Job Title: Design & Production Engineer
Location: Daventry (Long March Area)
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Overview
A leading engineering and manufacturing organisation is seeking a highly skilled Design & Production Engineer to support the development and industrialisation of precision-engineered automotive components. This role spans the full lifecycle of product development - from concept design and prototype development through to production launch and continuous improvement. Working closely with production, quality, suppliers, and internal engineering teams, you will play a key role in ensuring designs are feasible, efficiently manufactured, and delivered to the highest quality standards. This position is ideal for an engineer with strong CAD capability, technical rigour, and a passion for creating innovative and robust engineering solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Concept & Feasibility
* Create and develop CAD concepts (3D and 2D) based on customer requirements and packaging constraints.
* Assess design feasibility, cost, and capability by collaborating with suppliers and internal teams.
* Prepare Manufacturing Feasibility Reports and lead early risk assessments including DFMEA.
* Define datum strategies, interfaces, and critical characteristics in line with engineering standards.
* Present design proposals at internal reviews and technical meetings.
Prototype Development & Validation
* Produce detailed CAD models and drawings for prototype manufacture and customer approval.
* Design tooling, jigs, and fixtures for prototype and pre-production builds.
* Coordinate prototype builds across suppliers and internal departments.
* Review first-off components, analyse data, and implement corrective design or process adjustments.
* Capture lessons learned to support design freeze and production readiness.
Pre-Production & Industrialisation
* Finalise designs for production release ensuring robust GD&T and tolerance application.
* Develop process flows, PFMEAs, Control Plans, and SOPs for pre-production builds.
* Conduct capacity studies, layout reviews, and Run-at-Rate trials.
* Oversee tooling readiness with both internal and external suppliers.
* Ensure accurate CAD data management and configuration control throughout development.
* Validate process changes and ensure correct routing information within ERP systems.
Production Launch & Continuous Improvement
* Support production ramp-up by resolving design or process issues.
* Lead process capability improvements to achieve cost, quality, and delivery targets.
* Participate in cross-functional reviews, lessons-learned workshops, and NPI improvement initiatives.
* Contribute to ongoing improvements in CAD standards, design methodologies, and manufacturing processes.
Qualifications & Experience
* Degree or HND in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Production Engineering (or equivalent experience).
* Proficient in CATIA V5 for 3D modelling and 2D drawings.
* Strong understanding of GD&T, datum structures, and engineering standards (BS8888 / ASME Y14.x).
* Experience with production processes, tooling design, and design-for-manufacture principles.
* Familiarity with APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, Lean manufacturing, and quality management systems.
* Competent in Microsoft Office; experience with ERP systems beneficial.
* Background in automotive, aerospace, defence, rail, marine, or similar engineering sectors.
Skills & Attributes
* Practical, detail-driven, and proactive approach to engineering challenges.
* Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally.
* Organised, self-motivated, and capable of managing multiple projects.
* Analytical problem-solver familiar with Six Sigma, 8D, Ishikawa, and Poka-Yoke tools.
* Flexible and adaptable to changing project priorities.
* Committed to high standards of quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
Additional Requirements
* Flexible approach to workload and willingness to undertake additional tasks when required.
* Ability to respond quickly to shifting priorities.
* Adherence to company Health & Safety, Quality, and Environmental policies.
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