Description
What You'll Do
Manufacturing System Design
Define the end-to-end assembly process architecture, including process flow, line segmentation, in station process control and automation strategy.
Lead development of assembly line layouts, takt-time models, staffing assumptions, and scalability plans.
Ensure manufacturing solutions achieve safety, quality, throughput, flexibility, and cost targets.
Drive design-for-manufacture improvements with product engineering teams.
Develop and implement Lean Production Systems.
Define and integrate manufacturing processes with MES and digital production systems to ensure traceability, process control, and real-time performance monitoring.
Tooling, Equipment, and Automation
Approve specifications for assembly tooling, fastening systems, fixtures, and equipment.
Lead technical selection and governance of automation integrators and equipment suppliers.
Participate in engineering design reviews and ensure readiness for factory and site acceptance testing.
Ensure equipment designs support maintainability, reliability, and operational efficiency.
Quality Integration and Process Robustness
Embed quality-by-design principles into all assembly processes.
Develop PFMEAs, control plans, and error-proofing strategies.
Ensure traceability, joint control, leak testing, cleanliness control, and inspection systems are properly specified.
Partner with Quality team to deliver first-time-through and warranty performance targets.
Control of change management for product and process.
Use digital manufacturing tools and simulation to validate line capacity, process flow, ergonomics, and automation strategies prior to equipment installation
Launch and Production Readiness
Perform assembly engineering activities through installation, commissioning, and run-at-rate validation.
Support pilot builds, early production trials, and ramp-up stabilisation activities.
Drive rapid root-cause resolution of process or equipment issues during launch.
Ensure assembly processes achieve takt, yield, and safety targets within agreed timelines.
Team Leadership and Capability Building
Contribute to a high-performing assembly and test engineering team covering process, tooling, and industrial engineering disciplines.
Establish engineering standards, documentation practices, and continuous improvement routines.
Implement safe systems of work and positive safety culture
Drive ergonomic improvements in the workplace
Responsible for compliance with all required regulations and policies
Implement structured problem solving techniques for robust issue resolution
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Product Engineering, Facilities, Maintenance, Logistics, Digital/MES, Quality, and Production Operations to ensure full system integration.
Support capital investment planning, cost justification, and programme governance reviews.
Contribute to governance of current and future projects.
What You'll Bring
Required Experience
Extensive experience in powertrain manufacturing engineering within high-volume precision mechanical assembly.
Proven track record delivering at least one full production launch from concept through commissioning and ramp-up.
Experience designing assembly lines, specifying equipment, and managing automation or tooling suppliers.
Strong background collaborating with product engineering on design-for-manufacture improvements.
Experience resolving launch and early production challenges in complex manufacturing environments.
Required Skills and Competencies
Technical Expertise
Deep knowledge of assembly process design, line balancing, and production flow optimisation.
Strong understanding of torque-controlled fastening, sealing processes, precision component assembly, leak testing and End of Line testing.
Experience implementing error-proofing systems and robust traceability solutions.
Familiarity with industrial engineering methods including standard work design, ergonomics, and productivity modelling.
Ability to evaluate equipment concepts, supplier proposals, and automation architectures.
Leadership and Delivery
Systems-level thinking across manufacturing, test, facilities, logistics, maintenance, and digital infrastructure.
Strong decision-making capability in high-pressure launch environments.
Effective cross functional stakeholder engagement.
Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical decisions into business impact.
Education and Qualifications
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
Advanced technical or management qualifications are desirable but not essential.
What We'll Do for You
We offer a wide-ranging benefits package, which includes:
Structured career development framework
25 days' holiday, plus bank holiday. Annual buy & sell up to five days
Enhanced company pension scheme
Discretionary annual bonus award
Private medical insurance and health cash plan
Life assurance benefit
Ability to apply for a sabbatical of up to one year after only two years' service
Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping
Generous parental leave policies
A range of wellbeing initiatives, such as employee assistance programme and free financial & mortgage advice