Design And Production Engineer
9 days ago
Daventry
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. #MANMP25