Job Title: Methods Engineer
Location: Birkenhead
Salary: £37,000 - £39,000
Hours per Week: 37 hours
Working Hours: Monday to Thursday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm; Friday, 7:30 am to 12:30 pm
Key Aim:
The Methods Engineer will support the Operations team and Operational Excellence initiatives by developing cost-effective manufacturing systems for both new and existing programs. This role focuses on optimizing assembly and manufacturing processes through detailed analysis of products and methods, as well as the design and implementation of improvements. The Methods Engineer serves as the primary liaison between Operations and the Engineering team.
Key Duties & Tasks:
As a Methods Engineer, your primary responsibilities will include designing and implementing tools, fixtures, and jigs to enhance manufacturing processes while prioritizing safety. You will evaluate and integrate new technologies to boost production capacity and quality, and continuously analyse efficiency, recommending and implementing improvements. Your role involves managing BOM routings and product structures, ensuring data accuracy in Movex, and optimizing workplace layouts for streamlined workflows.
You will collaborate closely with the Engineering team to facilitate the cost-effective introduction of new products, including packaging design and creating user-friendly work instructions. Additionally, you will lead improvement projects, develop business cases for management review, and support production by resolving complex technical issues. Your responsibilities also extend to ensuring equipment meets specifications, participating in quality assurance processes, and providing training on new and existing equipment.
Working Relationships:
Collaborate with Supervision, Maintenance, Operational Excellence, Competence Leads, QA, and Engineering teams.
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications:
HNC Engineering qualification required.
Graduate status, preferably in Production Engineering, is desirable.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience:
Strong knowledge of Health & Safety legislation.
Experience in Production/Methods Engineering within production environments.
Engineering experience equivalent to HNC level.
In-depth knowledge of internal processes.
Experience in a Lean environment.
Familiarity with MRP systems and problem-solving tools (e.g., QRQC, 5Y, Ishikawa, 8D).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Desirable:
Rail industry experience, experience in safety-critical environments, familiarity with regulated industries (e.g., ISO, RISAS, IRIS, COMAH), standard time measurement experience, NPI and ToT/ToP experience, CAD proficiency, experience with Lean tools (e.g., VSM, SMED, Poke-yoke, 5S, single-piece flow, Yamazumi), and budget management skills.