Manufacturing Engineer (MES)
Location: Fareham
Hours: Full Time - 40 hrs P/W
Salary: Competitive dependant on experience
Important – Please Read Before ApplyingApplications will only be considered if all screening questions are completed.Essential Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must demonstrate:
- Proven experience working as a Manufacturing Engineer within a high-technology manufacturing environment (marine, aerospace, defence, automotive, or similar).
- Hands-on experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), including workflow configuration, digital work instructions, production data capture, and system optimisation.
- Experience managing Bills of Materials (BOMs) and MRP/ERP systems (e.g. 123Insight or similar).
- Practical application of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
- Degree qualification (or equivalent experience) in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance and the right to work in the UK.
About the Role
We are seeking a skilled Manufacturing Engineer with hands-on Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) experience to support our advanced marine technology production environment.
Working within the Technical Product Team, you will act as a key technical specialist, bridging Engineering and Operations to ensure efficient, repeatable, and high-quality manufacturing processes. You will play a critical role in driving manufacturing excellence through process optimisation, digital manufacturing solutions, and the development of robust production workflows for complex, safety-critical marine products.
Key ResponsibilitiesManufacturing Process Development
- Develop, document, validate, and continuously improve manufacturing processes for advanced marine systems, assemblies, and sub-assemblies.
- Conduct time studies, process balancing, and capacity analysis to improve throughput and production efficiency.
- Specify, design, and validate tooling, fixtures, and jigs to improve build quality, repeatability, and productivity.
- Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities and ensure manufacturing readiness for design changes and product upgrades.
Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
- Configure, deploy, and optimise MES workflows, operator interfaces, and digital work instructions.
- Develop production dashboards and real-time manufacturing performance visibility tools.
- Integrate MES solutions with ERP/MRP systems, quality systems, and production equipment where applicable.
- Act as the subject matter expert for MES and digital manufacturing technologies.
- Troubleshoot and resolve MES-related production issues.
Continuous Improvement & Production Support
- Implement Lean Manufacturing methodologies including 5S, value stream mapping, waste reduction, and standardisation initiatives.
- Act as a real-time interface between Production and Engineering, managing manufacturing issues requiring cross-functional support.
- Communicate engineering changes and process updates to production teams.
- Participate in design reviews to ensure products are manufacturable, scalable, and production-ready.
Documentation & Collaboration
- Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process documentation.
- Collaborate closely with Production, Quality Assurance, Design Engineering, and Systems Engineering teams to ensure seamless manufacturing integration.
- Support training and adoption of new manufacturing processes and digital systems.
Essential Skills, Knowledge & Experience
- Degree (or equivalent) in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrable Manufacturing Engineering experience within a high-technology manufacturing environment.
- Strong hands-on experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), preferably Visual Factory.
- Experience managing BOMs and MRP/ERP systems, ideally 123Insight.
- Experience supporting complex assembly manufacturing processes.
- Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills.
- Practical experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Experience within marine, aerospace, defence, or automotive sectors.
- Experience with digital cell manufacturing environments.
- Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or above).
- 3D CAD experience.
- Experience delivering operator training or leading process standardisation workshops.
What We Offer
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Additional annual leave after two years' service (up to five extra days).
- Holiday buy/sell scheme (up to five days per year).
- Flexible working with core hours of 10:00–15:00 (subject to business requirements).
- Private Medical Insurance with optional family cover.
- Pension scheme with 5% employer contribution.
- Life Assurance (3x salary).
- Group Income Protection (subject to eligibility).
- Health Care Cash Plan.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Electric Car Scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- Professional membership reimbursement.
Security Clearance & Eligibility
Due to the nature of our work, many roles require UK nationality and the ability to obtain Security Clearance.
Any offer of employment will be conditional upon:
- Proof of the right to work in the UK.
- Meeting eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
- Successful completion of Government security checks.
Equal Opportunities
Kraken Works Limited is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and provides equal opportunities for all applicants and employees, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or marital and civil partnership status.
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 (required)
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
