Lead Manufacturing Engineer

IC Resources; Oxford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

IC Resources in Oxford is seeking a Lead Manufacturing Engineer to join a cutting-edge hardware startup at a pivotal growth stage. This is a hands-on role taking technology from R&D and prototype builds through to robust, scalable manufacturing processes.

You'll own manufacturing, supplier development, test and production readiness, working closely with mechanical, electrical and thermal teams to deliver reliable production.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in advanced manufacturing (power electronics, robotics, precision engineering, or similar).
• Degree in engineering or a relevant technical discipline.
• Proven track record moving processes from concept to production.
• Strong DfM/DfA knowledge.
• Hands-on robotics, tooling or custom automation experience.
• Experience working with external manufacturing partners and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Lead transition from prototype through alpha/beta builds to production.
• Develop manufacturing processes, tooling, equipment and automation.
• Collaborate with PCB/PCBA, CNC, materials suppliers.
• DfM/DfA across new product development.
• Develop and manage testing, validation and environmental programs.
• Work hands-on with robotics and custom automation.
• Solve manufacturing problems from first principles.
• Validate products with customers in real-world applications.

Skills

5+ years experience

Hands-on

DfM/DfA knowledge

Robotics tools experience

External supplier experience

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

CNC

Automation tooling

PCB/PCBA

Job description

I’m working with an exciting Oxford-based technology startup that is developing highly advanced hardware, and they’re now looking for a Lead Manufacturing Engineer to join the team at a pivotal stage of their growth.

This is a genuinely hands-on opportunity. The business has developed the technology and is now looking for someone who can take it from R&D and prototype builds through to a robust, scalable manufacturing process.

You’ll have significant ownership across manufacturing, supplier development, test and production readiness, working closely with the mechanical, electrical and thermal engineering teams.

The role will cover:

• Leading the transition from prototype through alpha/beta builds and towards production
• Developing manufacturing processes, tooling, equipment and automation
• Working with PCB/PCBA, CNC, materials and other specialist manufacturing suppliers
• Driving DfM/DfA across new product development
• Developing and managing product testing, validation, EMC, environmental and accelerated lifetime programmes
• Working hands-on with robotics, tooling and custom automation
• Solving manufacturing and engineering problems from first principles
• Working with customers to validate products in demanding real-world applications

They’re looking for someone with:

• 5+ years’ experience in an advanced manufacturing environment — power electronics, robotics, precision engineering, aerospace, automotive or similar
• A degree in engineering or a relevant technical discipline
• A proven track record taking manufacturing processes, equipment or automation from concept through to operation
• Strong DfM/DfA knowledge
• Hands-on experience with robotics, tooling and/or custom automation
• Experience working with external manufacturing partners and suppliers
• Strong mechanical and electrical engineering capability