Manufacturing Engineer

We are seeking a skilled Manufacturing Engineer with hands‑on experience in Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) to support our advanced marine technology production environment. The successful candidate will drive manufacturing excellence through process optimisation, digital system integration, and the development of robust production workflows for high‑complexity, safety‑critical marine products.

The role sits within the Technical Product team, acting as a technical specialist to steer Design and Operations towards efficient, consistent production output in line with business objectives and product requirements.

• Own and continuously improve manufacturing processes for complex marine systems and assemblies
• Bring our MES environment to life — configuring workflows, digital instructions, and operator tools that actually work on the shopfloor
• Build dashboards and visibility tools so teams can understand performance in real time
• Connect systems together (MES, ERP/MRP, quality systems, machinery) to create a seamless production environment
• Apply lean thinking (5S, value stream mapping, waste reduction) to improve safety, quality, cost, and delivery
• Analyse and optimise production through time studies and process balancing
• Act as the go-to person for MES — troubleshooting issues and driving improvements
• Work closely with Production to solve problems quickly and effectively
• Feed into design reviews, making sure what we design can actually be built well
• Support new product introduction and ensure we’re ready to manufacture from day one
• Design and validate tooling, jigs, and fixtures that improve quality and repeatability

• A degree (or equivalent experience) in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Experience working in complex, high-tech manufacturing environments (marine, aerospace, defence, automotive, or similar)
• Hands-on experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) (Visual Factory is a plus)
• Confidence working with BOMs and MRP systems (e.g. 123insight)
• A strong understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement in practice

• Experience in maritime, automotive, or aerospace environments
• Exposure to digital cell manufacturing
• Lean or Six Sigma certification
• 3D CAD experience
• Experience training teams or leading standardisation activities

• You take ownership and see things through
• You’re comfortable working across teams and communicating clearly
• You balance pace with attention to detail
• You’re proactive — spotting problems early and solving them pragmatically
• You care about quality and take pride in getting things right

• Work on advanced technology that has real-world impact
• Be part of a team that values engineering excellence and practical problem solving
• Get hands-on with modern manufacturing systems and digital tools
• Opportunities to shape how we build, not just follow existing processes
• A collaborative environment where your ideas are heard and acted on
• Ongoing development and the chance to grow with the business

• 25 days holiday per year, plus paid bank holiday
• After two years’ consecutive service, one additional day’s annual leave up to a maximum of five additional days annual leave
• Holiday buy/sell, up to five days per calendar year
• Flexi working, core hours 10:00 to 15:00, subject to departmental requirements
• Private Medical Insurance with optional family cover
• Pension scheme with a 5% employer contribution, there is no cap on the employee contribution level
• Life assurance 3x salary
• Group Income Protection 3x salary, subject to eligibility
• Health Care Cash Plan
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing mental health and wellbeing support
• Professional membership reimbursement

Due to the nature of our work many of our roles require a UK nationality and the ability to obtain a security clearance.  Applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment must meet the requirement of right to work in the UK and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information and will be subject to Government security checks.

Kraken Works Limited is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We are committed to maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and offers equal opportunities to all.  Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships.