Manufacturing Engineer: Process Improvement & NPI Leader

Equation Recruitment Ltd; Emsworth; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Manufacturing Engineer role at the Hampshire site focuses on improving how products are manufactured, tested and delivered, with emphasis on productivity, quality, cost and overall operational performance. It is a hands-on, improvement-focused position involving new product introductions, test equipment development and capital investment projects.

Ideal candidates will combine practical engineering expertise with analytical thinking and continuous improvement skills, and will own projects

Qualifications

• A relevant qualification in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing or Production Engineering, ideally at HNC/HND level or equivalent.
• Experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, product engineering or a similar technical environment.
• The ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications and manufacturing requirements.
• Experience developing or improving manufacturing processes, assembly methods, production layouts or test systems.
• An understanding of process control, production documentation and manufacturing data accuracy.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Experience supporting productivity improvements, cost reduction or waste elimination initiatives.
• Project management skills, including planning, monitoring progress and coordinating stakeholders.
• The ability to prepare technical reports, business cases and project updates.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across production, engineering, quality, maintenance and supply chain teams.

Responsibilities

• Drive new product introduction: Work with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure products are designed for efficient assembly, testing and production.
• Develop smarter test solutions: Design, improve and validate test equipment to support reliable and effective manufacturing operations.
• Optimise manufacturing processes: Develop flexible, reliable and efficient assembly and production methods to meet current and future demand.
• Lead capital projects: Identify investment opportunities, develop business cases, manage budgets and deliver projects from concept through to implementation.
• Champion continuous improvement: Apply lean manufacturing principles, structured problem-solving techniques and waste elimination strategies to improve productivity, quality and material flow.
• Improve manufacturing performance: Analyse operational data, identify performance drivers and implement practical solutions that deliver sustainable improvements.
• Maintain robust engineering standards: Ensure work instructions, process specifications, manufacturing routings, Bills of Materials and ERP data remain accurate and up to date.
• Support cost and efficiency targets: Monitor manufacturing expenditure, identify cost-saving opportunities and improve overall process effectiveness.
• Ensure reliable production and testing: Support test rigs and production equipment to maintain capability, uptime and process stability.
• Share knowledge and expertise: Coach and support operators, technicians and team leaders, strengthening process understanding and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills

Process improvement

Lean manufacturing

Project management

Communication skills

Data analysis

Education

Mechanical/Electrical/Manufacturing or Production Engineering qualification

Tools

AutoCAD LT

Job description

The Manufacturing Engineer role at the Hampshire site focuses on improving how products are manufactured, tested and delivered, with emphasis on productivity, quality, cost and overall operational performance. It is a hands-on, improvement-focused position involving new product introductions, test equipment development and capital investment projects.

Ideal candidates will combine practical engineering expertise with analytical thinking and continuous improvement skills, and will own projects