Production Design Engineer

Progress Rail; Sandiacre; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary + company bonus

Tailored training and development

33 days annual leave

Pension with employer contribution

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted gym membership

Fuel card savings

Job summary

Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, in the UK is seeking a Production Design Engineer to deliver 2D CAD drawings, BOMs and manufacturing instructions while driving continuous improvement in production design.

You will maintain systems, produce layout drawings at 1:50, support new product introductions and train junior engineers. Visa sponsorship is not available; UK right to work is required.

Qualifications

• Experience drafting in safety-critical manufacturing industries (rail, nuclear, chemical, aerospace, automotive).
• Strong understanding of technical drawings and manufacturing instructions.
• Desirable AutoCAD experience and clear communication.

Responsibilities

• Maintain departmental systems and identify areas for improvement.
• Produce renewal and export 1:50 layout drawings using CAD and coordinate with design-house engineers.
• Generate Bills of Materials (BOMs) and detailed manufacturing instructions (2D drawings, work instructions).
• Develop production routes to improve quality, safety, efficiency and cost.
• Support resolution of production-related problems and assist in implementing new products.
• Help train new or junior engineers and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Technical drawings

AutoCAD

Communication skills

Education

HNC or equivalent in mechanical/production engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Are you a skilled Production Design Engineer with experience producing technical drawings and manufacturing information within an engineering environment? We're looking for someone who can combine strong design expertise with a proactive approach to problem solving, helping to deliver safe, accurate and cost-effective manufacturing solutions while driving continuous improvement across our Production Design function.

THE ROLE:
As a Production Design Engineer you will be required to:

• Maintain departmental systems and identify areas for improvement
• Produce renewal and export 1:50 layout drawings using CAD. This includes communication with Service Delivery function and design house engineers to clarify requirements
• Generate Bills of Materials (BOMs)
• Produce detailed manufacturing instructions (2D CAD drawings, work instructions and some NC information)
• Drafting standard detail drawings
• Develop production routes that improve quality, safety, business integrity and efficiency
• Support with the resolution of production related problems
• Assist in the implementation of new products
• Continually work to drive manufacturing cost and process times down
• Help train new or junior engineers

THE CANDIDATE:
The ideal Production Design Engineer:

• Previous experience in drafting in a safety critical manufacturing industry such as rail, nuclear, chemical, aerospace, or automotive
• A minimum of HNC or equivalent in mechanical or production engineering
• In depth understanding of technical drawings
• AutoCAD experience would be desirable
• Must have good communication skills

Please Note: This role is centred around production design, technical drawing creation and manufacturing support. Candidates seeking a position primarily focused on product development, research and development, or advanced 3D CAD modelling may find the scope of the role does not align with their long-term career aspirations.

We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.

BENEFITS:

• Competitive salary + company bonus
• Tailored training and development, including company‑funded external qualifications where relevant
• 33 days annual leave (including statutory holidays)
• Generous pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme for confidential wellbeing support
• Discounted gym membership – up to 25% off at 4,000+ UK gyms
• Fuel card savings of 2–3p per litre at 3,500 stations, including BP, Esso and Shell

ABOUT PROGRESS RAIL:

Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, is one of the largest integrated and diversified providers of rolling stock and infrastructure solutions and technologies for the global rail industry. The company provides advanced EMD® locomotives, engines, and technologies, railcars, trackwork, fasteners, signalling, rail welding and Kershaw Maintenance-of-Way equipment, along with dedicated locomotive and freight car repair services, aftermarket parts support and recycling operations.

Progress Rail’s deep industry expertise ensures a commitment to quality through innovative solutions. With a global network across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Australia, China, Germany, India, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, we are committed to serving our customers.

PROGRESS RAIL VALUES:

• Safety – Care, Learn, Prevent
• Integrity – Do the Right Thing
• Teamwork – Win Together
• Excellence – Be the Best
• Commitment – Own the Outcome

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES:
Progress Rail is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We value and embrace diversity of thought, background and unique experiences and we pride ourselves on being an inclusive workforce and culture.