Manufacturing Engineer (1 Year Fixed Term Contract)

Manufacturing Engineer
Location: Lower Dicker, near Hailsham, East Sussex

About the role
We're recruiting for an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to join a specialist engineering and manufacturing business near Hailsham.

This is a hands-on, technical role where you'll play a key part in developing and improving manufacturing processes, programming CNC machinery and designing bespoke tooling and fixtures. You'll work closely with production teams to improve efficiency, reduce costs and waste, and maintain the high standards required when manufacturing complex, precision-engineered components.

The successful candidate will bring strong CNC machining and programming experience, advanced CAD/CAM skills and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities

• Provide manufacturing cost information to support production planning and make-or-buy decisions.
• Design and manufacture bespoke workholding equipment and fixtures using 3D CAD modelling and 2D technical drawings.
• Write and amend CNC programmes both at machine controls and using CAD/CAM software.
• Prove out CNC programmes on machinery to ensure they run accurately and efficiently.
• Produce job setup sheets and maintain clear manufacturing documentation.
• Manage tooling and fixtures across the machines.
• Lead continuous improvement activities, identifying and implementing best-practice manufacturing methods.
• Improve quality and productivity while reducing waste, costs and manufacturing time.
• Evaluate new methods, design changes, tooling and fixtures to improve manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Identify opportunities to reduce product costs through continuous improvement and product maintenance.
• Train and support production staff, sharing technical knowledge and preparing training manuals and work instructions where required.

Essential skills and experience
We're looking for someone with the following skills and experience:

• Extensive experience machining aluminium and stainless steel.
• Experience operating and programming multi-axis CNC machine tools, including 5-axis, 3+2 and multitasking machinery.
• Experience with fixed-head turning centres.
• Experience manufacturing complex, tight-tolerance components, ideally within industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical or scientific engineering.
• Ability to read and write NC G-code programmes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working in low-volume and batch-production environments.
• Understanding of engineering documentation, including bills of materials (BOMs), operations and routings.
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications and ERP systems.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues across different departments.
• Experience using 3D CAD software, such as SolidWorks, Creo, Siemens NX, Solid Edge or AutoCAD.
• Advanced CAM programming experience for milling and turning, using packages such as SolidCAM, Edgecam, HyperMill, Mastercam or Siemens NX.
• A proactive approach, with plenty of initiative, drive and determination.

Desirable skills and experience
The following would be an advantage:

• Experience using SolidWorks and SolidCAM.
• Knowledge of Vericut simulation software.
• Experience with manufacturing automation, including bar feeders and palletisation.
• Project management experience.

Qualifications and experience
Ideally, you'll have:

• An HNC/HND in Manufacturing or Production Engineering, or equivalent industry experience.
• Alternatively, a minimum of 10 years' industry experience alongside a completed engineering apprenticeship.
• At least five years' experience in a similar role.

Personal qualities
We're looking for someone who is:

• Highly motivated and enthusiastic about engineering.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
• Able to listen carefully and follow instructions.
• Confident using their own initiative to solve problems and improve processes.
• Positive, cooperative and professional in their approach.
• Happy to share knowledge and work constructively with colleagues.
• Committed to maintaining high standards and contributing to the ongoing success of the business.

If you're an experienced Manufacturing Engineer looking for a hands-on role where you can apply your technical expertise, improve manufacturing processes and make a real difference to production performance, we'd love to hear from you.

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