Production Engineer

Our client, an established and growing manufacturing business, is looking for a hands on Production Engineer to drive operational improvement and new product development. The role covers two areas: improving existing high volume production through efficiency, automation, layout and waste reduction, and supporting the industrialisation of new product streams from prototype through to repeatable commercial production. You will work between the shop floor, equipment suppliers, production teams and senior management in a practical, delivery focused role. Key Responsibilities * Review current manufacturing processes and improve output, labour efficiency, material flow and quality * Introduce practical automation and move manual processes towards semi automated production * Develop improved jigs, fixtures, handling systems, conveyors, assembly methods and line layouts * Analyse bottlenecks, downtime, waste and labour intensive tasks, then deliver workable solutions * Take new products from concept through prototype, pilot trials, process validation and launch * Work with external suppliers on machinery specification, trials, installation and commissioning * Produce practical production documentation including process flows, procedures and quality checks What You Will Need * Strong hands on experience in a factory based production environment * Proven production line problem solving across bottlenecks, downtime, waste and quality * Experience moving manual processes towards automated or semi automated production * Familiarity with conveyors, handling systems, saws, presses, packaging or extraction equipment * Strong mechanical aptitude and practical engineering judgement * Clear communication with operators, suppliers and senior management, and a strong bias for delivery Advantageous: experience in timber, sawmilling, pallet, crate, joinery, furniture or other wood based manufacturing; taking a new product from prototype into commercial production; practical understanding of PLC controlled equipment. The Person A practical, factory focused engineer who can simplify, standardise and automate manual processes, solve day to day production issues alongside operators, and balance engineering detail with commercial practicality