Manufacturing Engineer
If you are an engineer who enjoys improving how things are made and wants to play a key role in delivering quality products to market, we would love to hear from you. Join us and help shape efficient, reliable and innovative manufacturing within the caravan, motorhome and holiday home industry.
We are recruiting for 2 experienced Manufacturing Engineers to join our team. This role involves working closely with Production, Design, Quality and Supply Chain stakeholders to support the efficient manufacture of touring caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes through robust process development, new product introduction and continuous improvement activities.
You will play a key role in ensuring the smooth, efficient and timely build of products and components within the production environment, whilst enforcing engineering standards and supporting the delivery of products OTIF (On Time In Full) and to our exacting quality standards.
The ideal candidates will be experienced Manufacturing Engineers who challenge the status quo, pioneer new ways of working and drive improvements in quality, efficiency and standardisation. You will be comfortable operating in a fast-paced production environment producing circa 4,000 caravans, 2,000 holiday homes and 2,000 motorhomes annually.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
- Triage and problem-solve technical issues as they arise, minimising disruption and delays within production.
- Work collaboratively with Production, Design Engineering, Quality, Logistics and Supply Chain teams to resolve manufacturing challenges and improve operational performance.
- Develop, implement and maintain manufacturing processes, work instructions and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support safe, efficient and repeatable production activities.
- Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, including prototype builds, production launch activities and the capture and implementation of Lessons Learnt.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives through the practical application of Lean Manufacturing principles, waste reduction and process optimisation techniques.
- Conduct root cause analysis investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions to improve quality, reliability and production performance.
- Actively increase production efficiencies and continuously identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve quality and minimise build disruption.
- Develop and improve tooling, fixtures, jigs and assembly aids to support production requirements and enhance build consistency.
- Ensure all engineering issues are escalated through the Manufacturing Projects Engineer for investigation and resolution where appropriate.
- Implement engineering change activities and maintain Kanban bins.
- Validate time and motion studies undertaken by the Industrial Engineering team.
- Develop, introduce and enforce technical standards across a range of products and manufacturing processes.
- Conduct evaluations of mid-season change proposals through the engineering evaluation process.
- Update and maintain PFMEAs and implement effective control plans to ensure consistent quality outcomes.
- Maintain COSHH requirements across production areas and ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation and company standards.
- Support continuous improvement processes instigated by the Manufacturing Projects Engineer, attending Quality Focus Group sessions and contributing to successful outcomes.
- Influence and engage stakeholders at all levels to drive positive change and achieve business objectives.
- Champion our EPIC core values by positively working with others.
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Qualified in the use of CAD, or experience of CAD drawings within a drawing office.
- Knowledge of caravan or similar furniture construction, materials and engineering practices.
- Knowledge of BOMs and engineering change management systems.
- Experience developing manufacturing processes, work instructions and Standard Operating Procedures.
- Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), prototype builds and production launch activities.
- Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles, continuous improvement methodologies and waste reduction techniques.
- Experience conducting root cause analysis and implementing effective corrective actions.
- Understanding of manufacturing process flow, line balancing and production optimisation techniques.
- Experience designing or developing tooling, jigs and fixtures to support manufacturing operations.
- Knowledge of technical developments in areas such as new materials, product innovation and weight reduction.
- Minimum time-served engineer or apprenticeship graduate.
- Degree in an Engineering discipline or other relevant qualification (HNC/HND preferred).
- IOSH or NEBOSH qualification desirable.
- Minimum three years' manufacturing experience within the caravan, automotive or similar industries.
- Experience with best-practice engineering tools and techniques.
- Practical knowledge and capability to use production equipment and tools.
- Working knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
- Working knowledge of the Health and Safety at Work Act.
- Highly driven self-starter with the ability to solve problems quickly and effectively.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong verbal, written communication and reporting skills.
- Ability to negotiate, plan and manage resources effectively.
- Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines whilst maintaining process discipline.
- Fully IT literate, ideally with advanced skills in Microsoft Office and Project software.
