Fernite is a long-established Machine Knife manufacturing company, who operate in multiple niche markets, working to exacting standards of quality and performance using a mix of traditional skills and state of the art CNC equipment. Fernite group also design and build Blackfriars Granulator machines for the recycling industry and other bespoke applications
Fernite have a program of improvement and have invested considerably in new machinery over the last few years, but are also modernizing legacy equipment.
We are seeking a hands-on Production & Continuous Improvement Engineer to bridge the gap between technical office and shop floor support and efficiency. Splitting your time between manufacturing engineering and process optimization you will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth introduction of new product introduction, product development and process improvement.
Working directly for the Operations manager and alongside the Senior Team Lead you will have extensive remit to genuinely impact the production processes by introducing improvements and change throughout a traditional manufacturing business.
With a mix of high volume repeat manufacture, and bespoke special products you will be working with lasercutting, CNC and conventional grinding, CNC Milling, EDM Wire erosion, heat treatment, hard facing and press work along with bespoke machines and specialist sub contractors the work is varied and interesting.
Key Responsibilities
Production Engineering & NPI
- CAD/CAM. Draw and Model new products from customer concepts, or reverse engineering.
- Tooling & Fixturing: Design and implement robust workholding, magnetic chuck configurations, clamping jigs and inspection fixtures to minimize setup times and increase manufacturing efficency.
- Shop Floor Technical Support: Act as the technical point of contact for operators. Troubleshoot issues related to machining and inspection
Continuous Improvement & Lean
- Lead SMED projects to reduce downtime on bottleneck operations,
- Analyze scrap data and implement CI projects aimed at improving yields and reducing scrap
- Define and embed Standard Operating Procedures and visual management tools across the shop floor to ensure consistency between shifts.
- Introduce mistake-proofing controls downstream to monitor and counteract material bowing/stress induced by laser cutting or heat treatment before it reaches final grinding.
- Analyse factory layout, process flows and production wastes and plan improvements.
Candidate Profile: Experience & Qualifications
Essential:
- Proven track record working as a Production, Manufacturing, or Process Engineer within a precision machining, industrial blade, or heavy wear-component environment.
- Practical understanding of CNC Machining precision grinding (surface, bevel, or profile) and laser profiling/nesting (machine/company specific training on our bespoke equipment will be provided) .
- Material Familiarity: Confident working with hardened spring, stainless and tool steels (e.g., D2, M2, HSS, Stainless) Powder Metallurgy steels and hard facings
- Proficiency in 3D CAD and offline CAM/Nesting software (primarily fusion 360).
- Practical experience applying Lean tools (SMED, 5S, Poka-Yoke, Value Stream Mapping) directly to a physical shop floor.
Desirable:
- HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent time-served vocational experience.
Invitations to interview will be sent W/C 20th July
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £42,000.00-£48,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Manufacturing: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person
