Senior Powertrain Manufacturing Engineer

Overview

In this role you will own the end-to-end design and delivery of advanced powertrain assembly systems, ensuring world-class, scalable production aligned with sustainability goals. You will shape plant architecture, automation strategy, and digital integration, working with cross-functional teams to translate product designs into reliable manufacturing. You will lead launches, drive continuous improvement, and push for design-for-manufacture at programme level. This is a chance to influence high-performance production at a renowned automotive innovator.

Pay / Benefits

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Private medical insurance and health cash plan
• Life assurance
• Sabbatical after two years

Responsibilities

• Define end-to-end manufacturing system architecture (process, automation, layout, digital integration)
• Develop long-term manufacturing strategies aligned with roadmaps and scalability
• Lead line concepts, takt strategies, capacity models, and industrialisation plans
• Drive DfM/DfA considerations at programme level and influence product architecture
• Champion Lean Production Systems and continuous improvement frameworks
• Oversee MES, digital twins, and Industry 4.0 tech for traceability and real-time control
• Provide governance over tooling, equipment, and automation strategy
• Lead selection, validation, and risk mitigation for automated systems and suppliers
• Ensure reliability, maintainability, and lifecycle cost optimisation across systems
• Lead quality-by-design deployment and PFMEA governance at system level
• Manage pilot builds, run-at-rate validation, and production readiness
• Mentor engineers and establish engineering standards and governance
• Ensure health, safety, and regulatory compliance across manufacturing
• Interface with Product Engineering, Operations, Quality, Digital, Facilities, and Supply Chain

Key requirements

• Significant experience in powertrain or precision mechanical manufacturing
• Proven leadership delivering multiple full production launches
• Experience leading complex manufacturing programmes or technical teams
• Strong background in automation, advanced assembly systems, and supplier management
• Experience influencing product design and manufacturing strategy at programme level
• Track record of resolving complex technical and operational challenges
• Technical expertise in assembly system design and production optimisation
• Advanced knowledge of precision assembly processes (fastening, sealing, testing)
• Strong understanding of digital manufacturing, MES integration, and simulation tools
• Ability to define and evaluate complex automation architectures and emerging technologies
• Expertise in process capability, variation control, and manufacturing analytics
• Leadership and strategic capability with stakeholder management
• Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience)
• Advanced qualifications (MSc, MBA, Six Sigma Black Belt) advantageous

• Stakeholder management and influencing skills
• Strategic thinking and decision-making under pressure
• Mentoring and capability development
• Assembly system design
• Line balancing and production optimisation
• Automation architectures and technologies

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