Production Engineer

Tech Connect Group; Pontypool; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Tech Connect Group is seeking a Production Engineer for a hands-on role in automotive vehicle conversion. You will improve line performance, design and optimise layouts, and lead automation and lean improvement projects in line with OEM requirements.

You will review line flows, conduct time studies, maintain SOPs, and support capacity planning while collaborating with cross-functional teams on process changes and tooling specifications.

Qualifications

• Degree or HND/HNC in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management or equivalent.
• Proven production engineering/CI experience in automotive or manufacturing.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills; capable of RCA and lean implementations.

Responsibilities

• Review and optimise line layouts for better flow and space utilisation.
• Conduct time and motion studies to establish standard times.
• Maintain and update SOPs and method sheets.
• Identify and implement automation or process improvements to reduce manual handling.
• Support capacity planning with accurate time data and workload analysis.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering and Quality teams on process changes.
• Specify and project-manage tooling, jigs and equipment.
• Investigate issues using RCA (8D, 5-Why, fishbone).
• Support NPI programmes and new product launches.
• Apply lean/CI tools to drive sustained improvement; produce reports and documentation.

Skills

Line balancing

Takt time analysis

Root cause analysis

Lean/CI experience

Excel proficiency

Structured problem solving

Strong communication

Education

Degree or HND/HNC in Engineering/Manufacturing/Operations

Tools

Most/MTM time measurement tools

ERP software experience

Job description

UK-based applicants only, NO Sponsorship

About the Role

Our client, a specialist in the automotive/vehicle conversion sector, is looking for a Production Engineer to join their Operations team, reporting to the Operations Manager. This is a hands‑on role responsible for improving production line performance across vehicle conversion operations - designing and optimising line layouts, applying work study techniques, and leading automation and continuous improvement projects to boost productivity, quality and cost performance in line with OEM programme requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and optimise line layouts for better flow, balance and space utilisation
• Conduct time and motion studies to establish standard times
• Maintain and update SOPs and method sheets
• Identify and implement automation/process improvements to reduce manual handling and remove bottlenecks
• Support capacity planning with accurate time data and workload analysis
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering and Quality teams on process changes
• Specify, justify and project‑manage new tooling, jigs and equipment
• Investigate process/equipment/quality issues using root cause analysis (RCA)
• Support new programme launches and NPI activities
• Apply lean/CI principles and tools to drive sustained improvement
• Produce reports and technical documentation to support OEM programme requirements
• Degree or HND/HNC in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management or similar (or equivalent experience)
• Proven experience in production engineering, CI or industrial engineering within automotive, vehicle conversion or manufacturing
• Working knowledge of work study/time measurement techniques (MOST, MTM or equivalent)
• Demonstrable CI experience with lean tools (5S, VSM, Kaizen)
• Strong analytical and numerical skills
• Knowledge of line layout design, efficiency improvement and automation principles
• Experience specifying/sourcing/commissioning production tooling, jigs or equipment
• Confident in structured problem-solving/RCA (8D, 5-Why, fishbone)
• Strong Excel skills; work study or ERP software experience advantageous
• Confident communicator across all levels, from operatives to senior management
• Six Sigma Black Belt (or working towards)
• Experience in vehicle conversion or low-volume automotive production
• Familiarity with OEM production systems (e.g. Ford or Stellantis supply chain)
• Line balancing and takt time analysis experience
• Professional body membership (IMechE, IET or similar)
• Experience supporting NPI or programme launch activities