Production Engineer

Poole, Dorset
Matchtech Technology

Our client, a global specialist engineering company, is seeking a Production Engineer to join their team in Poole. As a leader in fluid and motion control applications, our client designs, builds, and services highly engineered products for various sectors including Industrial Automation, Process Automation, Climate Control, Life Science and Fluid Control, and Transport. With a presence in over 50 countries and approximately 10,000 employees worldwide, this is an excellent opportunity to be part of an innovative and dynamic team.

Role Overview

This permanent position within the Operations team is responsible for producing all relevant documentation, routings, procedures, programs, tooling, and equipment to enable the successful manufacture and testing of various valves for the Oil & Gas, Nuclear, and Marine sectors. The role involves support for skilled operators, liaising with design engineering, and focusing on machining & automation of components. The successful candidate may also be required to assist with engineering support in other areas of the business where their skillset allows them to do so.

Key Responsibilities

• Use CAM software to produce programs for a variety of multi-axis CNC machines, including 5-axis turn-mill, sliding head turn-mill, and 5-axis milling.
• Create set-up sheets for CNC machines to include information about cutting tools, fixtures, and inspection equipment. Ensure additional key notes and photos are added to aid operators in setting up work to produce a first-off right first time.
• Support the prove out of new programs across CNC machines ensuring correctness before production handover.
• Return updated CNC programs timely, store them correctly, and maintain CNC controls clear of programs by machine operators.
• Support and improve a range of production techniques including manual machining, CNC machining, deburring, component finishing, cleaning, and metrology.
• Assist the production team with technical assistance and problem-solving solutions.
• Develop solutions for manufacturing components across the machine shop using standardised tooling and methods where possible.
• Design new cutting tools and work holding solutions when standard offerings are insufficient.
• Identify defective processes and lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to implement swift corrective actions.
• Identify waste within manufacturing processes and lead continuous improvement activities.
• Review cost of products and poor quality, respond to NCRs and change requests to prevent recurring issues.
• Maintain and apply lean principles within the machining environment.
• Design jigs and fixtures using CAD (preferably 3D) following lean principles.
• Provide detailed manufacturing procedures.
• Monitor production output through reports, analyse data to implement improvements toward ‘world-class’ productivity.
• Liaise with design engineering to review new products before production, conduct PFMEAs, and ensure efficient cost manufacture.
• Produce accurate and detailed production routes with operation details, procedures, and time estimates for in-house manufacture.
• Contribute to Value Analysis and Value Engineering (VAVE) projects, delivering quality engineering production solutions.
• Maintain ERP/MRP system data relevant to production engineering including part numbers, routes, and batch sizes.
• Perform other duties as required by the nature and level of the post.

Critical Competencies for Success

• Qualified to HNC level or similar Mechanical or Production Engineering qualification with demonstrable engineering experience.
• Sound understanding of modern manufacturing methods.
• Ability to evaluate processes through capability studies and equipment reviews.
• Experience in designing jigs and fixtures using CAD (preferably 3D).
• Experience with Continuous Improvement tools and techniques (e.g., VSM, SMED, TPM, Kaizen, 5S, Error proofing).
• Conversant with Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Lean Manufacture Value Analysis and Value Engineering (VAVE).
• Strong relationship-building skills with internal and external customers.
• Positive attitude and ability to work calmly under pressure.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• PC literate in PowerPoint, Outlook, Word, Project, and Excel.
• Experience in programming and setting 4/5-axis CNC machines and capable of producing CNC programs using CAM software.

If you are an experienced Production Engineer with a strong background in CNC and manufacturing, we encourage you to apply now to join our client’s talented team in Poole.