Manufacturing Engineer

Purpose of role

This client designs and distributes domestic electrical safety products across Europe and other territories.

This role will entail interaction with internal functions at a technical level and work with the external CEMs to develop manufacturing and testing processes for a new range of products as directed by the Head of Manufacturing Engineering. The primary focus being as follows:

• Delivery to time, cost, quality and compliance constraints.
• In territory technical support and effective communication with the factories in China.
• Implementing DFX into the NPI process.
• Lead production and test process development.
• Provide support to ensure the product cost is understood and in line with requirements throughout the process.
• Implement & monitor robust documentation records relating to manufacturing readiness, processes and requirements.

General duties & responsibilities

The role consists of 2 primary delivery responsibilities.

Development and Specification of Manufacturing and Testing Processes

• Ensure that the launch of all new products and product variations are effectively managed in territory, including DFX/Product Costing/Process development and technical/general support.

• In conjunction with R&D and the factories review and lead the process for the development of production/test equipment, jigs and fixtures including the Production Specification at the earliest possible stage.

• Support the product sourcing strategy including project management of products into new manufacturing facilities and reporting progress or highlighting risks / opportunities.

• Support the new product costing process with R&D and the factories, to ensure indicative/actual costs are in line with target costs and the product cost is finalised for handover to the Supply Chain.

• In conjunction with R&D, factories and, where applicable, end client, review the product designs and provide early feedback on methods to improve the designs for both ease of manufacturing and to ensure high quality yields.

• Work with nominated CEMs and R&D to develop automated production processes to reduce workforce requirements and drive high product quality.

• Work with strategic suppliers of test equipment, in conjunction with the CEMs, to provide efficient testing strategies for all product types to recognisable industry standards.

• At the earliest possible stage, develop detailed production specifications outlining all production assembly operation and product tests for each stage of production.

• In conjunction with the CEM as necessary, provide initial estimates for production equipment costs for budget planning along side implementation time scales for project delivery.

• Ensure that all production stages are fully auditable both internally and by external certification agencies in partnership with the Head of Certification.

CEM Support

• On behalf of R&D, Quality and the Supply chain provide general onsite support to the factories for existing products, including supporting the resolution of quality, process Change Requests and process yield issues.

• Provide technical support to the factories in the set-up of production for the launch of new products ensuring material, processes and factory resource availability to achieve the required Engineering Prototype, Production Prototype and ramp to volume dates, at the required quality and cost.

Other responsibilities:

• Provide input as required to Change Control Board for changes to either products or production processes for current product ranges.

• Support 8D production issue meetings as appliable.

• Ensure that processes and ways of working actively promote best quality, ensuring process adherence and improvement.

• Report progress and highlight risks to production and product supply including identification of opportunities for recovery at the earliest possible stage to both the Head of Manufacturing and/or the project teams as applicable.

• Continue and improve the development of DFX process in partnership with R&D and the factories.

The skills and specifications that the role needs are as follows:

• Educated to degree standard, or relevant experience obtained in similar roles.
• Expertise in automated production manufacturing systems and introduction of new products, particularly with the small electronics products arena.
• Have expertise or at excellent working knowledge in electronics, mechanical design and packaging processes.
• Highly motivated, flexible, professional and progressive team member.
• Ability to operate on and off site at our global supply base.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Great problem-solving skills.
• Experienced in Project Management methodology and execution, preferably within a consumer safety product environment.
• Have strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organisation
• High attention to detail & ability to work under pressure.
• Computer literate (MS office applications specifically; high standard of Excel skills and PLM system experience is desirable).
• Must hold a full driving license, and available for international travel between 25% and 50% of the time or as expected by the business (subject to current global travel restrictions).