Design & Production Engineer

Job Title:

Design & Production Engineer

Location:

Daventry (Long March Area)

Hours:

Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £37,000 + dependent on experience

A leading engineering and manufacturing organisation is seeking a highly skilled Design & Production Engineer to support the development and industrialisation of precision-engineered automotive components. This role spans the full lifecycle of product development – from concept design and prototype development through to production launch and continuous improvement. Working closely with production, quality, suppliers and internal engineering teams, you will play a key role in ensuring designs are feasible, efficiently manufactured and delivered to the highest quality standards.

This position is ideal for an engineer with strong CAD capability, technical rigour, and a passion for creating innovative and robust engineering solutions.

• Concept & Feasibility
  
  • Create and develop CAD concepts (3D and 2D) based on customer requirements and packaging constraints.
  
  • Assess design feasibility, cost and capability by collaborating with suppliers and internal teams.
  
  • Prepare Manufacturing Feasibility Reports and lead early risk assessments including DFMEA.
  
  • Define datum strategies, interfaces and critical characteristics in line with engineering standards.
  
  • Present design proposals at internal reviews and technical meetings.
• Prototype Development & Validation
  
  • Produce detailed CAD models and drawings for prototype manufacture and customer approval.
  
  • Design tooling, jigs and fixtures for prototype and pre‑production builds.
  
  • Coordinate prototype builds across suppliers and internal departments.
  
  • Review first‑off components, analyse data and implement corrective design or process adjustments.
  
  • Capture lessons learned to support design freeze and production readiness.
• Pre‑Production & Industrialisation
  
  • Finalise designs for production release ensuring robust GD&T and tolerance application.
  
  • Develop process flows, PFMEAs, control plans and SOPs for pre‑production builds.
  
  • Conduct capacity studies, layout reviews and Run‑at‑Rate trials.
  
  • Oversee tooling readiness with both internal and external suppliers.
  
  • Ensure accurate CAD data management and configuration control throughout development.
  
  • Validate process changes and ensure correct routing information within ERP systems.
• Production Launch & Continuous Improvement
  
  • Support production ramp‑up by resolving design or process issues.
  
  • Lead process capability improvements to achieve cost, quality and delivery targets.
  
  • Participate in cross‑functional reviews, lessons‑learned workshops and NPI improvement initiatives.
  
  • Contribute to ongoing improvements in CAD standards, design methodologies and manufacturing processes.

• Degree or HND in Mechanical, Manufacturing or Production Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Proficient in CATIA V5 for 3D modelling and 2D drawings.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, datum structures and engineering standards (BS8888 / ASME Y14.x).
• Experience with production processes, tooling design and design‑for‑manufacture principles.
• Familiarity with APQP, PFMEA, control plans, lean manufacturing and quality management systems.
• Competent in Microsoft Office; experience with ERP systems beneficial.
• Background in automotive, aerospace, defence, rail, marine or similar engineering sectors.

• Practical, detail‑driven and proactive approach to engineering challenges.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross‑functionally.
• Organised, self‑motivated and capable of managing multiple projects.
• Analytical problem‑solver familiar with Six Sigma, 8D, Ishikawa and Poka‑Yoke tools.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing project priorities.
• Committed to high standards of quality, safety and continuous improvement.

• Flexible approach to workload and willingness to undertake additional tasks when required.
• Ability to respond quickly to shifting priorities.
• Adherence to company Health & Safety, Quality and Environmental policies.

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