Manufacturing Engineer

Cramlington, United Kingdom | Posted on 06/11/2026

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

Create and maintain:

• 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

Monitor and act on:

• 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

Ensure compliance with:

• 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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