Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Senior Manufacturing Engineer
Pay: Up to 59,000
Location: Ampthill, Bedfordshire
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Working Pattern: Four-day week
Security Clearance: SC required to start
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Senior Machining Manufacturing Engineer to support CNC machining strategy development and advanced tooling initiatives within a specialist manufacturing environment.
This is a hands-on technical role focused on driving manufacturing excellence through optimised CNC programming, advanced fixture design, tooling strategy and continuous process improvement. You will play a key role in improving machining efficiency, reducing cycle times, increasing yield and supporting the manufacture of high-precision, complex components.
Working closely with Design Engineering, Production, Quality, Supply Chain and Operations teams, you will develop robust and scalable machining processes suitable for both prototype and production environments.
The successful candidate will bring extensive expertise in multi-axis machining, CNC turning, CAD/CAM programming, advanced workholding solutions and manufacturing process optimisation.
Key Responsibilities:

• Support CNC machining strategy acoss Special Projects manufacturing operations.
• Develop, optimise and validate CNC programmes for 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis machining centres and lathes.
• Design and implement advanced fixturing and workholding solutions to improve precision, repeatability and production throughput.
• Select and optimise cutting tools, tooling strategies and machining parameters for a range of materials and component geometries.
• Drive cycle time reduction and improvements in process capability, productivity and manufacturing quality.
• Establish best practices for machining operations, setup reduction, tooling management and process standardisation.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI), providing Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Machining (DFMach) input.
• Troubleshoot complex machining and tooling issues, implementing corrective and preventative actions.
• Work with Quality teams to ensure compliance with engineering tolerances, inspection requirements and customer standards.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, including setup sheets, tooling lists, process flows and work instructions.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies where appropriate.
• Assist with capital equipment selection, commissioning and capability validation for new CNC machinery and automation technologies.
• Collaborate with suppliers and tooling vendors to evaluate and implement emerging machining technologies and tooling solutions.
• Ensure all machining activities comply with relevant health, safety and environmental standards.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Extensive expertise in CNC machining and manufacturing technologies.
• Practical experience in CNC turning.
• Expertise in hyperMILL CAM software , including the generation of offline NC programmes.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and quality improvement methodologies.
• Strong understanding of MRP systems and experience managing Bills of Materials (BOMs) and manufacturing routings within SAP or similar ERP systems.
• Proven ability to drive cultural and process change to improve manufacturing efficiency, productivity and quality.
• A collaborative approach, with strong problem-solving skills and a passion for continuous improvement.

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