Manufacturing Process Engineer

Location: Southampton, Hampshire

Salary:

Technician level: circa £30,000

Engineer level: circa £45,000

Type: Permanent, full-time The Role

We are recruiting a Manufacturing Process Engineer to join a high-tech manufacturing environment in Southampton. Reporting to the Engineering Manager, this role provides day-to-day engineering support to a key components production line, with a particular focus on fibre-based products supplied both internally and to external manufacturing partners.

This is a hands-on role supporting live manufacturing operations, solving problems at source, driving continuous improvement and supporting new product introductions. The level of appointment will be aligned to experience and capability, allowing the role to suit either a Technician-level candidate looking to develop or a more experienced Engineer.

You will work closely with Production, R&D and Engineering teams, contributing to process robustness, product quality and operational efficiency, while also bringing fresh thinking and improvement ideas. Key Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day manufacturing process support to production lines, identifying issues and implementing root cause corrective actions

Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cycle time, cost reduction and process efficiency

Create, maintain and improve SOPs, routings and technical manufacturing documentation

Support the introduction of new products, processes and equipment, ensuring manufacturing requirements are met

Collaborate with Engineering and R&D teams on process development and product improvements

Log, track and prioritise issues and improvement actions using JIRA and Confluence Skills & Experience

Essential:

Minimum of 3 years experience in a manufacturing support or process engineering role

Strong problem-solving skills with experience in root cause analysis

Experience creating and maintaining technical documentation

IT literate with good working knowledge of Excel, Word and PowerPoint

Desirable:

Experience with fibre components, optical assemblies, laser-based products or similar high-precision manufacturing

Hands-on experience using fibre processing equipment (e.g. splicers, cleavers, stripping tools)

Knowledge of precision machinery, automation, electrical diagnostics or programming

Experience of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or similar continuous improvement methodologies

Data analysis experience, including exposure to SQL Qualifications

Degree qualified in an engineering or scientific discipline, or demonstrably equivalent through experience and alternative technical qualifications Personal Attributes

Highly motivated with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively

Comfortable working in a fast-paced, changing manufacturing environment

Self-motivated and able to work independently as well as part of a team

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams

Practical, hands-on approach with a creative and solutions-focused mindset

Strong customer and quality focus

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