Production Engineer - Experienced Production Engineer

Job Description 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 ResponsibilitiesReview current manufacturing processes and improve output, labour efficiency, material flow and qualityIntroduce practical automation and move manual processes towards semi automated productionDevelop improved jigs, fixtures, handling systems, conveyors, assembly methods and line layoutsAnalyse bottlenecks, downtime, waste and labour intensive tasks, then deliver workable solutionsTake new products from concept through prototype, pilot trials, process validation and launchWork with external suppliers on machinery specification, trials, installation and commissioningProduce practical production documentation including process flows, procedures and quality checksWhat You Will NeedStrong hands on experience in a factory based production environmentProven production line problem solving across bottlenecks, downtime, waste and qualityExperience moving manual processes towards automated or semi automated productionFamiliarity with conveyors, handling systems, saws, presses, packaging or extraction equipmentStrong mechanical aptitude and practical engineering judgementClear communication with operators, suppliers and senior management, and a strong bias for deliveryAdvantageous: 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 PersonA 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.