New Model Manufacturing Engineer

Hernshead Recruitment Ltd; Woking; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join their Manufacturing Engineering team in Woking, UK. This role is crucial for developing processes for new vehicle models, ensuring the highest quality standards. Responsibilities include project collaboration, overseeing assembly processes, and resolving production issues. Candidates must have a degree in engineering and experience in new vehicle program execution.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in planning and executing new vehicle programmes.
• Expertise in complex vehicle systems and assembly processes.
• Experience in Trim and final processes with strong attention to quality.

Responsibilities

• Create deliverables for new model introductions including vehicle assembly concepts.
• Work with teams to identify and resolve production bottlenecks.
• Conduct line balancing and time studies across the plant.

Skills

Planning and execution of new vehicle programmes

Identifying and resolving product-related issues

Implementation of safe working practices

Education

Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or related Engineering discipline

Job description

About this Position

Our Manufacturing Engineering team is expanding to support future growth plans. With new models come greater opportunities to develop and standardise processes that ensure every vehicle is built to the highest quality. This role is central to the success of manufacturing operations, overseeing the processes and complexities of building new models - from initial concept designs through prototypes into full series production. The position offers significant variety, with exposure to multiple projects and collaboration across concept design, engineering, and operations, giving the opportunity to influence projects from start to finish.

Job Responsibilities

• Create and develop deliverables for each new model introduction, including:
  • Vehicle assembly concept
  • Transition from virtual environment to physical validation and delivery
  • Process sequencing, documentation, and product traceability methodologies
  • PFMEA in line with current series products and future brand strategies
  • Support and drive the implementation of best practices to improve RFT (Right First Time) delivery.
• Generate and report Hours Per Car (HPC) data for new model introductions, maintaining ownership to ensure plant efficiency and output targets are achieved.
• Work with Engineering and Operations teams to identify and resolve production bottlenecks.
• Conduct line balancing, including time and motion studies across the plant.
• Lead facility layout and utilisation activities, collaborating with teams to design new layouts or amend existing ones to align with long-term business strategies.
• Support and influence cross-functional project deliverables such as:
  • Concept and design reviews
  • Engineering release delivery
  • DFMEA

Experience Required

• Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or related Engineering discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Experience in:
  • Planning and execution of new vehicle programmes
  • Complex vehicle systems and assembly processes
  • Trim and final processes, and end-of-line vehicle finishing
  • Specification and procurement of assembly equipment
  • Identifying and resolving product-related issues while meeting quality targets
  • Implementing safe working practices