of the production team to ensure on-time delivery, actively driving timely resolution of build issues, Interim Containment Actions and Permanent Corrective Actions.
16. Collaborative engagement with the senior engineering management team to effectively optimise resource and skills utilisation.

Who are we looking for?

1. Degree in Engineering or equivalent relevant industry experience.
2. Experience in launching new products or processes, particularly in high-stakes environments (automotive, aerospace). Experience in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM).
3. Significant level of both commercial and operational experience to deliver programme Quality, Cost and Timing objectives.
4. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes such as machining, assembly, welding, etc and Manufacturing assembly processes, build instructions and control methods, assembly tooling and equipment, including End of Line Test.
5. ERP Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, particularly in relation to manufacturing and supply chain management.
6. Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Ability to troubleshoot production issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
7. Project Management: Experience managing multiple projects or working in a project-based environment. Familiarity with tools like MS Project is a plus.
8. Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement: Understanding and application of lean principles, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies. Certification in Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt) is a bonus.
9. Quality Assurance: Familiarity with quality management systems (QMS) such as ISO 9001, and quality assurance tools such as FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) and SPC (Statistical Process Control).

What can we offer you?

1. An attractive salary which will grow in line with your ongoing development and impact.
2. 25 days holiday (which increases with long service) with an opportunity to purchase up to 15 extra days.
3. Training opportunities for continuing professional development.
4. Car and pension salary sacrifice schemes.
5. Paid time off for volunteering.
6. Consultations with our Fit 4 Life expert.
7. Social events throughout the year.
8. Exclusive company discounts.
9. Life assurance.

We are an equal opportunities employer

At Prodrive we are committed to attracting and nurturing the best talent and creating an inclusive workplace. We value individual differences and diversity amongst all staff so that everyone has the widest opportunities to maximise their potential. We aim to ensure that no job applicant is placed at a disadvantage by practices or requirements which disproportionately impact protected groups and which are not justified by the demands of the job. If you feel you are right for this role, we welcome your application.