Production Engineer

Vivo Talent; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Vivo Talent in Gloucester is seeking a Production Support Technician to join our Engineering team. This role supports the introduction of new and existing products into production, driving continuous improvement, efficiency, and manufacturing excellence on shift.

You will work closely with Operations Leaders, Planning and Engineering to keep production safe, on schedule and to high quality standards, coaching machinists and leading SMED and lean initiatives on the shop floor.

Qualifications

• Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering completed and in good standing.
• Lean training or Green Belt is preferred.
• Strong background in CNC machining, tooling, and GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical engineering support for new and existing product introductions.
• Collaborate with Operations Leaders, Planning and Engineering to capture and implement requirements.
• Drive process improvements to increase manufacturing efficiency and productivity.

Skills

CNC machining

GD&T

Tooling optimization

Process improvement

Mentoring machinists

Education

Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering

Lean Manufacturing Green Belt (preferred)

Tools

Hypermill

SolidWorks

ERP systems

Javelin

Job description

Production Support Technician

Hours: Full-Time, Shift-Based

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

Join Our Engineering Team

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Production Support Technician to join our Engineering team. This is a key engineering-led position responsible for supporting the introduction of new and existing products into production while driving continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and manufacturing excellence.

Working closely with Operations Team Leaders, Planning, and Engineering colleagues, you will act as the focal point for all engineering activities on shift, ensuring production runs safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled CNC machining tooling professional looking to apply their technical expertise in a challenging and rewarding manufacturing environment.

The Role

As a Production Support Technician, you will provide comprehensive technical support across manufacturing operations, helping to optimise processes, maximise machine utilisation, and ensure the successful implementation of engineering requirements throughout the production lifecycle.

You will play a pivotal role in supporting new product introductions, conducting variance gap analysis, updating ERP systems, mentoring machinists, and driving continuous improvement initiatives across the shop floor.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical engineering support for new and existing product introductions.
• Work collaboratively with Operations Team Leaders and Planning teams to ensure engineering requirements are effectively captured and implemented.
• Drive process improvements to increase manufacturing efficiency and productivity.
• Optimise machine utilisation and support safe, efficient shift operations.
• Coach, mentor, and develop machinists and machine operators.
• Identify and resolve technical production issues using structured problem-solving techniques.
• Conduct variance gap analysis and maintain data accuracy through ERP system updates.
• Support programming activities using CAD/CAM software, including Hypermill and SolidWorks.
• Lead continuous improvement activities, including SMED and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Ensure adherence to engineering best practice and quality standards.
• Support the Control of Non-Conforming Outputs process and raise NCRs in a timely manner.
• Provide familiarisation and technical training to production personnel where required.

About You

You will be a highly skilled engineering professional with extensive machining knowledge and a passion for continuous improvement. You will thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and demonstrate strong technical leadership capabilities.

Essential Skills & Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of CNC machining processes, machine capabilities, and control languages.
• Strong understanding of tooling applications, materials, and quality requirements.
• Excellent knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing).
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM systems, particularly:
• Hypermill programming
• SolidWorks modelling and design
• Ability to inspect components and accurately measure critical features and tolerances.
• Strong understanding of CNC programming codes and machining strategies.
• Working knowledge of configuration management systems, Javelin, and process change systems.
• Experience updating ERP systems and analysing production variances.
• Demonstrated capability to coach and develop individuals within a precision machining environment.
• Strong understanding of production schedules and manufacturing planning.

Experience Required

• Significant engineering experience within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Proven track record of delivering engineering excellence on complex precision-engineered components.
• Multi‑axis CNC machining experience, including machining difficult materials.
• Experience setting work, tooling, and editing CNC programs.
• New Product Introduction (NPI) experience is highly desirable.
• Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Apprenticeship served and qualified within a Mechanical Engineering discipline.
• Lean Manufacturing Green Belt or equivalent continuous improvement qualification preferred.

Personal Attributes

• Results-focused and driven to achieve operational excellence.
• A proactive problem solver with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Confident in challenging existing processes to achieve better outcomes.
• Highly organised with excellent communication skills.
• Able to work independently while supporting wider business objectives.
• Adaptable and effective under pressure in a fast‑moving manufacturing environment.
• Detail‑oriented and committed to delivering high‑quality results.

What You'll Be Measured On

• Achievement of internal SQDCP performance targets.
• Delivery of robust engineering solutions within agreed timescales.
• Effective support of production teams and operational objectives.
• Improvements in machine utilisation, process efficiency, and quality performance.
• Successful implementation of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Full compliance with quality, safety, and engineering standards.