Lead Manufacturing DES Simulation Engineer

Job Title:
Lead Manufacturing Simulation Engineer

Location: Gaydon (Onsite)
Contract: 6-12 Month Contract (Inside IR35)
Rate: £37 per hour
Start: Immediate

About the Company

Our client is a world‑leading automotive and advanced manufacturing organisation, supporting major vehicle and system programmes across concept, development and launch phases. Their simulation team plays a critical role in designing efficient, high‑performing manufacturing systems.

What You'll Be Doing

As the Lead Manufacturing Simulation Engineer, you'll take ownership of building, developing and delivering Discrete Event Simulation (DES) models for new and evolving manufacturing systems.

You'll analyse production flow, identify constraints, optimise throughput and provide clear insight to programme and production teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and deliver DES models representing full manufacturing process flows from concept to launch
• Analyse throughput, cycle time, buffer sizes and system availability
• Identify bottlenecks and recommend improvements to drive efficiency
• Run "what‑if" scenarios to test operational variants and optimise system design
• Work collaboratively with engineering, production and scheduling teams
• Create documentation, reports and dashboards to support decision‑making
• Mentor junior engineers and support continuous improvement of simulation tools and techniques

What You'll Need to Succeed

Essential:

• Strong experience with Discrete Event Simulation tools (e.g., Witness, Siemens Plant Simulation)
• Proven track record modelling production flows and resolving performance issues
• Experience delivering DES outputs to programme KPIs
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles
• Ability to communicate complex data clearly and confidently
• Comfortable working in fast‑paced manufacturing or automotive environments

Who This Role Suits

This role is ideal if you enjoy:

• Turning complex manufacturing systems into accurate digital simulations
• Solving throughput and efficiency challenges
• Working closely with engineering and production teams
• Leading simulation work streams and driving system improvements

What's my next step?

If you thrive on solving complex system challenges and want to make a real impact, hit apply or get in touch for more info.