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.