Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Paint

Apex Resource Management Ltd; Woking; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Apex Resource Management Ltd. is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Paint in Woking to drive manufacturing engineering activities for new vehicle programmes from concept through series production.

You will lead cross-functional teams, develop production concepts, manage timing plans and apply PFMEA to improve Right First Time and manufacturing quality. The role emphasizes mentoring, continuous improvement and strong analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering or related field (2:1 or above).
• Proven experience leading Manufacturing Engineering activities for new vehicle programmes.
• Knowledge of vehicle assembly processes and trim/final assembly.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing engineering activities for new model introductions from concept to production.
• Develop vehicle assembly concepts from virtual manufacturing to production implementation.
• Create and manage programme timing plans, tooling and equipment schedules.
• Develop manufacturing process sequencing, documentation and traceability.
• Lead PFMEA activities to improve Right First Time and quality.
• Own and maintain HPC data to support planning and efficiency.
• Mentor and develop team members; drive continuous improvement and safe practices.

Skills

Leadership

Project Mgmt

Manufacturing Eng

PFMEA

Line Balancing

Education

Degree in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering (2:1+)

Job description

Role: Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Paint
Salary: To be discussed on application
Location: Woking
Permanent, onsite opportunity

Role Summary

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Paint to support the introduction of new vehicle programmes from concept through to series production. As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer within Paint, you will lead Manufacturing Engineering activities across multiple projects, driving improvements in project delivery, quality, safety, cost, manufacturing processes and operational excellence. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with Engineering, Operations and cross-functional teams to deliver innovative manufacturing solutions while supporting business growth and future product programmes.

Role & Responsibilities of a Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Paint

• Lead the delivery of Manufacturing Engineering activities for new model introductions from concept through to series production.
• Develop vehicle assembly concepts from virtual manufacturing through to physical validation and production implementation.
• Generate and manage programme timing plans, including tooling and equipment delivery schedules.
• Develop manufacturing process sequencing, documentation and product traceability methodologies.
• Lead PFMEA activities to improve Right First Time (RFT) performance and manufacturing quality.
• Own and maintain Hours Per Car (HPC) data, supporting production planning and efficiency targets.

Work with Engineering and Operations teams to identify and resolve manufacturing bottlenecks.

• Carry out line balancing activities, including time and motion studies
• Lead facility layout planning and material flow improvements for new model programmes.
• Support Concept Reviews, Design Reviews, Engineering Release activities and DFMEA.
• Assist with departmental budgeting and contribute to programme business cases
• Support the Manufacturing Engineering Manager in developing best operational practices.
• Lead and develop team members through mentoring, training and skills development initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement, manufacturing excellence and safe working practices throughout the department.

Requirements of a Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Paint

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering or a related discipline (2:1 or above), or equivalent industry experience.
• Proven experience leading Manufacturing Engineering activities for new vehicle programmes.
• Knowledge of complex vehicle systems and vehicle assembly processes.
• Experience of trim and final assembly processes.
• Understanding of end-of-line vehicle processing and finishing.
• Experience specifying and procuring manufacturing and assembly equipment.
• Ability to resolve product-related manufacturing issues while achieving quality targets.
• Experience implementing safe working practices.
• Understanding of low-volume, high-value manufacturing environments.
• Strong leadership, mentoring and people development skills.
• Excellent communication, organisational and analytical skills.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Microsoft Excel.
• Flexible approach to travel within the UK and Europe.