Senior Manufacturing Engineer

ABOUT US G&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications. Headquartered in Ilminster Somerset, UK with primary operations in the USA and Europe, G&H is recognised for the breadth of their acousto‑optic, electro‑optic, crystal‑optic, fibre‑optic, and precision optic products. G&H is recognised as the preferred source for OEMs in the life sciences, industrial, and aerospace and defence industries, with a history of quality and excellence that dates back over seventy‑five years. JOB TYPE Full‑time LOCATION G&H Torquay ABOUT THE ROLE We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer specialising in Fibre Optic Modular Systems and Photonic Packaging to play a critical role in enabling the seamless transition from New Product Introduction (NPI) into full‑scale, high‑volume manufacturing. This position requires deep technical expertise, strong process knowledge, and a proactive approach to Continuous Improvement (CI) and Cost of Poor Quality (CoPQ) reduction. The successful candidate will serve as a technical leader within the manufacturing organisation supporting production processes, improving yields and cycle times, and developing advanced, scalable manufacturing methods for complex photonic products and modular device assemblies. RESPONSIBILITIES Act as the subject matter expert for Photonic Packaging & Fibre Optic Modular system manufacturing processes and products. Analyse and optimise the manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure consistent product quality. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including quality, design engineering, operations, product management planning with seamless execution and transition of new manufacturing projects, including NPI/NPD in readiness for release to manufacture. Diagnose and resolve issues in production, including mechanical, electrical, and process related problems. Use data to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and performance metrics, ensuring continuous improvement across production lines that drive improvements in cycle time, yield, and reduction waste and overall manufacturing efficiency in line with CoPQ targets. Ensure all manufacturing processes comply with industry safety standards and regulatory requirements whilst also maintaining accurate records, reports, and documentation for compliance, quality assurance, and process audits & change management. Drive implementation and maintenance of LEAN and CI practices across the organisation. Support the training of new and existing processes, raising training and process corrective actions with operations value streams when required. Support product configuration and the engineering change control processes. Adhere to all Company policies, management systems and standard operational procedures, including legal responsibilities in relation to Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality systems. Work positively to develop and foster good working relationships with colleagues and contracted personnel to maintain a culture of mutual respect and dignity. Promote and display the G&H values: Customer focus, Integrity, Action, Unity, Precision. QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS Bachelor’s degree in photonics engineering, manufacturing, or a related field is preferred. Proven substantial experience within manufacturing engineering, photonics packaging, fibre optic modular systems, including complex device manufacturing environments. Strong understanding of product assembly, testing, and handling processes. Proficient with NPI/NPD, PFMEA, process validation, and product line transfers. Proficiency in Lean, Six Sigma, or other CI methodologies. Technical understanding of root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation. Hands‑on experience with manufacturing tools and equipment, including fibre optic splicing, Photonic Package alignment systems, Reflow Soldering, Laser Welding preferred. Proficient with optics bonding, UV Curable adhesives, alignment & testing. Product Lifecycle management within a highly regulated environment preferred. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES Drive and Determination Innovation, Creativity & Deliver Results Proactive and solutions‑oriented mindset Strong communication and collaboration skills Detail‑oriented with a focus on quality and precision Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast‑paced environment BENEFITS 25 up to 30 days annual leave (phased with long service) Corporate Cash Plan Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme Notes: This job description is not intended to be exhaustive in every respect, but rather to clearly define the fundamental purpose, responsibilities and dimensions for the role. Therefore, this job description does not describe any individual role holder. In addition to the contents of this job description, employees are expected to undertake all other reasonable and related tasks allocated by their line manager. The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates. Potential candidates should be aware that many of the employment roles at Gooch & Housego are subject to government security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities that you may have previously held and your place of birth, could restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All UK applicants must, as a minimum, be able to successfully complete security vetting to the UK government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard, which includes a criminal record check being performed. Many roles may also require higher levels of security vetting to be completed, where applicants must typically have been continuously resident within the UK for the past five to ten years. #J-18808-Ljbffr