Production Engineer – 6 Month Contract

Holt Executive Ltd; Swindon; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Holt Executive Ltd in Horsham, West Sussex, is seeking a practical Production Engineer for a six-month, onsite contract. You will provide hands-on technical support to Operations, resolve production issues and help turn designs into efficient assembly processes to improve quality and reduce downtime.

You will work between Engineering and Production, developing tooling, reviewing designs, and leading continuous‑improvement to increase capacity and reliability.

Qualifications

• At least four years’ relevant manufacturing or engineering experience or a relevant qualification such as BTEC or City & Guilds Level 2.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Experience using 3D CAD software.
• Strong computer skills and a structured approach to problem‑solving.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and with Engineering, Production, Quality and Purchasing teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support to Production, resolving technical issues and shortages to minimise delays.
• Participate in design reviews, identifying opportunities to reduce cost and improve ease of manufacture and assembly.
• Develop assembly flow diagrams, build procedures, work instructions and check sheets for prototype and production builds.
• Support the implementation of engineering change requests.
• Develop and source tooling, jigs, fixtures and test equipment to support assembly.
• Investigate production and quality issues, identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions.
• Drive continuous‑improvement initiatives to increase capacity, quality and reliability while reducing costs and downtime.
• Support supplier improvement and corrective‑action activity alongside Purchasing.
• Assist with production staff training and the development of mechanical and electrical workmanship standards.
• Maintain compliance with quality procedures, health and safety requirements and workshop housekeeping standards.
• Travel when required to support customers with technical or production issues.

Skills

Read technical drawings

3D CAD software

Manufacturing & assembly processes

Problem solving

Written and verbal communication

Independent & cross-functional work

Education

BTEC or City & Guilds Level 2

Job description

Production Engineer – 6-Month Contract

Location: Horsham, West Sussex

Working arrangement: Onsite

Salary/Rate: Negotiable

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, with a lunchtime finish on Fridays

We are seeking a practical, proactive Production Engineer to join an engineering and manufacturing team on a six-month contract.

You will provide hands‑on technical support to Operations, resolve production issues and improve manufacturing processes. Working between Engineering and Production, you will help turn designs into clear, efficient assembly processes while improving product quality, reducing costs and minimising downtime.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support to Production, resolving technical issues and shortages to minimise delays.
• Participate in design reviews, identifying opportunities to reduce cost and improve ease of manufacture and assembly.
• Develop assembly flow diagrams, build procedures, work instructions and check sheets for prototype and production builds.
• Support the implementation of engineering change requests.
• Develop and source tooling, jigs, fixtures and test equipment to support assembly.
• Investigate production and quality issues, identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions.
• Drive continuous‑improvement initiatives to increase capacity, quality and reliability while reducing costs and equipment downtime.
• Support supplier improvement and corrective‑action activity alongside Purchasing.
• Assist with production staff training and the development of mechanical and electrical workmanship standards.
• Maintain compliance with quality procedures, health and safety requirements and workshop housekeeping standards.
• Travel when required to support customers with technical or production issues.

Skills & Experience

• At least four years’ relevant manufacturing or engineering experience and/or a relevant qualification, such as BTEC or City & Guilds Level 2.
• Strong ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
• Good understanding of manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Experience using 3D CAD software.
• Strong computer skills and a structured approach to technical problem‑solving.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with Engineering, Production, Quality and Purchasing teams.

Desirable

• Experience with Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA).
• Knowledge of Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA).
• Experience supporting continuous‑improvement initiatives.
• Staff supervision, training or mentoring experience.
• Experience using 3D printers.

About You

You will be organised, detail-focused and comfortable taking a hands‑on approach in a busy manufacturing environment. You will bring sound technical judgement, adaptability and a collaborative attitude to resolving production challenges.

Security Requirements

Applicants must be able to obtain the required UK security clearance. Successful candidates will need to provide proof of identity, employment history, right to work in the UK and evidence of at least five years’ UK residency.