Job Title: Design & Production Engineer
Location: Daventry (Long March Area)
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £37,000 + 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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