Date December 2025
File Name Job Description Production Engineer - Dec 2025.docx
Radleys, Shire Hill, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 3AZ, United Kingdom.
t: +44 1799 513320 f: +44 1799 513283 e: sales@radleys.co.uk
Directors: R.B. Radley FBIM, I.E. Radley, M.D. Radley. R.B. Radley & Co Ltd registered in England 889911. Member of GAMBICA & LPA. www.radleys.com
Confidential Job Description
The Company
Radleys is a successful, family‑owned company with a proud history and a strong, supportive team. We foster a genuine sense of belonging where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute. You’ll join a friendly, collaborative environment that promotes innovation, outstanding customer service, and active employee engagement.
What we do
We provide innovative chemistry equipment for safer, cleaner, greener, and more productive chemical research. Radleys’ largest customers are in the pharmaceutical, contract research, biopharma, agrochemical, chemical, academic and fine chemical markets. We sell directly in the UK and internationally via a network of distributors.
We employ approximately 60 people and are based in Saffron Walden, Essex.
Our Values
* Proud – We are proud to put our name on our products…
* Loyal – We are loyal to our team, customers and partners…
* Innovative – We develop products that push the boundaries…
* Technical Expertise – We deliver solutions that exceed our customer’s expectations…
* Customer Service – We are committed to providing best‑in‑class customer service…
* Excellence – We will never forsake quality just to save money…
Product Portfolio
Manufactured products
* Benchtop & Hotplate Tools
* Parallel Reaction Stations
* Jacketed Lab Reactors & Control Software
* Automated Reaction Stations
* Instrument Servicing & Repairs
Resale products
* Heidolph Instruments – www.radleys.com/range/heidolph-instruments/
* Huber Thermoregulators – www.radleys.com/range/huber-temperature-control/
Our Vision
Within 5 years, we want Radleys to be the global market leader for chemistry productivity tools, growing existing markets, developing new ones, and strengthening our reputation for innovation. We believe this is achievable through the development of innovative new products, a greater focus on customer service, investment in our manufacturing, and increased accountability and ownership by all of our employees.
Summary
Reporting to the Head of Manufacturing, a proactive and hands‑on Production Engineer will play a key role in the continued development of our Production Engineering function. The role focuses on designing and implementing jigs, tools, and engineering solutions that improve manufacturing efficiency, maintain our high‑quality standards, and support continuous improvement across all production processes.
Working closely with various departments to provide timely support for manufacturing issues, and contributing to the effective release and manufacture of new product lines. Responsibility for managing 3D printing capabilities, supporting equipment maintenance, and leading engineering meetings and project tasks.
The role also has a requirement to produce technical drawings on CAD SolidWorks for custom products.
Key Responsibilities
* Collaboration & Support: Report to the Head of Production, working closely with Glassblowers, Assemblers, Supply Chain, and R&D teams to ensure timely solutions for manufacturing issues and maintain delivery capability for in‑house manufactured items.
* Equipment & Tooling: Project‑manage the design and implementation of jigs, fixtures, and tooling to improve manufacturing efficiency; liaise directly with suppliers as needed; troubleshoot equipment issues as they arise.
* Lean & Continuous Improvement: Support the Head of Production with continuous improvement initiatives using a positive and inclusive approach; identify and implement improvements that increase productivity, maximise uptime, elevate product quality, and enhance profitability.
* Infrastructure & Equipment Management: Maintain jigs and tools to ensure maximum operational efficiency; ensure preventative maintenance schedules are in place and followed for all production equipment; troubleshoot infrastructure and equipment issues as required; manage and maintain 3D‑printing capabilities.
* Technical Drawings: Produce 3D CAD models on SolidWorks and manufacturing drawings in line with customer specifications; liaise with customers when required to clarify custom requirements.
* Other Responsibilities: Troubleshoot mechanical and electronic assemblies as required; support the maintenance of product safety approvals and associated documentation; promote and meet all Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) requirements.
Person – Experience
* Minimum of 5 years’ production engineering experience.
* Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to engage and collaborate with cross‑functional teams.
* Good understanding of quality systems within a manufacturing environment.
* Excellent time management, planning, and organisational skills.
* Fully IT‑literate, including strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
* Familiarity with SolidWorks (or similar) for CAD and technical drawing.
* Experience of using an ERP and/or MRP system.
* Any previous experience or knowledge of scientific glassblowing, glass working and/or scientific equipment manufacture would be useful but is NOT essential.
Person – Skills
* Hands‑on, willing to get involved in practical work as well as planning and delegation.
* Reliable, punctual, and consistent in delivery.
* Adaptable and eager to learn new skills.
* Positive and approachable in day‑to‑day interactions.
* Clear and effective communicator with colleagues and suppliers.
* Highly organised with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
* Solution‑focused mindset with perseverance and a “can‑do” attitude.
* Forward‑thinking with a continuous improvement approach.
* Diligent, committed to seeing tasks through to completion.
* Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
* Capable of prioritising across a busy, multifunctional workload.
Other Criteria
* Holds a current UK driving license.
* Live within commutable distance of Radleys office in Saffron Walden.
* Occasional travel to suppliers may be required.
Working Pattern and Flexibility
This is a full‑time role designed to provide consistent Engineering support for the business. Exact hours are flexible with core hour requirements, totaling to a 37½ hour working week.
Location
The role is based at Radleys’ headquarters in Saffron Walden, Essex, with the option to work from home on occasions and with agreement from the Head of Manufacturing. Candidates must live within a commutable distance to ensure regular in‑person collaboration and support for the team.
Remuneration Package
* Competitive salary.
* Workplace Pension contributions.
* 3‑month notice period (after 6‑month probation).
* Discretionary annual bonus.
Holiday & Other Benefits
* 25 days of paid holiday plus bank holidays.
* An extra day off for your birthday each year.
* Option to buy up to five additional days of unpaid leave annually.
* Comprehensive training / mentoring.
* Flexible working hours.
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