Lead Manufacturing Engineer- PCA

Edwards Vacuum; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Edwards Vacuum in Eastbourne is seeking a Lead Manufacturing Engineer- PCA to head the PCA manufacturing engineering effort, delivering robust process development, NPI readiness, and cost-effective production. You will lead cross-functional teams, drive CAPEX Justifications, create BOMs in SAP, and ensure compliance with IPC and ISO standards.

You will mentor teams, apply PFMEA/DFMEA, optimize layouts, and sustain continuous improvement across processes and equipment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/ Electronics or Manufacturing Engineering.
• At least 3 years’ experience supporting PCA operations and 3 years involvement in an NPI role with design for manufacturing responsibility for electronic products.
• Full understanding of PFMEA and DFMEA considerations within an electronics assembly environment.
• Printed Circuit Assemblies (Surface Mount and conventional components).
• Excellent understanding of Lean Manufacturing Techniques.
• Excellent team working ability and interpersonal communications skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead PCA manufacturing engineering efforts to introduce new products with cost/time quality targets.
• Create and maintain BOMs and routings in SAP and validate costs.
• Develop SOPs for new products and ensure training materials are updated.
• Plan prototype builds and pre-production batches for NPIs.
• Mentor personnel and drive continuous improvement across processes and equipment.
• Lead PFMEA/DFMEA and risk mitigation activities.
• Manage engineering change control within the PCA zone and oversee capex proposals.

Skills

PCA operations experience

NPI with design for manufacturing

PFMEA/DFMEA

Lean manufacturing

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Multi-project management

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical and/or Electronics Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SAP

Job description

Your role

Step into a pivotal role as our next Lead Manufacturing Engineer- PCA within the Manufacturing Engineering Operations team. Reporting directly to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager, you will spearhead the Manufacturing Engineering efforts specifically focused on the PCA production zone. Your leadership will be instrumental in orchestrating the seamless introduction of innovative products, ensuring operational excellence that exceeds expectations in quality, safety, timeliness, and cost efficiency. This role embodies a commitment to advancing our manufacturing facility’s status as a world-class operation through strategic continuous improvement and engineering expertise.

Short Description

People Leadership & Team Development

• Model fair, proactive people management, addressing absence, conduct, and capability issues consistently and in line with policy. Communicate clearly to maintain alignment and ownership, drive engagement through recognition, feedback, and involvement, and foster a collaborative, inclusive culture of learning and continuous improvement. Create a supportive, high-performing environment that encourages problem-solving, cooperation, accountability, coaching, and development.

Operational Delivery & Continuous Improvement

• Apply standardised costing methodologies prior to product launch and collaborate cross‑functionally to fully understand product requirements while representing Manufacturing Engineering interests.
• Ensure all procedures, work instructions, and training materials are updated and released ahead of implementing process or system changes. Oversee the effective handover of new products to operational teams.
• Mentor key personnel across teams to establish clear ownership and long‑term stewardship of new processes.
• Create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) and routings within SAP, ensuring agreed assembly times are accurately reflected. Generate and approve cost simulations to validate product costings and maintain routing accuracy as changes occur.
• Develop, publish, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all new products, updating documentation as design modifications are introduced.
• Take accountability for delivering against all assigned KPIs, ensuring activities are completed to plan and financial performance aligns with approved project expenditure (CEPs).
• Benchmark industry best practices in printed circuit assembly and drive continuous improvement across processes, equipment, and capability. Collaborate with the Continuous Improvement Manager, supporting or leading initiatives as required, including CRWs and CEPs.
• Manage engineering change control throughout the PCA production zone, ensuring changes are implemented effectively and with minimal disruption.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute prototype builds and pre‑production batches for all New Product Introduction (NPI) projects.
• Participate actively in project meetings, representing Manufacturing Engineering. Contribute to DFM, lead PFMEAs, and ensure strong engineering discipline and risk‑mitigation practices are consistently applied.
• Support the wider Operations organisation in achieving its objectives and undertake any additional reasonable tasks aligned with business needs.
• Contribute to 8D problem‑solving activities where required, providing engineering insight and corrective‑action support.
• Ensure TPM activities are monitored and adjusted as necessary.
• Support the development, justification, and implementation of Capital Expenditure (Capex) proposals, ensuring investments align with operational strategy, deliver measurable value, and comply with financial and governance requirements.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with safety procedures, statutory requirements, Risk Control Elements, and ISO 45001:2018 standards.
• Lead and reinforce the SHE programme, promoting visible safety leadership and reducing physical and behavioural risks.
• Promote a culture where safety, quality, and process discipline are embedded in all daily activities.

Your day-to-day

On a typical day, you will act as the technical compass for PCA manufacturing processes within the Eastbourne Product Company. Collaborating closely with multiple departments, you will ensure new products are manufacturable and integrated smoothly into the production line. Your contributions will extend from process development to quality assurance, leading prototype production runs, and facilitating continuous improvement initiatives. Your role involves mentoring your team, engaging with cross‑functional stakeholders, and maintaining adherence to safety and quality standards—all while advancing the manufacturing capabilities that support diverse Vacuum Technique divisions.

Essential

Your skills and experience

• Bachelors degree in Electrical and/or Electronics Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering or a related engineering discipline or demonstrable experience
• At least 3 years’ experience supporting PCA operations and 3 years involvement in an NPI role with design for manufacturing responsibility for electronic products.
• Full understanding on PFMEA and DFMEA considerations within an electronics assembly environment:
• Printed Circuit Assemblies (Surface Mount and conventional components)
• Excellent understanding of Lean Manufacturing Techniques
• Excellent team working ability and interpersonal communications skills.
• Flexibility to run multiple projects in a small company environment.
• Competent in use of Microsoft office
• Ability to communicate at all levels within the organization.

Desired Skillset-

• An understanding of in circuit testing
• Lean Six Sigma belt accredited.

The Eastbourne Product Company potentially serves all six Vacuum Technique Divisions: Scientific Vacuum, Industrial vacuum, Semicon, Semicon Service, Vacuum Technique Service and Semi-Chamber.

Total team size approximately 6 people.

The role is based in Eastbourne, East Sussex, UK

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We value diverse experiences and perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the role.

Your Compensation And Benefits

We offer compensation that reflects the skills, experience, and responsibilities of the role. Pay also depends on the country where the job role is based, as compensation practices vary across our markets. During the recruitment process, we share clear information about the pay and benefits for your location, so you know what to expect before moving forward.

Your location and working hours

This role requires you to work on-site at our office in Eastbourne UK, United Kingdom (GB). You will be part of a dynamic team and enjoy the benefits of face‑to‑face collaboration.

Why it is great to work with us

Your career grows through your skills, your curiosity, and the people you work with. You join a global network where we learn from each other and share knowledge openly. We focus on long‑term development and encourage you to explore new ideas that help us move forward. Innovation is part of how we think and act – we test, improve, and use what we learn to create solutions that matter. You can make a meaningful impact by contributing with your insights and taking ownership of your work, supported by flexible ways of working and leaders who empower you.

Application process

Our selection process includes interviews and, for some roles, skills assessments that help us gain a deeper understanding of your profile. We look forward to getting to know you, learning about your strengths, and discussing how you can grow with us. If you have questions during the process or need support, please contact us:

Talent Acquisition: Joanna Fifield, [e-mail]

Uniting curious minds

Behind every innovative solution, there are people working together to transform the future. With careers sparked by initiative and lifelong learning, we unite curious minds, and you could be one of them.