Production Engineering & Test Manager

Description:

Production Engineering & Test Manager

Location: Great Yarmouth

Department: Engineering

Reports To: Head of Manufacturing, Production Engineering

Job Purpose

To lead, develop, and inspire the Production Engineering & Test function, delivering the Engineering strategy through strong technical leadership, disciplined performance management, and measurable continuous improvement.

This role is accountable for establishing robust, scalable production flow lines, driving lean transformation across manufacturing operations, and embedding AI-enabled solutions to enhance productivity, quality, and decision-making. The position ensures safe, compliant, and cost-effective engineering support to manufacturing while safeguarding product integrity and operational excellence in line with AS9100 and relevant regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

 Operational Excellence & KPI Delivery
Lead the Engineering & Test team to consistently deliver against Safety, Service (speed and reliability), Quality, Delivery, and Cost KPIs. 
Design, implement, and optimise production flow lines to improve throughput, reduce waste, and enhance process stability. 
Drive lean manufacturing transformation initiatives, embedding structured methodologies (e.g., Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Standard Work, Kaizen, SMED, Visual Management). 
Provide high-quality engineering support to Manufacturing and Quality to ensure production continuity and technical robustness. 
Lead structured root cause analysis (8D, Fishbone, FMEA, SPC) for technical failures, ensuring effective corrective and preventive actions. 
Improve yield, cycle time, and cost efficiency through data-driven process optimisation. 
Develop and maintain clear production engineering roadmaps aligned to business strategy. 
 AI Adoption & Digital Transformation
Champion the responsible adoption of Digitisation utilising AI where appropriate and data analytics within Production Engineering and Test. 
Identify and implement AI-enabled solutions to enhance:
Predictive maintenance
Process optimisation
Automated inspection and test
Yield analysis
Capacity modelling and planning
Promote data literacy within the engineering team and foster a culture of evidence-based decision-making. 
Ensure AI deployment aligns with governance, compliance, cybersecurity, and ethical standards. 
Collaborate with IT, Operations, and external partners to integrate smart manufacturing technologies. 
 Compliance, Safety & Governance
Ensure full compliance with EHS policies and regulatory requirements. 
Maintain high housekeeping and workplace organisation standards. 
Strengthen engineering procedures, documentation, and configuration control in line with AS9100. 
Ensure production and test processes meet aerospace and high-reliability standards. 
Support customer audits and regulatory reviews with confidence and technical clarity. 
 Technical Leadership
Act as Engineering Lead for nominated products, processes, and improvement projects across the product lifecycle. 
Lead capital investment projects for equipment, automation, and process capability enhancement. 
Interface with external suppliers and partners for technical development and equipment improvement. 
Ensure test strategies are robust, repeatable, and aligned to product reliability requirements. 
 Team Leadership & Development. 
Set clear, measurable SMART objectives aligned to strategic priorities. 
Lead, coach, and develop a team of specialist and multi-skilled Production and Test Engineers
Drive accountability, high standards, and performance discipline. 
Build capability through structured development plans and succession planning. 
Ensure effective resource planning and resilience within the team. 
Delegate effectively and empower engineers to own outcomes. 
Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and proactive problem-solving. 
 Cross-Functional & External Engagement

Internal:

Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, R&D, and Programme Management. 
Align engineering priorities with operational and commercial objectives. 
Support NPI transitions from design to volume production. 

External:

Engage technically with customers, design partners, and suppliers. 
Represent Production Engineering during technical reviews and audits. 
Support continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain. 

Education & Qualifications

Essential:

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in an Engineering discipline. 

Knowledge & Experience

Essential:

Minimum 2–5 years’ experience in Production Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Technical Project Management. 
Demonstrated team leadership experience. 
Strong working knowledge of AS9100 and regulated manufacturing environments. 
Experience in high-reliability microelectronics product design and manufacturing. 
Proven experience in materials, process design, optimisation, and industrialisation. 
Experience implementing lean manufacturing principles. 
Exposure to data analytics or digital manufacturing technologies. 

Desirable:

Experience with MCM, Thick Film Hybrid, and PCBA technologies. 
Experience implementing AI or advanced analytics within manufacturing. 
Capital equipment specification and commissioning experience. 

Competencies

Strong, decisive leadership with the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams. 
Strategic thinker with operational execution capability. 
Advanced problem-solving and root cause analysis expertise. 
Structured, methodical, and detail-oriented approach. 
Change leadership and lean transformation capability. 
Commercial awareness and cost discipline. 
Ability to manage ambiguity and competing priorities. 
Excellent communication and technical report writing skills. 
Confident stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution skills. 
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems. 

Other Requirements

Security Cleared (SC) or ability to obtain clearance. 
Willingness and ability to travel as required for business needs. 

What We Can Offer You

Flexible working practices – we work a 9-day fortnight, offer flexi-time, and work a half day Friday
33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays) with the option to buy up to 5 additional days
Health cash plan – cash back for everyday health expenses
Additional benefits including access to 24/7 remote GP services, physiotherapy consultations and gym discounts
Pension scheme with 6% employer contributions
Life assurance – 4 x annual salary
Reward and recognition platform
Discount platform – retail, leisure, gym discounts and more
Employee assistance programme with access to confidential counselling services
Support for further training and education