Manufacturing Engineer (CAD/CAM & CNC)
Reporting to: Managing Director
Fancy taking projects from customer requirements through design, programming, machine setting and manufacture, while improving processes and solving problems along the way?
If so, read on...
Company Overview
Lydwood (Glos) Ltd manufactures wooden components and products for customers across a wide range of industries. From medical equipment and furniture through to specialist engineering projects, no two days are quite the same!
Operating from Lower Lydbrook, we have 7 CNC routers and more than 80 other machines, allowing us to manufacture everything from one-off prototypes to large production runs.
We're an engineering-led business that works with wood. We enjoy solving problems, finding better ways of doing things and investing in equipment and technology that helps us stay ahead. If you're the sort of person who likes figuring things out, improving processes and seeing your ideas become reality, you'll enjoy Lydwood life!
Summary
We're looking for a practical, technically minded Manufacturing Engineer to join our team and get involved in our production — from customer enquiries and design, through to programming, machine setting and manufacture.
A good mechanical understanding is essential, whether that's come from previous jobs, hobbies, or simply being the person who always wants to know how things work.
The work is varied, fast-paced and often challenging. One day you could be designing a new product, the next proving out a CNC program, solving a production issue or developing a more efficient manufacturing method.
We're a relatively young management team with ambitious plans for the future, supported by a reliable and experienced workforce. We're looking for somebody who wants to grow with the business and make a genuine impact.
Responsibilities
CAD Design & Product Development
- Use Fusion 360 and Alphacam to produce accurate 3D models, renders, drawings and manufacturing programs.
- Produce, interpret and amend technical drawings.
- Review customer drawings and specifications.
- Develop designs for manufacture, balancing customer requirements with efficient production methods.
- Collaborate with customers and production teams to overcome technical challenges.
- Modify and improve existing designs.
- Identify opportunities to improve manufacturability and reduce production costs.
- Ensure designs comply with relevant standards and safety requirements where applicable.
- Maintain organised records of design files and revisions.
- Stay up to date with developments in CAD/CAM technology and manufacturing methods.
- Support in-house product development projects, including design, testing, technical files and manufacturing documentation.
CNC Programming
- Create CNC programs using Alphacam (training will be provided if required).
- Optimise machining strategies, tooling, feeds and speeds.
- Verify geometry and manufacturing data before release to production.
- Maintain program libraries and revision control.
- Troubleshoot programming and machining issues.
- Research and implement new programming methods, tooling solutions and software capabilities to improve efficiency, quality and productivity.
Machine Setting & Manufacturing Support
- Set CNC machinery and support operators during production.
- Prove out new programs and first-off components.
- Select appropriate tooling and machining methods.
- Investigate production issues and implement corrective actions.
- Maintain high standards of quality, accuracy and efficiency.
Production Engineering
- Develop manufacturing processes and standard operating procedures.
- Improve cycle times, machine utilisation and workflow efficiency.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Monitor production performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Assist with quoting, manufacturing costings and production planning activities where required.
Qualifications & Experience
- Proficient in CAD software (Fusion 360/Alphacam experience desirable but not essential).
- Experience with CNC machining and/or CNC routing.
- Strong understanding of mechanical principles.
- Practical and methodical problem solver.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- High standard of workmanship and accuracy.
- Experience producing and interpreting technical drawings.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple projects.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.
- Understanding of Health & Safety requirements within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience working with timber and woodworking machinery would be advantageous but is not essential.
What We Offer
- Varied and interesting work.
- Significant involvement in projects from concept through to manufacture.
- Opportunities to influence manufacturing processes and drive improvements.
- Modern CNC machinery and engineering software.
- A growing business with ambitious plans for the future.
- A supportive team environment led by practical engineers.
If you've made it this far, you must be at least half interested! Stick your CV in and come and have a chat with us.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £28,500.00-£45,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
