Production Engineer

Job Description:

Production Engineer

£55,000 – £60,000
Barton Under Needwood / Burton Upon Trent

A £40m investment. A manufacturing site is still being built.
A rare opportunity to shape how a facility operates from day one.

This is not a steady-state production role.

This is an opportunity to join a major rail engineering organisation at a pivotal moment — as it delivers a brand-new manufacturing and overhaul facility, set to become one of the largest rail hubs in the UK and Europe.

Why this role stands out

This is a build-phase environment — not maintenance.

You won’t inherit processes. You’ll help create them.

With multiple product lines being relocated into a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility, this role gives you the chance to:

• Influence how production is set up and run
• Solve real operational problems as they emerge
• Work directly with shop floor teams to drive performance
• Play a key role in the successful launch of a major UK engineering site

The role

Sitting at the intersection of engineering and operations, you will act as the technical backbone of the shop floor — turning drawings, intent, and data into reliable, repeatable production.

You’ll be a visible, hands-on presence — working closely with operators to proactively identify, address, and resolve issues before they impact performance.

What you’ll be doing

• Acting as the key engineering link between technical and operational teams
• Supporting the transition and transfer of work into a new facility
• Interpreting drawings, routings, and technical specifications into practical application
• Identifying and resolving production issues using structured problem-solving (Lean, RCA, etc.)
• Analysing data to uncover inefficiencies and drive targeted improvements
• Leading engineering actions that stabilise production and “lock in” results
• Coaching operators and driving best practice on the shop floor
• Supporting planning, estimating, and operational readiness as the site scales

What you’ll be solving

• Production instability during a major site transition
• Inefficiencies in new processes and layouts
• Gaps between engineering intent and operational execution
• The challenge of embedding standards in a brand-new environment

What success looks like

• A stable, efficient production environment
• Strong engagement between engineering and shop floor teams
• Problems identified early and resolved quickly
• Processes that are robust, repeatable, and scalable

What we’re looking for

• Strong Production Engineering background within manufacturing or heavy engineering
• A hands-on, shop floor–focused mindset
• Confidence solving problems in fast-moving or changing environments
• Experience with Lean / continuous improvement tools
• Strong communication skills — able to influence at operator and leadership level

Why join?

This is a career-defining opportunity to be part of a major investment programme — not just improving a facility but helping build one.

If you’re an engineer who thrives on solving real problems, working closely with people, and leaving a lasting impact on how a site operates this role offers something genuinely different.

About Ford & Stanley Group

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group are in the business of people and performance. Our mission is to create one million better workdays through facilitating great recruitment, leadership, and occupational mental fitness. We support our clients in their most challenging business areas – recruiting, developing, and retaining the best talent from shop floor to boardroom.

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3. Ford & Stanley Executive Search – Business specialising in Executive Search & Executive Interim Solutions in the UK, North America, Middle East, and Europe.
4. Ford & Stanley Genius Performance – Performance is always accelerated when good people are coached, inspired, trained, and focused on the right way.

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall always adhere to such a policy and will review on an on-going basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination. We will treat everyone equally irrespective sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief or political beliefs and we place an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy.