Senior Manufacturing Engineer (Fixed Term Contract)

Prodrive; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Prodrive is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead low-volume production programs from concept to production on an 18-month fixed-term basis. The role combines hands-on execution with technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams, ensuring robust processes, tooling, and controls.

Based at our new Birmingham site with occasional travel to Banbury 1-2 days per week, you will drive NPIs, process validation, PFMEA and continuous improvement while mentoring junior engineers and

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace or related engineering field.
• Experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably automotive.
• Proficient in PFMEA, control plans and lean principles.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement manufacturing strategies for low-volume programs.
• Develop and validate manufacturing processes, tooling, and assembly methods.
• Lead NPI activities, including process validation and PFMEA.
• Design efficient production layouts and specify equipment.
• Drive lean initiatives and cost-reduction without quality loss.
• Mentor Manufacturing Engineers and technicians; conduct risk assessments.

Skills

Manufacturing processes

Project management

Lean manufacturing

NPI

FMEA

Tooling design

Mentoring

Education

Engineering degree (Mechanical/Aerospace/Automotive)

Tools

Windchill

Creo View

JT2Go

Job description

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.

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