Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer
Location: Near Hailsham
Salary: £Competitive
We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to join a technically advanced manufacturing environment, supporting the production of complex, high-precision components.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced manufacturing professional with strong CNC, CAD/CAM and continuous improvement expertise to take ownership of manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures and production optimisation.
The Role
As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will:
* Provide manufacturing decision-making information, including production and material cost calculations and make-or-buy assessments.
* Design and manufacture bespoke workholding and fixtures using SolidWorks, including 3D modelling and 2D drafting.
* Write and amend CNC programmes using machine controls including Fanuc, Heidenhain, Mazatrol and CELOS, as well as CAD/CAM software.
* Develop programmes using SolidCAM and Vericut and carry out CNC programme prove-outs on the machine.
* Create job setup sheets and manage tooling and fixtures.
* Lead operational improvement initiatives, identifying and implementing best-practice manufacturing methods.
* Improve quality and productivity while reducing waste and manufacturing costs.
* Evaluate and recommend new manufacturing methods, product design changes, tooling and fixtures to reduce manufacturing and assembly time.
* Support product cost reduction through continuous improvement and product maintenance.
* Train and support operations personnel, creating training manuals and work instructions where required.
About You
You will have extensive experience in a CNC manufacturing environment, ideally working with complex, tightly toleranced components.
Essential experience includes:
* Extensive experience cutting aluminium and stainless steel.
* Experience with multi-axis CNC machine tools, including 5-axis, 3+2 and multitasking.
* Experience with fixed-head turning centres.
* Experience manufacturing high-complexity, tightly toleranced products, ideally within sectors such as automotive, aerospace, medical or scientific manufacturing.
* Ability to read and write NC G-Code programmes.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Experience within low-volume and batch-production environments.
* Knowledge of engineering components, including BOMs, operations and routings.
* Strong IT skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email and ERP systems.
* Experience with 3D CAD packages such as SolidWorks, Creo, Siemens NX, Solid Edge or AutoCAD.
* Advanced CAM experience across milling and turning, using packages such as SolidCAM, Edgecam, HyperMill, Mastercam or Siemens NX.
* Strong communication skills, initiative and a proactive approach.
The role requires someone who is motivated, energetic and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Desirable Experience
It would be advantageous to have experience with:
* SolidWorks and SolidCAM
* Vericut
* Manufacturing automation, including bar feeders and palletisation
* Project management
Qualifications & Experience
You will ideally hold an HNC/HND in Manufacturing or Production Engineering, or have a minimum of 10 years' industry experience combined with a recognised engineering apprenticeship.
A minimum of 5 years' experience in a similar manufacturing engineering role is required.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for an individual who is:
Highly motivated and committed to achieving high standards.
A strong team player who communicates effectively with colleagues.
Able to listen, follow instructions and work independently.
Positive, cooperative and professional in their approach.
Committed to continuous improvement and working constructively within established processes and procedures.
If you're an experienced Manufacturing Engineer looking for a technically challenging role where you can make a tangible impact on manufacturing quality, productivity and cost, we'd like to hear from you