Production Design Engineer

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company; Sandiacre; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Company bonus

Training & development

External qualifications funded

Pension up to 7% employer

Life assurance 3.5x

Employee Assistance Programme

Gym discounts

Fuel card savings

Employee recognition

33 days holiday

Job summary

Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, seeks a Production Design Engineer to develop clear manufacturing instructions and routes for first‑of‑type products at our Sandiacre site.

You will maintain systems, apply manufacturing knowledge, and collaborate across functions to drive continuous improvement, training, and compliant technical documentation.

Qualifications

• Design experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong ability to interpret technical drawings.
• Proficiency in Excel; VBA experience desirable.
• Excellent attention to detail when producing engineering documentation.
• Experience supporting issue resolution in a manufacturing setting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve departmental systems, driving continuous improvement.
• Create accurate, efficient manufacturing instructions and production routes.
• Resolve engineering compliance issues and address production queries.
• Collaborate with Programming, Planning and Service Delivery to share technical info.
• Provide training and lead introduction of Manufacturing Instructions for new products.
• Produce precise routes and drawings for first‑of‑type products, review data for accuracy.

Skills

Manufacturing design

Interpreting drawings

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Time management

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Process improvement

Education

HNC in Mechanical or Production Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

VBA

Job description

Job Description

PRODUCTION DESIGN ENGINEER – MANUFACTURING INSTRUCTIONS

SANDIACRE, NG10 5AN (ONSITE)

COMPETITIVE SALARY

Are you a detail‑driven Production Design Engineer with a passion for creating clear, accurate, and efficient manufacturing instructions? Do you thrive on improving processes, solving engineering challenges, and collaborating across multiple functions to keep production running smoothly? If you’re someone who combines strong technical expertise with a knack for coaching others, and you’re ready to play a key role in shaping high‑quality manufacturing practices, this could be the perfect next step in your career.

The Role:

• Maintain and improve departmental systems, identifying opportunities for enhancement and driving continuous improvement.
• Apply strong product and manufacturing knowledge to create accurate, efficient manufacturing instructions and production routes.
• Support Operations and Manufacturing by resolving engineering compliance issues, addressing production queries, and escalating complex tasks where appropriate.
• Collaborate with Programming, Planning, and Service Delivery teams to ensure clear, timely exchange of technical information.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and support to team members, including leading the introduction of Manufacturing Instructions for new products.
• Produce precise routes and drawings for first‑of‑type products and review process data to ensure accuracy and consistency across production.

The Candidate:

• Previous experience of design in a manufacturing environment
• HNC (or equivalent) in Mechanical or Production Engineering.
• Strong ability to interpret and work confidently with technical drawings.
• Solid IT literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VBA experience desirable).
• Exceptional attention to detail when producing engineering documentation.
• Strong data analysis skills with the ability to identify and drive process improvements.
• Proven problem‑solving ability and experience supporting issue resolution in a manufacturing environment.
• Effective time‑management and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to collaborate across multiple functions and build strong working relationships.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes, routing principles, and engineering change controls.
• Familiarity with NCRs and engineering change processes.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary + company bonus
• Tailored training and development, including company‑funded external qualifications where relevant
• Generous pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution
• Life assurance at 3.5× your salary
• 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
• Employee recognition schemes celebrating great work
• 33 days’ holiday per year (inclusive of bank/public holidays)

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.