Design And Production Engineer

Workforce Recruitment and Training; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering and manufacturing organisation is seeking a highly skilled Design & Production Engineer in Daventry. This role involves supporting product development from concept to production launch, with a focus on CAD capabilities and collaboration with internal teams. Ideal for an engineer passionate about innovative engineering solutions. Competitive salary dependent on experience.

Qualifications

• Proficient in CATIA V5 for 3D modelling and 2D drawings.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, datum structures, and engineering standards.
• Experience with production processes, tooling design, and design-for-manufacture principles.

Responsibilities

• Create and develop CAD concepts based on customer requirements.
• Produce detailed CAD models and drawings for prototype manufacture.
• Support production ramp-up by resolving design or process issues.

Skills

3D modelling and 2D drawings

Strong communication skills

Analytical problem-solving

Proactive approach

Education

Degree or HND in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Production Engineering

Tools

CATIA V5

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Design & Production Engineer

Location: Daventry (Long March Area)

Hours: Full‑time, 37.5 hours per week

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Overview

A leading engineering and manufacturing organisation is seeking a highly skilled Design & Production Engineer to support the development and industrialisation of precision‑engineered automotive components. This role spans the full lifecycle of product development - from concept design and prototype development through to production launch and continuous improvement. Working closely with production, quality, suppliers, and internal engineering teams, you will play a key role in ensuring designs are feasible, efficiently manufactured, and delivered to the highest quality standards. This position is ideal for an engineer with strong CAD capability, technical rigour, and a passion for creating innovative and robust engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Concept & Feasibility
  • Create and develop CAD concepts (3D and 2D) based on customer requirements and packaging constraints.
  • Assess design feasibility, cost, and capability by collaborating with suppliers and internal teams.
  • Prepare Manufacturing Feasibility Reports and lead early risk assessments including DFMEA.
  • Define datum strategies, interfaces, and critical characteristics in line with engineering standards.
  • Present design proposals at internal reviews and technical meetings.
• Prototype Development & Validation
  • Produce detailed CAD models and drawings for prototype manufacture and customer approval.
  • Design tooling, jigs, and fixtures for prototype and pre‑production builds.
  • Coordinate prototype builds across suppliers and internal departments.
  • Review first‑off components, analyse data, and implement corrective design or process adjustments.
  • Capture lessons learned to support design freeze and production readiness.
• Pre?Production & Industrialisation
  • Finalise designs for production release ensuring robust GD&T and tolerance application.
  • Develop process flows, PFMEAs, Control Plans, and SOPs for pre‑production builds.
  • Conduct capacity studies, layout reviews, and Run?at?Rate trials.
  • Oversee tooling readiness with both internal and external suppliers.
  • Ensure accurate CAD data management and configuration control throughout development.
  • Validate process changes and ensure correct routing information within ERP systems.
• Production Launch & Continuous Improvement
  • Support production ramp?up by resolving design or process issues.
  • Lead process capability improvements to achieve cost, quality, and delivery targets.
  • Participate in cross?functional reviews, lessons?learned workshops, and NPI improvement initiatives.
  • Contribute to ongoing improvements in CAD standards, design methodologies, and manufacturing processes.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or HND in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Production Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Proficient in CATIA V5 for 3D modelling and 2D drawings.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, datum structures, and engineering standards (BS8888 / ASME Y14.x).
• Experience with production processes, tooling design, and design?for?manufacture principles.
• Familiarity with APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, Lean manufacturing, and quality management systems.
• Competent in Microsoft Office; experience with ERP systems beneficial.
• Background in automotive, aerospace, defence, rail, marine, or similar engineering sectors.

Skills & Attributes

• Practical, detail?driven, and proactive approach to engineering challenges.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross?functionally.
• Organised, self?motivated, and capable of managing multiple projects.
• Analytical problem?solver familiar with Six Sigma, 8D, Ishikawa, and Poka?Yoke tools.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing project priorities.
• Committed to high standards of quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

Additional Requirements

• Flexible approach to workload and willingness to undertake additional tasks when required.
• Ability to respond quickly to shifting priorities.
• Adherence to company Health & Safety, Quality, and Environmental policies.