Producton Engineer

Simpson Recruitment Services; Newport; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Our Newport-based engineering client is seeking a Production Engineer to define how new products are manufactured, orchestrate NPI handover, and drive process improvements to reduce waste and boost quality. You’ll design robust processes, write clear manufacturing instructions, and collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to hit output and cost targets.

In this hands-on role in a low-volume, high-change environment, you’ll apply lean methods, run PFMEAs, and support maintenance while

Qualifications

• Essential manufacturing experience in electronics/contract manufacturing.
• Experience with NPI and transition to production.
• Understanding of AS9100 or aerospace awareness.
• Ability to write clear, actionable manufacturing instructions.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Lean manufacturing and 5S knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Introduce new products into production meeting specs.
• Contribute to DFM/DFX during NPI and layout.
• Write manufacturing instructions for all build stages.
• Implement ECNs across stages.
• Collaborate with tooling suppliers on designs and lead times.
• Introduce new processes/equipment to hit output targets.
• Apply lean principles and 5S.
• Monitor yields and drive continuous improvement.
• Perform PFMEAs and root-cause analysis.
• Support production with problem-solving and training.
• Assist with preventive maintenance and manage tools.
• Support customer visits, audits and reports.
• Ensure H&S compliance.

Skills

Problem solving

Lean manufacturing

Excellent communication

Excel skills

Education

HND or equivalent

Tools

MRP systems

CAD

Job description

Our client is a growing international engineering company based in Newport NP10, delivering high-reliability electronics and manufacturing services to the aerospace, defence, industrial and medical technology sectors. Recent expansion has increased their aerospace and defence production and opened up new opportunities for growth.

As a Production Engineer, you'll be joining a team that values initiative, problem-solving and a "can do" attitude. If you want a role where you decide how products get built, and where your process improvements visibly cut waste and lift quality, this is it.

The Role

They are looking for a Production Engineer who can define how new products are manufactured and assembled, introduce them to the line smoothly, and keep improving the process once they're running.

This is a hands‑on role in a dynamic, low volume, high change manufacturing environment, where accuracy, clear thinking and follow‑through are essential.

You’ll be responsible for taking new products from NPI into production, designing processes that meet customer requirements, and driving productivity improvements that reduce waste and operating costs while building safety into every process.

Key Responsibilities

• Introduce new products into production, ensuring customer specifications are met.
• Input into DFM/DFX during NPI and design processes and manufacturing layouts (cell design).
• Write clear manufacturing instructions for all stages of build to reduce variability.
• Implement customer engineering change notes (ECNs) at every stage.
• Liaise with in‑house and third‑party tooling suppliers to agree designs, costs and lead times.
• Introduce new processes and equipment to hit required output levels.
• Apply lean principles, including 5S, in everything you develop.
• Monitor yields and improve processes using continuous improvement tools.
• Carry out PFMEAs and perform root cause analysis to resolve problems.
• Support production with problem‑solving and train team leaders and operators on new processes.
• Assist with planned preventative maintenance and look after tools, fixtures and small machines.
• Support customer visits, meetings and audits, and produce reports.
• Take an active part in hazard spotting and ensure compliance with H&S and company codes of conduct.
• Keep up with developing engineering trends, such as build automation.

What You’ll Need

Essential

• A suitable engineering qualification such as an HND (or equivalent).
• Experience of working in an engineering environment, with an understanding of electronics contract manufacturing processes.
• AS9100 or aerospace awareness.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills, and a solution‑focused approach.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing, including 5S.
• Excellent communication skills, able to explain complex technical concepts clearly to customers.
• Strong IT skills in Excel and Word, and the ability to learn company systems.
• Ability to write logical, thorough written instructions that others can follow.
• Ability to work independently and use sound technical judgement.

Desirable

• A relevant manufacturing or engineering qualification and/or professional accreditation.
• CAD skills.
• Experience of FMEA, Kaizen/A3 and Poka-Yoke (error‑proofing) techniques.
• Significant experience in a low volume, high change environment.
• Experience of MRP systems.
• Understanding of production costs, including waste, downtime, scrap and rework.
• Ability to design and develop processes and layouts for production.

Why Join Us?

• A culture of performance, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Long‑term career development within a growing site.
• Hands‑on NPI and improvement projects that build your technical and commercial capability.
• A supportive environment that recognises individual contribution.

Please note that our client is unable to offer Skilled Worker sponsorship. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK before applying.