Production Engineer

Manufacturing/Production Engineer

Engagement Type: Outside IR35 Contract

Security Clearance: Active SC preferred; candidates with prior clearance considered

Company Setup: Candidates must be a registered company (Ltd) or prepared to establish one

Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing/Production Engineer to support the manufacture, assembly, and testing of towed array sonar systems on a Statement of Work (SOW) engagement basis. The ideal candidate will work independently under contract, bringing expertise in production engineering within defense, maritime, and high-reliability electronic systems.

Key Responsibilities:

*Manufacturing Process Optimization: Develop, refine, and document manufacturing processes for towed array sonar systems, ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance with industry standards.

. Production Engineering Support: Provide hands-on support for assembly, integration, and testing, troubleshooting electro-mechanical and fiber-optic systems.

*Quality & Compliance: Ensure adherence to ISO 9001, MIL-STD, and defense industry regulations, working with Quality Engineers to implement corrective actions.

. Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement: Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and DFM/DFA (Design for Manufacturing & Assembly) best practices to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.

. Supply Chain & Materials Management: Collaborate with suppliers and procurement teams to source materials, manage lead times, and drive cost efficiency.

. Technical Documentation & Reporting: Generate and maintain detailed work instructions, test procedures, process control documentation, and compliance reports.

. Security & Compliance Considerations: Work within classified and security-sensitive environments, ensuring all processes adhere to security protocols.

*Collaboration: Engage with R&D, production, and defense stakeholders to optimize manufacturing workflows and resolve engineering challenges.

Candidate Requirements:

. Must operate as a Limited Company (Ltd) or be willing to establish one for contract engagement.

*Active SC Security Clearance preferred; candidates with prior clearance will also be considered.

. Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

. Proven experience in manufacturing or production engineering within the defense, maritime, or aerospace sectors.

. Expertise in electro-mechanical assembly, cable harnessing, encapsulation techniques, and fiber-optic components is highly desirable.

. Strong understanding of DFM/DFA, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies.

. Experience with failure analysis (FMEA, RCA), corrective action processes, and continuous improvement.

. Familiarity with MIL-STD, ITAR, AS9100, and other defense manufacturing standards.

. Proficiency in CAD software (eg, SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and PLM/MRP systems.

. Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a self-motivated approach to project execution.

Preferred Qualifications:

. Experience with automated manufacturing and advanced materials for underwater applications.

. Lean Six Sigma certification (Green/Black Belt).

. Prior experience in subsea or naval defense manufacturing.

People Source Consulting Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. People Source specialise in technology recruitment across niche markets including Information Technology, Digital TV, Digital Marketing, Project and Programme Management, SAP, Digital and Consumer Electronics, Air Traffic Management, Management Consultancy, Business Intelligence, Manufacturing, Telecoms, Public Sector, Healthcare, Finance and Oil & Gas.