Cramlington, United Kingdom | Posted on 04/22/2026
Manufacturing Engineer – Forging & Machining
The Role
- 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.
Key Responsibilities
Process Ownership & Improvement
- 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
Shop Floor Problem Solving
- 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
Process Control & Documentation
- SOPs
- Work instructions
- Process flows
- Ensure documentation reflects actual working practice
- Implement controls to prevent repeat failures
NPI & Process Validation
- Lead new product introduction from concept to production
- Define processes, tooling, and trials
- Support validation through capability studies and sign‑offs
Data-Driven Performance
- OEE
- Scrap
- Downtime
- Use data to drive action, not just reporting
- Deliver measurable improvements
Tooling & Equipment Support
- Work with Toolroom to eliminate repeat failures and poor quality
Cross-Functional Working
- Work closely with Production, Maintenance, and Quality
Compliance & Safety
- HSE
- PUWER
- UKCA requirements
Skills & Experience
- 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)
What We’re Looking For (Fit)
- 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
Key KPIs
- Reduction in scrap and rework
- OEE improvement across key processes
- Reduction in downtime (press & machining)
- Demonstrated cost savings
- Reduction in repeat issues / firefighting
Additional Expectations
- 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
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