Production Engineer - Mechanical

Company Profile

Location: Waterbeach, UK

Department: R&D – Production Engineering

Reports to: Production Engineering Manager

Type: Full-time, Permanent

Thermoteknix Systems Ltd, founded in 1982 and based in Cambridge, is a world leader in thermal imaging, night vision, and augmented reality systems. Our award-winning technologies are trusted by defence, security, and industrial customers in over 70 countries. With in‑house R&D, cutting‑edge innovation, and a global reputation for quality, we design and manufacture solutions that perform in the toughest environments.

Thermoteknix is establishing a new Production Engineering team within R&D to transition products from development into robust, scalable manufacturing.

The Mechanical Production Engineer will play a role in ensuring mechanical aspects of new and existing products are optimised for manufacture, test, assembly, and long‑term production support. This role covers production process development, fixture and jig design, documentation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing capability.

New Product Introduction & Transfer to Manufacturing

• Support the structured transfer of products from R&D into engineering and manufacturing.
• Ensure mechanical designs are suitable for production through DFM/DFA reviews.
• Lead mechanical work streams within NPI projects, ensuring readiness for build and scale.
• Collaborate with design engineers to finalise manufacturable mechanical solutions.

Production Engineering Development

• Design and develop mechanical assembly fixtures, test jigs, tooling, and support equipment.
• Define and document mechanical build procedures, assembly instructions, and production workflows.
• Establish repeatable and controlled manufacturing processes for mechanical sub‑assemblies.

Continuous Improvement & Manufacturing Optimisation

• Drive improvements in manufacturing efficiency, quality, and repeatability for products already in production.
• Identify opportunities to streamline mechanical assembly processes and reduce build time.
• Support cost‑reduction initiatives through design refinement and improved production methods.
• Implement engineering change solutions to enhance manufacturability and reliability.

Production Support & Issue Resolution

• Provide hands‑on engineering support when mechanical issues arise in production or test.
• Perform root cause analysis and corrective actions for mechanical failures or assembly problems.
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to troubleshoot and resolve build challenges quickly.
  
  Support concession management, non‑conformance investigations, and product quality improvements.

Documentation & Engineering Control

• Maintain clear and accurate mechanical production documentation, including:
  • Work instructions
  • Build and assembly procedures
  • Tooling drawings
  • Test fixture documentation
• Support configuration control and engineering change processes (ECN).

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Act as the mechanical interface between R&D, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations.
• Support supplier engagement for mechanical components and manufacturability improvements.
• Contribute to the development of the new Production Engineering team’s standards and processes.

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience in a production engineering, manufacturing engineering, or mechanical design role.
• Strong understanding of mechanical manufacturing methods (machining, sheet metal, injection moulding, assemblies).
• Experience designing jigs, fixtures, tooling, or mechanical test equipment.
• Practical problem‑solving ability in a production environment.
• Strong documentation skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally in a fast‑paced engineering environment.

• Experience supporting NPI from prototype through to volume manufacture.
• Knowledge of DFM/DFA principles and lean manufacturing practices.
• Experience in thermal imaging, electronics packaging, or ruggedised product design.
• Familiarity with CAD tools (e.g., Solid Works or similar).
• Understanding of engineering change control and quality systems (ISO
  9001).

• Hands‑on, proactive, and solution‑focused mindset.
• Strong communication skills with engineering and production stakeholders.
• Comfortable working both on the shop floor and in design/development environments.
• Driven to improve processes and deliver manufacturing excellence.
• Adaptable and motivated to help shape a new team and function.

• Opportunity to join and shape a newly formed Production Engineering team.
• A key role bridging cutting‑edge R&D and real‑world manufacturing.
• Collaborative environment working on advanced thermal imaging technologies.
• Career development and growth within a high‑technology engineering organisation.
• Training and career development opportunities.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.