Manufacturing Engineer

Gerrell & Hard Limited; Tetford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Gerrell & Hard Limited is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to drive process optimisation on the shop floor. You will develop manufacturing methods, support new product introductions and push for continuous improvement across production lines.

You will collaborate with engineering, production and quality teams, applying problem-solving methodologies to reduce waste, improve yield and ensure robust documentation and compliance.

Qualifications

• Engineering qualification required.
• Experience in production/manufacturing environments, preferably automotive.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and production methods.
• Proficient CAD modelling skills for tooling, fixtures or equipment.
• Excellent problem-solving using 8D, Ishikawa/Fishbone, 5 Why analyses.
• Good PFMEA understanding and risk assessment in processes.
• Ability to interpret manufacturing data and identify trends.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise manufacturing processes across product life cycles.
• Support New Product Introductions with DFM/DFA input.
• Create production layouts and industrialisation plans.
• Design, develop and commission tooling, fixtures and equipment.
• Maintain PFMEAs, work instructions and process documentation.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor production performance and drive efficiency improvements.
• Provide technical guidance to technicians and cross-functional teams.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949.

Skills

Production experience

Manufacturing processes

CAD modelling

Structured problem-solving

PFMEA knowledge

Data analysis

IT skills

Communication

Continuous improvement

Education

Engineering qualification

Tools

CAD software

MS Office

Job description

Manufacturing Engineer

The Opportunity

Are you an experienced Manufacturing Engineer with a passion for process optimisation, problem-solving and continuous improvement?

We’re looking for a proactive, hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to develop and improve manufacturing processes, support new product introductions and enhance production efficiency within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

You’ll play a key role in developing manufacturing methods, designing tooling and fixtures, supporting prototype builds and resolving complex production issues. Working closely with engineering, production and technical teams, you’ll use your analytical skills and manufacturing expertise to improve quality, reduce waste and drive operational excellence.

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys working on the production floor, tackling technical challenges and delivering practical engineering solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Manufacturing Process Development: Evaluate, develop and optimise manufacturing processes, considering product design, fabrication, assembly methods, tooling and materials.

• New Product Introduction: Support new projects and prototype builds, providing Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) input to new and existing product designs.

• Industrialisation: Develop project documentation, including process flows, production layouts and industrialisation plans.

• Tooling & Equipment Design: Design, develop and commission equipment, tools and fixtures, integrating them into production lines and improving existing systems.

• Process Documentation: Create and maintain PFMEAs, work instructions, process flows and other production-related documentation.

• Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis: Investigate manufacturing and production issues using structured problem-solving methodologies, including 8D, Ishikawa (Fishbone) diagrams and 5 Whys, implementing effective corrective and preventive actions.

• Process Risk Management: Develop, review and maintain PFMEAs, identifying potential process failures, assessing risks and implementing appropriate mitigation measures.

• Production Analysis: Analyse production performance, labour requirements, material usage and manufacturing costs to identify opportunities for improvement.

• Data Management & Reporting: Maintain accurate product and process databases, analyse manufacturing trends and prepare reports to support operational decision-making.

• Equipment Reliability: Coordinate maintenance and repair activities to ensure production equipment remains safe, reliable and operational.

• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement improvements to manufacturing processes, productivity, quality and efficiency.

• Technical Support & Training: Provide technical guidance and support to technicians, contributing to successful project delivery and knowledge sharing.

• Quality & Compliance: Support and adhere to established quality management systems, including ISO 9001 and IATF 16949.

• Health & Safety: Ensure all engineering activities comply with relevant health, safety and operational procedures.

Essential Skills & Experience

• A recognised engineering qualification.

• Experience in a production or manufacturing environment, preferably within the automotive sector.

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, production methods and process optimisation.

• Practical CAD modelling skills, ideally relating to tooling, fixtures or production equipment.

• Strong knowledge of structured problem-solving tools, including 8D, Ishikawa/Fishbone diagrams, 5 Whys and root cause analysis.

• Good understanding and practical experience of PFMEA, including process risk assessment, failure prevention and the implementation of corrective actions.

• Experience investigating production issues and implementing sustainable solutions to improve quality, reliability and efficiency.

• Good analytical skills, with the ability to interpret manufacturing data and identify trends.

• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Windows and Office applications.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional engineering, production and quality teams.

• A proactive approach to continuous improvement, quality and operational excellence.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Programming and Coding: Experience with programming languages such as C++, C#, Lua or VBA.

• PLC & Automation: Knowledge of PLC programming, industrial automation and control systems.

• Manufacturing Equipment: Experience designing, developing and commissioning production equipment, tooling and fixtures.

• Quality Systems: Familiarity with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 quality management standards.

• New Product Introduction: Experience supporting prototype builds, product launches and manufacturing industrialisation.

• Lean Manufacturing: Knowledge of continuous improvement techniques and methodologies to reduce waste and improve production performance.

The Ideal Candidate

You’ll be a practical, analytical and solutions-focused engineer who can combine strong manufacturing knowledge with a structured approach to problem-solving.

You’ll have the confidence to investigate complex production issues, identify root causes and implement lasting improvements. Your understanding of PFMEA and risk management will help prevent issues before they occur, while your CAD and coding knowledge will support the development of innovative manufacturing solutions.

You’ll also be comfortable collaborating with technicians, production teams, quality engineers and external suppliers to deliver measurable improvements across the manufacturing process.

Interested?

If you’re an experienced Manufacturing Engineer looking for a role where you can apply your technical expertise, improve production performance and contribute to engineering excellence, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today to take the next step in your manufacturing engineering career.