Trainee Manufacturing Engineer in Daventry, Northamptonshire

The Role
We are looking for a motivated Trainee Manufacturing Engineer to join an established engineering and manufacturing business. This is a development opportunity for someone with a background in fabrication, sheet metal, CAD, or general manufacturing who is looking to progress into a more engineering-focused position.

The role will involve working with existing engineering models and drawings, ensuring components can be manufactured efficiently using a range of in-house processes. You will also have the opportunity to update drawings, develop manufacturing documentation and contribute to continuous improvement activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Review engineering drawings, models and components to ensure suitability for manufacture.
• Identify opportunities to improve designs and manufacturing methods, working with the Engineering team to agree changes.
• Update CAD models and drawings in line with engineering procedures.
• Produce component models and fabrication drawings where required.
• Develop manufacturing programmes and optimise material usage.
• Prepare production setups, tooling requirements and manufacturing instructions.
• Support fabrication, forming, welding and finishing activities.
• Work closely with production personnel to resolve manufacturing issues.
• Develop standard working methods and maintain accurate manufacturing documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, consistency and material utilisation.
• Maintain accurate technical records in accordance with company procedures and quality standards.
• Support continuous improvement activities across the manufacturing operation.

Skills & Experience

Holds an engineering qualification

Practical understanding of sheet metal fabrication or general manufacturing processes.

Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.

Experience using a 3D CAD package would be beneficial

Good attention to detail and a methodical approach to work.

An interest in CAD, CAM and manufacturing technology.

Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn.

Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with engineering and production teams.

Good organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate technical information.

The Package

Salary of £28,000–£35,000 per annum, depending on experience.

Full-time, permanent employment.

Training and development in CAD, CAM and relevant manufacturing software.

Support and mentoring from experienced engineering colleagues.

Hands-on involvement in a variety of engineering and manufacturing projects.

The opportunity to contribute to the development of manufacturing processes and capabilities.

Potential to progress into a broader manufacturing or fabrication engineering role as your skills develop.