Senior Manufacturing Engineer - #143225

Who Are We

Surface Transforms are experts in the development and production of carbon-ceramic materials and the UK’s only manufacturer of carbon-ceramic brakes for automotive use. Surface Transforms' unique patented Carbon-Ceramic technology provides the ultimate braking performance for road and track.

Here at Surface Transforms passion is at the heart of our brand. As a team we refuse to accept the impossible. We know that impossible only means that we haven’t found the solution yet. Your role at Surface Transforms is yours to steer - toward opportunities and away from risks. You have the power to shape your role and we cannot wait to see where you take us and we’ll take pride in supporting the future you chose to build at Surface Transforms.

We are looking for a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to join our growing Process Engineering team. Our Senior Manufacturing Engineer will play a key leadership role within the site’s engineering function, taking ownership of critical manufacturing processes while driving the deployment of the future state Value Stream Map (VSM), Lean initiatives, and new product/process introductions. This position will support the strategic transformation of the operation by embedding technical excellence, process stability, and continuous improvement into daily operations.

This role combines deep technical knowledge with cross-functional leadership to improve cost, quality, and delivery performance in line with business imperatives.

What you’ll be doing as our Senior Manufacturing Engineer:

Process Ownership & Improvement

• Lead and optimize core manufacturing processes (e.g. grinding, assembly, machining, heat treatment) for performance, reliability, and repeatability
• Own process documentation, standard work, and FMEA updates
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for process issues
• Implement data-driven improvements using Lean Six Sigma methodology
  
  

VSM & Lean Leadership

• Develop, lead, and sustain future state VSM deployment for designated areas
• Facilitate Kaizen activities and drive Lean tools (5S, SMED, visual management, standardization)
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (production, quality, maintenance, supply chain) to align improvement plans with strategic goals
• Track and report KPI progress (OEE, scrap, rework, downtime, etc.)
  
  

New Product & Process Introduction

• Support flawless launch of new products/processes from concept through SOP
• Participate in DFM/DFA reviews with design engineering
• Validate and industrialize new equipment, tooling, and processes
• Ensure alignment with cost, timing, and quality targets
  
  

Leadership & Team Development

• Mentor and coach engineers, graduate & interns.
• Promote engineering best practices and problem-solving culture
• Support succession planning and capability development within the team
  
  

Compliance & Quality Systems

• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and internal quality systems
• Lead process audits and readiness for customer/third-party assessments
• Maintain robust control plans and support zero-defect manufacturing objectives
  
  

Essential Skills, Knowledge and Experience you will need as our Senior Manufacturing Engineer:

• Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent)
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment
• Proven track record in process optimization and Lean deployment
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis capability
• Experience leading cross-functional projects or teams
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
  
  

Desirable Skills, Knowledge and Experience you will need as our Senior Manufacturing Engineer:

• Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification
• Familiarity with Toyota/JLR Lean systems or similar benchmarking
• Experience with digital manufacturing tools (e.g. MES, OEE dashboards)
• Project management qualification or experience in product launch (APQP, PPAP)
  
  

You’ll have these personal attributes:

• Accountability
• Trouble shooting
• Continuous improvement
• Adaptability
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Independent thinking and working and problem solving skills
  
  

What we’ll give you in return:

• Attractive salary
• 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank holidays
• Extra day Annual Leave for your birthday
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Death in service scheme
  
  

Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 dependent on experience

Hours: Monday - Thursday 8am - 5pm, Friday 8am - 2.30pm