Manufacturing Engineer - Full Time, Permanent

SMD; Wallsend; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in Wallsend seeks a Manufacturing Engineer to join their dynamic team. This role involves supporting production efficiency by designing and optimizing manufacturing processes for subsea vehicles. Candidates should have a degree-level qualification in engineering, ideally with experience in a LEAN environment and competency in 2D & 3D CAD. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential. The role offers a full-time contract with a closing date for applications on January 8th, 2026.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have work-based experience equivalent to Degree level in engineering.
• Experience in a LEAN environment is highly advantageous.
• Ability to design and document manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Support manufacturing issues to minimize downtime.
• Define Product Build Processes and develop plans.
• Lead technical investigations of process failures.

Skills

Design manufacturing processes

Excellent communication

Relationship building

Problem-solving methods

Education

Degree level in an engineering discipline

Tools

2D & 3D CAD

Microsoft programs

Job description

Job Description

Location: Soil Machine Dynamics, Davy Bank, Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, NE28 6UZ

This role in the dynamic Manufacturing Engineering team will act as a developer of manufacturing efficiency and success, directly supporting Production colleagues to create world‑leading, high‑quality subsea vehicles in a lean and optimised manner.

About The Role

The Manufacturing Engineering team is the lynchpin between the various engineering and operations functions supporting the management of designed products through the full Manufacturing Life Cycle. Core responsibilities include the design, set‑up, modification, optimisation and monitoring of manufacturing processes. Other duties include:

• Support the prompt recording and actioning of manufacturing issues to minimise manufacturing down time.
• Define Product Build Processes, develop plans and identify where build documentation is required.
• Develop SOPs/BIs/WIs to support SMD UK production and outsourced work at suppliers.
• Identify, coordinate and implement efficiency improvements with the Operations team, including jigs, fixtures, tooling and capital equipment required.
• Lead technical investigations of process failures and manufacturing issues.
• Support the manufacturing process set‑up and training at manufacturing subcontractors.
• Provide initial contact and liaison for subcontractor tech queries and issues.
• Support if required offsite testing or builds.
• Develop ManEng toolset for NPI, lead process design, documentation, factory design, tooling requirements and PFMEA.
• Plan & deliver CI projects as part of manufacturing transformation programme.

Requirements

Candidates must be qualified or have had work‑based experience equivalent to Degree level in an engineering discipline – can be mechanical, hydraulic or electrical/control systems or manufacturing. Experience of working in a LEAN environment is highly advantageous and 2D & 3D CAD experience would be beneficial.

You must have the ability to design manufacturing processes with a flair for describing methods, techniques and processes in writing. Knowledge of and the ability to apply industry standard problem‑solving methods is a must as well as being able to present ideas in meetings and lead on initiatives.

We’re looking for someone that can manage a high amount of priorities with excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.

Required Criteria

• Qualified or has work‑based experience equivalent to Degree level in an engineering discipline – can be mechanical, hydraulic or electrical/control systems or manufacturing.
• Competent at using standard Microsoft programs to advanced level.
• Experience in improvement processes and design for manufacture/assembly.
• Knowledge of range of manufacturing processes and their attributes and limitations.

Desired Criteria

• Experience working in a lean environment preferable.
• 2D & 3D CAD competency is ideal.

Closing Date Thursday 8th January, 2026

Contract Type fulltime

Salary Based on Experience