Manufacturing Engineer (Components)

Manufacturing Engineer – Fibre Components
Permanent | Southampton | Competitive Salary

We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to join our Operations Engineering team and support our Components production line. This is a hands-on role focused on maintaining and optimising fibre processing machines used in the manufacture of fibre components, ensuring consistent, high-quality products both for internal use and external manufacturing partners.
You’ll work closely with Production, R&D, and cross-functional teams to solve day-to-day production challenges, improve processes, and support the introduction of new products and equipment.

Key Responsibilities:
•    Maintain and support fibre processing equipment (preparing fibre, cleaving, splicing, tapering, etching).
•    Work with Technicians to ensure TPM, service, repair, and calibration schedules are followed.
•    Provide day-to-day support to production lines, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
•    Analyse and report production data for KPIs (OTD, Yield, WIP, Scrap, OEE, SPC, etc.).
•    Lead and participate in daily/weekly Tier meetings.
•    Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce build complexity, improve quality, and boost productivity.
•    Support lean manufacturing initiatives and the implementation of new processes and products.
•    Use JIRA and Confluence to track issues, plan activities, and prioritise tasks.

Required Experience & Skills:
•    Minimum 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing engineering role.
•    Experience with fibre components, optics, and fibre assemblies.
•    Hands-on experience with fibre processing equipment.
•    Strong organisational skills and ability to lead meetings and prioritise actions.
•    IT literate (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) with strong analytical skills.

Desirable:
•    Knowledge of Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing.
•    Experience with 5S and product fault-finding/testing.

Qualifications:
•    Degree in an engineering or science discipline, or equivalent experience and technical qualifications.
Personal Attributes:
•    Highly motivated, methodical, and able to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
•    Adaptable, proactive, and able to work independently or as part of a team.
•    Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on, creative approach.
•    Excellent interpersonal skills and customer focus.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing, innovative company and play a key role in delivering high-quality fibre components to both internal teams and external partners.