Manufacturing Engineer

for our Careers & Life at JCB pages

We’re looking for a Manufacturing Engineer who is responsible for developing, implementing and continuously improving manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling and production methods that ensure the safe, efficient and cost-effective manufacture of JCB products.

This role supports current production, introduces new products, improves quality, reduces costs and drives operational excellence across the manufacturing facility. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you’ll play a key role in ensuring manufacturing processes deliver high standards of safety, quality, productivity and delivery performance.

• Develop and maintain manufacturing processes, work instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities, ensuring products are designed for efficient manufacture and assembly.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, delivery and cost reduction.
• Identify and implement process improvements to reduce waste, improve labour efficiency and increase equipment utilisation.
• Design and specify production tooling, fixtures, jigs and assembly aids.
• Conduct time studies and line balancing activities to optimise manufacturing flow and resource utilisation.
• Investigate manufacturing issues and implement robust corrective and preventive actions.
• Support capital investment projects, including justification, specification, installation and commissioning of new equipment.
• Work closely with Design Engineering, Quality, Operations, Maintenance, Purchasing and Logistics teams to resolve manufacturing challenges.
• Develop manufacturing layouts and material flow solutions to improve operational performance.
• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with health, safety, environmental and quality requirements.
• Support PFMEA, Control Plans, risk assessments and process validation activities.
• Analyse production data and KPIs to identify improvement opportunities and drive performance gains.
• Support supplier development activities where manufacturing processes impact product quality or delivery performance.
• Participate in problem‑solving activities using structured methodologies such as 8D, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing and Root Cause Analysis.

• You hold a Degree or HNC/HND in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• You have experience within a manufacturing or assembly environment.
• You have a strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.
• You have experience of process improvement and problem‑solving techniques.
• You can interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• You have knowledge of production planning and manufacturing systems.
• You possess excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• You have strong analytical and data‑driven decision‑making capability.
• You demonstrate a strong safety‑first mindset.
• You take ownership and accountability for results.
• You continuously seek opportunities to improve processes and performance.
• You work collaboratively across functions and departments.
• You use data and facts to support decision‑making.
• You show resilience and flexibility in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

• You have experience within the heavy equipment, automotive or off‑highway vehicle industry.
• You have knowledge of APQP, PFMEA and quality management systems.
• You have experience of automated assembly systems and robotics.
• You have an understanding of ERP systems such as SAP.
• You hold a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent qualification.
• You have project management experience.

Success in this role will be measured through safety performance, manufacturing…