Manufacturing Improvement Engineer

Westley Richards & Co; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious manufacturing company in Birmingham seeks an Improvement Engineer to analyze and refine production processes in gun manufacturing. The role involves close collaboration with CAD designers and craftsmen to enhance efficiency and quality. Ideal candidates have a background in precision manufacturing and a passion for combining traditional methods with modern engineering techniques. The position offers competitive salary and benefits including performance-based bonuses and a health package.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual performance-based bonus

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Extra annual leave for long service

Company pension

Health & wellbeing package

Free onsite parking

Qualifications

• Background in precision manufacturing or production engineering.
• Understanding of CNC machining and engineering tolerances.
• Experience with manual fitting or assembly processes.

Responsibilities

• Review and enhance existing manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with CAD designer for design updates.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Precision manufacturing

Production engineering

Continuous improvement

CNC machining

CAD/CAM systems

Lean principles

Communication skills

Job description

Purpose of the Role

The Improvement Engineer will analyse and develop production processes within the gun manufacturing department, applying modern engineering techniques where appropriate to enhance efficiency, repeatability and quality. The role will involve working closely with our in‑house CAD designer and spending time alongside gunmakers and craftsmen to understand existing methods, identify opportunities for improvement, and introduce refinements to components and processes that support the continued development of our craft‑based production. Problem‑solving will form a natural part of the role, ensuring day‑to‑day issues are addressed effectively, and that a culture of continuous improvement is embedded throughout the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and enhance existing manufacturing and assembly processes across all production stages of our guns and rifles.
• Spend time in the workshop to observe traditional methods, gaining a detailed understanding of current practices and identifying opportunities to modernise and improve efficiency.
• Work collaboratively with the in‑house CAD designer to translate practical workshop insights into engineering drawings, models, and design updates.
• Liaise with sister company, Westley Engineering, to understand machining capabilities, and ensure the components meet both technical and craftsmanship requirements.
• Develop and refine tooling, fixtures, and assembly aids to improve precision, ease of assembly, and consistency.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives suitable for a low‑volume, high‑skill, bespoke manufacturing environment.
• Strengthen communication among design, machining, and workshop teams to improve collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to building a culture where challenges and opportunities for improvement are identified and addressed constructively.
• Work with outworkers and third‑party suppliers to understand their processes, maintain quality standards, and suggest potential improvements.
• Research and recommend appropriate new technologies, processes, or materials that enhance quality and efficiency while respecting traditional values.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven background in precision manufacturing, production engineering, or continuous improvement, ideally within aerospace, automotive, defence, or heritage manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining, CAD/CAM systems, and engineering tolerances.
• Practical understanding of manual fitting, assembly, or fine mechanical processes.
• Familiarity with Lean, Kaizen, or Six Sigma principles.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to work effectively with engineers, designers, and craftsmen.
• A respect for traditional methods and a passion for combining craftsmanship with modern engineering.

The Package

• Competetive Salary
• Annual Performance-Based Bonus
• 39 hours per week - Days
• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
• Extra Annual Leave for long service
• Company Pension
• Health & Wellbeing Package with Benenden Health
• Free Onsite Parking