Manufacturing Process Engineer

Location: Staplehurst, Kent Salary: Competitive Salary, DOE Hours: Monday - Friday Contract: Full time, Permanent Generous benefits package including:Competitive pay rates Enhanced pension contributions Quarterly staff bonus scheme Cycle to work scheme Company sick pay scheme Free on-site parking Employee referral scheme Training and development Competitive holidays 2 x death in service cover About Us:Established for over 50 years, we are leading specialists in the design, manufacture and installation of bespoke magnetic shielding solutions and magnetically-shielded rooms. We serve an expanding customer base across the UK, Europe, USA and Asia which includes blue-chip companies in quantum technology, electronics, aerospace, automotive, medical and pharmaceutical sectors.With a full manufacturing facility in Staplehurst, Kent, fully equipped with the latest technology, we provide our customers with the highest level of service and quality. All of our manufacturing processes including heat treatment-are integrated in our production plant.Our values: precision, innovation, collaboration and inclusivity. We believe our people are our greatest asset and are committed to creating an environment where technical excellence thrives.About the role:As our Manufacturing Process Engineer, you will operate at the heart of our production capability. You will support the Production team by optimising manufacturing processes, advising on new machinery, equipment, tooling & workflow layouts, and working with the Workshop Manager to implement improvements. You will be a key contributor to our New Product Introduction (NPI) team, ensuring that new products are smoothly transferred into production and that our ISO 9001 systems are adhered to in respect of production documentation.Main Duties:Provide hands-on technical assistance and problem-solving support to the production team, diagnosing production issues and driving sustainable corrective actionsSource, evaluate and justify new machinery, equipment and tooling; lead implementation into production and then monitor output/efficiency gainsReview and improve production processes, applying Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methods (for example, waste reduction, process standardisation, throughput optimisation)Work closely across multiple departments (Production, Engineering/Design, Quality, Sales) to push through improvement projects and ensure alignment of workflow, tooling and production documentationLiaise with Engineering/Design & Workshop Manager: review new products prior to release into production, ensure tooling/equipment is specified and implemented in advanceWith the Sales department, produce accurate production routings; with the Quality department, assist in creating or updating manufacturing documentation (SOPs, work instructions, process control plans)Lead planning and execution of internal and collaborative R&D projects: identify funding sources, co-author grant proposals, maintain awareness of emerging technologies and trends to influence strategic directionProvide high-level technical consultancy to customers and project partners, ensuring our manufacturing process aligns with both our internal quality standards and customer requirementsPromote and uphold best practices in health & safety, laboratory and manufacturing conduct, documentation and compliance.Essential Skills/Experience:Engineering degree ( Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial or similar ) or time-served engineer with demonstrable experience in a manufacturing environmentMinimum of 3 years' experience in a manufacturing process engineering role (or equivalent)Proven experience introducing new processes and products into manufacturing, including tooling, workflow, equipment, production ramp-upExcellent communication skills with ability to interact effectively at all levels, including shop floor, management, cross-functional colleaguesProactive, hands-on problem-solver: able to identify root cause, propose sustainable solutions, drive implementationStrong project management skills: organising, planning, executing improvement/capital projectsIT proficient: Excel (advanced), Word, familiarity with MRP/ERP systems and production data systemsExperience creating manufacturing documentation such as SOPs, work instructions, process routingsDesirable experience:Experience with sheet-metal or deep-drawing manufacturing processes (relevant given our bespoke shielding fabrications)Strong knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies & Lean manufacturing (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, value-stream mapping)Experience in low- to mid-volume batch manufacturing (which fits our bespoke/engineering-led production model)Experience in sourcing & justifying capital equipment (CAPEX) including business case development, ROI analysisExperience in troubleshooting technical process issues, including relating to internal/external quality concernsExperience working in or supporting an ISO 9001 quality management system, and/or Six Sigma programsWe acknowledge that the most valuable aspect of business is the people, and we are looking to recruit the next generation of our workforceAt MSL, we're driven by curiosity, precision, and collaboration. We value diversity of thought and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where technical excellence and innovation thrive.We will invest everything we have in your success. If you're ready to lead groundbreaking electromagnetic engineering work and contribute to industry shaping science, we'd love to hear from you. Please refer to our website (www.magneticshields.co.uk) for more information.