Manufacturing Specialist

Process Development Engineering Ltd; Llanbradach and Pwllypant; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Process Development Engineering Ltd is seeking a Manufacturing Specialist to support machining, fabrication, welding, laser cutting and assembly. The role focuses on process optimisation, problem solving, quality assurance, and efficient production flow across small-batch and prototype work.

The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-driven and comfortable in a fast-paced engineering environment where accuracy and repeatability matter.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in machining, fabrication, welding, laser cutting or general precision engineering.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tolerances and materials.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
• Experience with process optimisation and continuous improvement.
• Competent with measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers and gauges.
• Practical, hands‑on problem‑solving approach.
• Good communication and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Manufacturing & Production: Set up, operate and optimise CNC machining, fabrication, welding and tube-laser cutting processes; interpret drawings and tolerances; ensure components meet requirements; support prototypes and repeat production; maintain workflow across areas.
• Process Development & Improvement: Analyse processes for efficiency, cost reduction and quality; develop SOPs; support introduction of new fixtures, tooling; assist with change control and continuous improvement.
• Quality & Compliance: Perform first‑off, in‑process and final inspections; complete quality documentation; ensure compliance with standards and customer requirements; identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Technical Support: Work with engineering to resolve issues; provide feedback on manufacturability and tolerances; support maintenance of equipment and workshop infrastructure; assist training.

Skills

Machining

Fabrication

Welding

Laser cutting

Technical drawings

Measurement tools

Problem solving

Documentation

Communication

Job description

Manufacturing Specialist

Role Overview

We are seeking a Manufacturing Specialist to support our machining, fabrication, welding, laser cutting and assembly operations. The role focuses on process optimisation, technical problem‑solving, quality assurance, and efficient production flow across small‑batch, prototype and production work. The ideal candidate is hands‑on, detail‑driven, and comfortable working in a fast‑paced engineering environment where accuracy, repeatability and practical thinking matter.

Key Responsibilities

• Manufacturing & Production Set up, operate and optimise CNC machining, fabrication, welding and tube‑laser cutting processes. Interpret engineering drawings, tolerances and specifications. Ensure components meet dimensional, functional and cosmetic requirements. Support prototype builds, one‑off jobs and repeat production runs. Maintain consistent workflow across machining, welding, cutting and assembly areas.
• Process Development & Improvement Analyse existing processes and identify opportunities for efficiency, cost reduction and quality improvement. Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs). Support introduction of new products, fixtures, jigs and tooling. Assist with engineering change control and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Quality & Compliance Perform first‑off, in‑process and final inspections. Complete quality documentation including FMEA inputs, control plans and process diagrams. Ensure compliance with internal quality standards and customer requirements. Identify root causes of defects and implement corrective actions.
• Technical Support Work closely with engineering to resolve manufacturing issues. Provide feedback on manufacturability, tolerances and design improvements. Support maintenance of equipment, tooling and workshop infrastructure. Assist with training operators and new team members.

Skills & Experience

Minimum 3 years’ experience in machining, fabrication, welding, laser cutting or general precision engineering. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tolerances and materials. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings. Experience with process optimisation and continuous improvement. Competent with measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers and gauges. Practical, hands‑on problem‑solving approach. Good communication and documentation skills.

Desirable (Not Essential)

• Experience with CNC programming (Fanuc, Mazak, Hurco, TubeT etc.).
• Knowledge of laser cutting behaviour and fixturing.
• Familiarity with DFMEA, PFMEA and quality systems.
• Welding qualifications or fabrication experience.
• CAD/CAM experience, especially Fusion 360.
• Working towards EN15085 qualification.

What We Offer

• A varied role across machining, welding, fabrication and laser cutting.
• Opportunity to influence process development and engineering improvements.
• Fast‑paced environment with diverse projects and prototype work.
• Supportive team culture focused on precision, reliability and problem‑solving.

Important Notice

We do not accept contact from recruitment agencies under any circumstances. All applications must be made directly