Manufacturing Technician in Southampton, Hampshire

Southampton | On-site (Monday to Friday) | 8:00am - 4:00pm
£18.51 per hour
Initial contract through to the end of 2027

We are looking for a hands-on Prototype Manufacturing Technician to support Product Development teams by manufacturing samples, prototypes, and trial products in a fast-paced development environment. This role is ideal for someone with manufacturing or engineering experience who enjoys working with machinery, maintaining high quality standards, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

Working as part of a collaborative team, you will be responsible for operating, setting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting production equipment to ensure prototypes and development samples are produced safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.

• Operate manufacturing machinery and equipment to produce prototype and finished products.
• Set up, calibrate, and verify machinery is fully operational before commencing production.
• Review material requirements and work with Supply Chain teams to ensure sufficient inventory is available.
• Carry out in-process quality checks and comply with project-specific Quality Control Plans.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene across machinery and work areas.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and established manufacturing processes.
• Support Daily Direction Setting (DDS) and Integrated Work Systems (IWS) activities.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards, including ISO 9001 requirements and audit readiness.
• Adhere to all health, safety, and environmental procedures.
• Monitor machine performance and report issues to senior technicians.
• Assist with root cause analysis investigations and implementation of corrective actions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement projects and process optimisation activities.
• Support production changeovers and other operational activities as required.
• Complete production records, sample traceability documentation, and project-related administration accurately and on time.
• Support data collection, processing, and analysis activities.
• Ensure accurate handling, tracking, and disposal of excise-controlled materials where required.

Essential Experience

• Previous experience within a manufacturing, engineering, food production, tobacco, or light industrial environment.
• Practical experience operating production machinery and manufacturing equipment.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, engineering principles, and production techniques.
• Experience working to quality standards, procedures, and documentation requirements.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong mechanical aptitude and confidence working with manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to read and follow technical documentation and operating procedures.
• Good problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Comfortable working independently as well as part of a team.
• Physically capable of standing for extended periods and handling manufacturing equipment.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues across different departments.
• Flexible approach to work and willingness to support changing business needs.

This role would suit a Manufacturing Technician, Production Technician, Machine Operator, Process Technician, Engineering Technician, or somebody with practical manufacturing experience who enjoys a hands-on technical environment and wants to support innovative product development projects.