Manufacturing Engineer – Body in White
Newton Aycliffe
£ Competitive
The DRVN Automotive Group are recruiting for Manufacturing Engineers for a leading automotive company with stunning build workshops based in Newton Aycliffe. The Manufacturing Engineer will provide safe documented control systems, designed to facilitate Automotive manufacturing assemblies, with a “Right First Time” methodical approach and a focus on quality.
Our client is experiencing a period of rapid growth having secured a long-term contract to build some of Ford Motor Company’s most historically significant icons. This role will suite a highly desirable car enthusiast, working for a company of fellow enthusiasts.
Overview of the Role
* Manufacturing Engineer
* Salary – £ Competitive DOE
* Holidays: 33 Days
* Pension
* Employee Referral Scheme
* 40 hours per week Monday-Friday (early finish each Friday afternoon)
* Location – Newton Aycliffe, just off the A1(M)
* Ability to travel to Coventry 1 day per week
Company Overview
The DRVN Automotive Group are a sector leading automotive group, specialising in the design, manufacture, and distribution of luxury automotive brands, recognised globally for our commitment to innovation, quality, and engineering, centred around a world-class customer experience.
The DRVN group have made some major recent announcements to launch some of Ford Motor Company’s most historically significant icons kick starting with the RS200 and MK1 Escort, giving engineers an amazing platform to not only showcase their engineering and design skills across various disciplines, but to work on the most amazing modernisation programmes ever to be seen.
Situated in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, our North -East Site boasts a state-of-the-art production facility spanning 40,000 square feet. Equipped with specialised workshop bays dedicated to fabrication, bodywork and paint, our facility stands as a testament to our commitment to precision and quality. As we surge ahead, production at our facility is poised for rapid expansion throughout 2025, reflecting our unwavering dedication to growth and innovation.
Responsibilities
* Serve in a cross-functional environment with engineering, manufacturing, sourcing, product management and suppliers to optimise manufacturability
* Design and implement steel fabrication processes for BIW components, ensuring production efficiency and adherence to quality standards.
* Develop and optimise welding procedures for various welding methods (MIG, TIG, spotwelding, etc.) used in BIW steel fabrication.
* Implement weld methods, tooling and processes to ensure high-quality welds and strong joint integrity.
* Design, procure, and implement appropriate tools, jigs, fixtures, and welding equipment for steel fabrication processes.
* Maintain documentation related to engineering changes, material specifications, and work instructions.
* NPI to Business objectives and Manufacturing Engineering key targets
* Implement and develop documentation processes and tooling through approved portfolio project and change management release processes
* Ensure all necessary product information (BOP, PFMEA, Process Flow charts, Work Instruction sheets, etc) are current and readily available
* Prepare capital expenditure estimates for new product and existing product change by evaluation of equipment and tooling costs
* Implementation and CI of documentation, production tooling, equipment, and operator training to meet standards and final sign-off requirements
* Procure tooling, Equipment, and materials through internal purchasing system
* Document and concepts that include specification of equipment and make recommendations for the technical selection of purchased equipment
* Introduce lean manufacturing principles to optimise effectiveness of the manufacturing operations
* Support AME by Identifying, investigating, testing, and validating new innovative process technology and work methods to be implemented
* Serve as a critical supplier to Manufacturing/Production, understanding their needs and able to effectively communicate to contain and resolve concerns and issues
* Provide support to less experienced process engineers
* May Mentor other team members
* Follow and adhere to all company policies and procedures including Health and Safety protocols
* Implement 5S initiatives.
Essential Skills
* HNC qualification or equivalent in Manufacturing engineering or equivalent
* Experience of Body in White, competency in CAD design packages.
* Min 3- 5 years’ time served expert Manufacturing Engineer with experience of working within an Automotive/Manufacturing environment with relevant experience as a Manufacturing/Process/Production Engineer within a fast paced, forward-thinking business
* Strong background covering Manufacturing Engineering principles
* Be a strong advocate for Quality in the company and outside, with suppliers and other stakeholders
* An understanding of industry and regulatory requirements such Quality System Regulations (IATF16949, ISO9001, 5S, TPM, KPI’s)
* Experienced in generating standard work instructions, man assignments and process flows
* Able to identify risks, use problem-solving techniques, develop, and safely implement new processes within a production and manufacturing environment
* Experience with BOM’s and Change Management processes
* Understand lean manufacturing and 5S principles
* Proven ability to liaise and communicate with other departments, suppliers, and other service providers
* Lean experience and able to manage CI projects
* Ability to manage one’s own time and prioritise workload accordingly across multiple projects
* Be an effective team member, working with colleagues to ensure smooth workflow with maximum output
* Proficient in using Microsoft Packages
* Must have IDLR/Full Rights to Work in UK - Sponsorship or Work Permits will not be accepted/ provided.
Desirable Skills
* Experience of working with carbon fibre and adhesives
Please note we do not provide sponsorships to those who require it and will only accept applications from those who have full rights to work in the UK with no restrictions and IDLR/Full Settlement status. Please provide status on applications.
Our inclusive workplace welcomes and values all candidates from all backgrounds, we believe that diversity enhances our ability to innovate and serve our customers effectively. We are an equal opportunity employer and strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and able to bring their authentic selves to work. If you require any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.