NPI Mechanical Design Engineer / Manufacturing Engineer in Sutton-In-Ashfield

NPI Mechanical Design Engineer
Location: Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Contract Type: PAYE Contract
Rate: Competitive Hourly Rate (DOE)
Hours: Full Time, 40hrs p/week

About Our Client
Our client is a leading manufacturer of specialist industrial and marine safety equipment, supplying products to customers across a range of highly regulated industries worldwide.
Due to continued growth and investment in new product development, they are seeking an experienced NPI Mechanical Design Engineer to support their engineering team on a contract basis.

The Role
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer with a strong understanding of manufacturing and CNC machining processes to play a key role in bringing new products into production.
Working closely with Production, Quality, Operations and external suppliers, you will support the development of manufacturing processes, fixtures, tooling and workholding solutions, ensuring new products are introduced efficiently, safely and to the highest quality standards.

Key Responsibilities
New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Support the introduction of new products and components into manufacturing.
• Review engineering drawings and CAD models to determine the most effective manufacturing methods.
• Develop manufacturing processes from prototype through to full production release.
• Carry out Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) reviews.
• Identify and address manufacturing risks during the development process.
• Support production trials and the successful transfer of products into manufacture.

Mechanical Design & Tooling

• Design fixtures, jigs, tooling, workholding solutions and assembly aids using 3D CAD software.
• Produce detailed engineering drawings, assemblies and bills of materials.
• Develop practical and robust manufacturing solutions that improve efficiency, repeatability and quality.
• Collaborate with CNC programmers and production teams to optimise manufacturing processes.

Manufacturing Support & Continuous Improvement

• Support CNC machining activities and troubleshoot manufacturing challenges.
• Work alongside Quality and Production teams to improve processes and product quality.
• Assist with root cause investigations and the implementation of corrective actions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing costs, improving productivity and enhancing manufacturing performance.

Skills & Experience
Essential

• HNC, HND, Degree, Apprenticeship or equivalent experience in Mechanical, Manufacturing or Production Engineering.
• Previous experience in a Mechanical Design, Manufacturing Engineering or NPI environment.
• Strong 3D CAD design experience.
• Experience designing fixtures, tooling, jigs or workholding solutions for manufacturing environments.
• Good understanding of CNC machining processes.
• Ability to produce and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Understanding of GD&T, tolerances, fits and manufacturing principles.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a practical engineering mindset.
• Ability to work collaboratively with engineering, production and quality teams.

Desirable

• Experience with CAD/CAM software such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Fusion 360, Siemens NX, Mastercam or Edgecam.
• Experience supporting CNC milling and turning operations.
• Knowledge of 3-axis, 4-axis or 5-axis machining environments.
• Experience introducing products from prototype through to production.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with PFMEA, First Article Inspection (FAI) and process validation activities.

About You

• Practical and hands-on in your approach.
• Passionate about designing effective manufacturing solutions.
• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on quality and continuous improvement.
• Comfortable working both on the shop floor and within an engineering office environment.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proactive, organised and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.

What's on Offer

• Competitive hourly rate.
• Opportunity to work on exciting new product introductions.
• Collaborative engineering environment.
• Exposure to innovative manufacturing and product development projects.
• Immediate start available.

This contract opportunity would suit an experienced NPI, Manufacturing, Production or Mechanical Design Engineer with a strong CNC manufacturing background, looking to make an immediate impact within a busy engineering team.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK freely, and willing to obtain a DBS check.