Lead Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Chilton

Lead Manufacturing Engineer

Company Overview:

For over 75 years, WIKA has been a renowned partner and competent specialist for any task in the field of measurement technology. Within the WIKA Group, currently 11,200 employees are dedicated to maintain and improve technology in pressure, temperature, force and level measurement, and also in the fields of flow measurement, calibration and SF6 gas solutions.

WIKA Optical Sensing Ltd, previously known as Oxsensis, was acquired by WIKA in 2023 and brings expertise in optical sensing technology, particularly for pressure and temperature measurement.

Why Join WIKA?

* Join a global market leader in measurement technology with over 75 years of innovation.

* Work with industry-leading products used across manufacturing, energy, pharmaceutical, food and process industries.

* Be part of a collaborative local team with support from an international organisation.

* Receive ongoing product and technical training.

* Opportunities for career progression within WIKA's global business.

* Competitive benefits package including pension and employee health and wellbeing initiatives.

* International career opportunities within the WIKA Group.

* Hybrid working (dependant on the requirements of the position)

Your

Activities:

* Lead the industrialisation of new tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing processes, including hands‑on development, trialling, troubleshooting, and refinement on the shop floor.

* Define, validate, and optimise production processes to ensure repeatability, quality, and cost‑effectiveness.

* Oversee process capability studies, PFMEAs, and control plans for new or modified processes.

* Manage tooling lifecycle: specification, procurement, commissioning, maintenance & calibration strategy & delivery, and end‑of‑life planning.

* Analyse production performance data and Value Stream Mapping to identify bottlenecks, waste, and improvement opportunities.

* Support cost‑reduction programmes through process optimisation and waste elimination.

* Lead LEAN transformation activities across the manufacturing area.

* Facilitate Kaizen events, root‑cause analysis sessions, and cross‑functional problem‑solving workshops.

* Implement and sustain 5S practices, ensuring workplace organisation becomes part of daily culture.

* Train and mentor teams in LEAN tools such as value stream mapping, SMED, visual management, and standard work.

* Manage and develop the Manufacturing Engineering and Test Manufacturing Engineering teams.

Your profile:

Essential

Experience:

* Degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or similar).

* Proven hands‑on experience developing, industrialising, and optimising manufacturing processes, tooling, and fixtures in a live production environment.

* Strong background in process validation, capability studies, PFMEA, and control plan creation.

* Demonstrated success implementing LEAN methodologies, such as Kaizen, 5S and value stream mapping.

* Track record of delivering measurable improvements in production efficiency, cycle time, yield etc.

* Demonstrated ability to work practically at the point of use, engaging directly with operators, technicians, and engineers to diagnose issues, implement improvements, and sustain robust processes.

Desirable:

* Experience working with D365 Finance and Operations (Microsoft ERP system).

* Knowledge of quality systems such as ISO
9001 and AS9100.

* Prior leadership experience managing engineers or technicians, or significant project leadership demonstrating equivalent capability.

* Technical understanding and experience of manufacturing optical devices