***If the screening questions aren't answered we will be unable to consider your application***
We are seeking a skilled Manufacturing Engineer with hands‑on experience in Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) to support our advanced marine technology production environment. The successful candidate will drive manufacturing excellence through process optimisation, digital system integration, and the development of robust production workflows for high‑complexity, safety‑critical marine products.
The role sits within the Technical Product team, acting as a technical specialist to steer Design and Operations towards efficient, consistent production output in line with business objectives and product requirements.
Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Develop, document, and optimise manufacturing processes for high‑technology marine systems, assemblies, and sub‑components.
- Configure, deploy, and optimise MES workflows, digital work instructions, data capture tools, and operator interfaces.
- Implement lean methodologies (5S, value stream mapping, waste reduction) to improve safety, quality, cost, and delivery performance.
- Conduct time studies and process balancing to support throughput improvement.
- Develop MES dashboards and real‑time production visibility tools for shop‑floor teams.
- Integrate MES with ERP/MRP systems, quality systems, and production machinery where applicable.
- Troubleshoot MES issues and act as the subject‑matter expert for digital manufacturing solutions.
- Act a real-time interface between Production and Engineering: manage production and process issues that require wider business support and communicate engineering changes to the Production team.
- Participate in product design reviews – assess designs for production viability, readiness and efficiency.
- Develop and maintain process documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including, Quality Assurance, Production, Design and Systems Engineering to ensure seamless process integration.
- Support new product introduction (NPI) and ensure manufacturing readiness for design changes, upgrades, and new systems.
- Specify, design, and validate jigs, fixtures, and tooling to improve build quality and repeatability.
Essential skills, knowledge and experience:
- Degree or equivalent in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field
- Proven experience within high‑technology, volume or complex assembly manufacturing (marine, aerospace, defence, automotive, or similar).
- Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) – Preferable Visual Factory
- Management of BOMs and MRP tools (e.g. 123insight)
- Practical experience applying lean manufacturing and continuous improvement tools.
Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:
- Maritime, automotive or aerospace industry experience
- Experience with digital cell manufacturing
- Certifications such as Six Sigma green belt or Lean Manufacturing
- 3D CAD software skills
- Experience in training operators or leading process standardisation workshops.
What we provide:
- 25 days holiday per year, plus paid bank holiday
- After two years’ consecutive service, one additional day’s annual leave up to a maximum of five additional days annual leave
- Holiday buy/sell, up to five days per calendar year
- Flexi working, core hours 10:00 to 15:00, subject to departmental requirements
- Private Medical Insurance with optional family cover
- Pension scheme with a 5% employer contribution, there is no cap on the employee contribution level
- Life assurance 3x salary
- Group Income Protection 3x salary, subject to eligibility
- Health Care Cash Plan
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Electric Car Scheme
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing mental health and wellbeing support
- Professional membership reimbursement
Important to know: Due to the nature of our work many of our roles require a UK nationality and the ability to obtain a security clearance. Applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment must meet the requirement of right to work in the UK and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information and will be subject to Government security checks.
Kraken Works Limited is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and offers equal opportunities to all. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships.
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Bereavement leave
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Flexitime
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Referral programme
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Fareham, Hampshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
- Have you been a UK resident for more than 5 years?
- Do you have experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) such as Visual Factory?
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
