Senior Manufacturing Engineer (Fixed Term Contract)

Paddock; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Onsite staff restaurant

Car and pension salary sacrifice

Cycle scheme

Training opportunities

Job summary

Prodrive in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer on an 18-month fixed-term contract to lead and shape manufacturing strategies for low-volume programs, from concept to production, at our Birmingham site with occasional travel to Banbury.

You will develop production processes, tooling, and layouts, drive PFMEA and lean initiatives, mentor engineers, and collaborate across design, quality, and supply chain to deliver robust, cost-efficient manufacturing solutions.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace or related engineering discipline.
• Experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably automotive sector.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes from component production to assembly.
• Experience setting up production assembly lines, tooling and assembly controls.
• Familiarity with PFMEA, control plans, and lean manufacturing principles.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive deliverables.
• Excellent communication skills for leadership meetings and customer reviews.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement manufacturing strategies for low-volume programs.
• Develop and validate robust manufacturing processes, tooling, jigs, fixtures, and assembly methods.
• Lead NPI activities including process validation and PFMEA.
• Design and optimise production layouts and equipment for assembly operations.
• Collaborate with quality, design, supply chain, and operations to resolve challenges.
• Drive lean initiatives and cost-reduction without compromising quality.
• Provide technical guidance to Manufacturing Engineers and technicians.
• Conduct risk assessments and process capability studies.
• Identify opportunities for automation and digitalisation.
• Support customers during project reviews and audits.

Skills

Manufacturing engineering

Project management

Problem-solving

Lean manufacturing

PFMEA

Control plans

ISO 9001

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication

Education

Degree in Mechanical/Automotive/Aerospace engineering

Tools

Windchill

Creo View

JT2Go

Job description

# Senior Manufacturing Engineer (Fixed Term Contract)ProdriveUnited KingdomPosted 23 Sept 2026## About this roleAt Prodrive we believe there’s no limit to what can be achieved when the brightest minds come together. Joining one focused and driven team, you will challenge boundaries in order to change the game for our customers. Our Advanced Technology business is where we combine our pace and agility with free-thinking to deliver complex engineering solutions and specialist manufacturing programmes to the automotive, aerospace, marine, and defence sectors, accelerating the net zero journey for our customers.We are seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer on an 18-month fixed term contract basis to lead and support projects from initial concept through to production. In this role, you will leverage your extensive experience in manufacturing engineering, ideally within the automotive sector to define and implement robust manufacturing strategies. You will be responsible for developing and setting up production processes, tooling, and equipment, ensuring efficiency, quality, and the implementation of appropriate controls. This position requires a unique blend of hands-on involvement and technical leadership, driving innovation while mentoring others and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.This role will be predominantly based within our new Birmingham-based site, with travel to our Banbury site 1-2 days per week.Key Responsibilities- Define and implement manufacturing strategies for low-volume programs, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and business objectives.- Develop and validate robust manufacturing processes, including tooling, jigs, fixtures, and assembly methods tailored for low-volume production.- Lead NPI activities, including process validation, manufacturing requirements, and PFMEA to ensure smooth product launches.- Design and optimise efficient production layouts and specify equipment for assembly operations.- Collaborate with quality teams to ensure compliance with customer-specific requirements.- Drive lean manufacturing initiatives and implement cost-reduction strategies without compromising quality.- Work closely with design, supply chain, and operations teams to resolve manufacturing challenges and improve build efficiency.- Maintain accurate process documentation, including work instructions, and provide regular progress updates to stakeholders.- Support existing production projects with running changes and ensure manufacturing sign-off prior to implementation.- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to Manufacturing Engineers and technicians.- Conduct risk assessments, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and process capability studies.- Identify and implement opportunities for process automation and digitalisation to improve efficiency.- Act as a technical point of contact for customers during project reviews and audits.- Work with suppliers to ensure tooling, components, and outsourced processes meet specifications and timelines.- Prepare cost estimates for manufacturing processes and monitor project budgets.Who are we looking for?Our ideal candidate will have:- A degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, or a related engineering discipline.- Experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in the automotive sector.- Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, from component production to complex assembly.- Proven experience in setting up production assembly lines, including tooling and assembly controls.- Familiarity with DC tooling and advanced assembly techniques (desirable).- Excellent project management, problem-solving, and analytical skills.- Proficiency in Windchill + Creo View, JT2Go (desirable).- Experience with PFMEA, control plans, and lean manufacturing principles.- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive manufacturing deliverables.- Excellent communication skills, including supporting production meetings and presenting to senior leadership and customers.- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.- Knowledge of ISO 9001 and automotive quality standards.What can we offer you?- An attractive salary which will grow in line with your ongoing development and impact- 25 days holiday (which increases with long service) with an opportunity to purchase up to 15 extra days- Enhanced family friendly policies (including enhanced maternity and paternity pay)- Training opportunities for continuing professional development- Onsite subsidised staff restaurant- Car and pension salary sacrifice schemes- Cycle scheme- Exercise classes- Paid time off for volunteering- Consultations with our Fit 4 Life expert- Social events throughout the year- Exclusive company discounts- Life assuranceWe are an equal opportunity employer.At Prodrive we believe there’s no limit to what can be achieved when the brightest minds come together. Joining one focused and driven team, you will challenge boundaries in order to change the game for our customers. Our Advanced Technology business is where we combine our pace and agility with free-thinking to deliver complex engineering solutions and specialist manufacturing programmes to the automotive, aerospace, marine, and defence sectors, accelerating the net zero journey for our customers.Come and make a difference.