8 Manufacturing jobs in Swaffham

About the role

You will be responsible for introducing and managing production lines, supporting new projects development, and continuous improvement of commercial aerospace products, in addition to manufacturing assembly processes. Supporting the launch of our products, you will be able to apply your expertise to optimize the safety, performance, efficiency, yield, and processes using Lean Sigma

Supporting multiple new product development (NPD) Projects you will lead DFM/A, PFMEA, production readiness reviews and the design and implementation of lean manufacturing cells to ensure production viability on launch.

YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

In your role as our Lead Manufacturing Engineer, you will:

• Increase production capacity with introduction of new production lines
• Lead a small team of manufacturing engineers, ensuring alignment of activities across NPI, production support, and process improvement
• Support production readiness of new product development programs, leading readiness reviews and planning activities to support
• Drive CIP culture
• Introduce lean manufacturing programmes
• Drive to improve production efficiency
• Ensure all manufacturing activities meet AS9100 regulatory standards
• Collaborate with design, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure manufacturability (DFM/DFA)
• Fulfil Manufacturing Engineering requirements with DFM/A, and project execution throughout NPD/I Process
• Lead the design, manufacture and introduction of tooling and assembly aids
• Lead problem-solving on complex production issues, ensuring robust corrective actions
• Conduct PFMEA, process capability analysis, and root cause investigation
• Support the development of junior engineers, building internal technical capability and succession strength

About you

To help Mirus continue our journey of growth, you will bring your expertise within a manufacturing engineering capacity, a passion for innovation, problem solving abilities and drive for operational excellence along with the following skills, experience, qualifications and attributes:

• Significant experience working in a serial production line manufacturing environment as a Manufacturing / Production / Process Engineer
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes such as machining, composites, assembly, and finishing
• Demonstrable experience leading NPI (New Product Introduction)
• CAD/CAM literacy and ability to interpret complex technical drawings
• Practical working knowledge in the application and implementation of lean manufacturing
• Demonstrable experience of influencing product realization using a structured approach to DFM/A/C. (Design for Manufacture, Assembly, Cost)
• Practical working knowledge of robotics and automation including operational programming
• Ability to evaluate, develop and improve existing production processes
• Understanding of AS9100, or similar quality management standards.
• Technical experience in Manufacturing Engineering, with a professional qualification (university degree) and/or background in engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical)

Desirable:

• Experience working in a highly regulated industry such as Automotive / Aerospace OEM or First Tier supplier or equivalent industries
• Or a relevant (IMechE) or (IET) qualification / Apprenticeship or equivalent vocational training
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems

Personal skills / attributes:

• Demonstratable strong project management and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams
• High level of personal accountability and a strong bias for action

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and be a part of a company that values your skills and contributions, we encourage you to apply for our Lead Manufacturing Engineer position. Come on a journey with us and be part of delivering our defined business and sales targets to continue our journey of growth.

About the role

You will be responsible for introducing and managing production lines, supporting new projects development, and continuous improvement of commercial aerospace products, in addition to manufacturing assembly processes. Supporting the launch of our products, you will be able to apply your expertise to optimize the safety, performance, efficiency, yield, and processes using Lean Sigma

Supporting multiple new product development (NPD) Projects you will lead DFM/A, PFMEA, production readiness reviews and the design and implementation of lean manufacturing cells to ensure production viability on launch.

YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

In your role as our Lead Manufacturing Engineer, you will:

• Increase production capacity with introduction of new production lines
• Lead a small team of manufacturing engineers, ensuring alignment of activities across NPI, production support, and process improvement
• Support production readiness of new product development programs, leading readiness reviews and planning activities to support
• Drive CIP culture
• Introduce lean manufacturing programmes
• Drive to improve production efficiency
• Ensure all manufacturing activities meet AS9100 regulatory standards
• Collaborate with design, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure manufacturability (DFM/DFA)
• Fulfil Manufacturing Engineering requirements with DFM/A, and project execution throughout NPD/I Process
• Lead the design, manufacture and introduction of tooling and assembly aids
• Lead problem-solving on complex production issues, ensuring robust corrective actions
• Conduct PFMEA, process capability analysis, and root cause investigation
• Support the development of junior engineers, building internal technical capability and succession strength

About you

To help Mirus continue our journey of growth, you will bring your expertise within a manufacturing engineering capacity, a passion for innovation, problem solving abilities and drive for operational excellence along with the following skills, experience, qualifications and attributes:

• Significant experience working in a serial production line manufacturing environment as a Manufacturing / Production / Process Engineer
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes such as machining, composites, assembly, and finishing
• Demonstrable experience leading NPI (New Product Introduction)
• CAD/CAM literacy and ability to interpret complex technical drawings
• Practical working knowledge in the application and implementation of lean manufacturing
• Demonstrable experience of influencing product realization using a structured approach to DFM/A/C. (Design for Manufacture, Assembly, Cost)
• Practical working knowledge of robotics and automation including operational programming
• Ability to evaluate, develop and improve existing production processes
• Understanding of AS9100, or similar quality management standards.
• Technical experience in Manufacturing Engineering, with a professional qualification (university degree) and/or background in engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical)

Desirable:

• Experience working in a highly regulated industry such as Automotive / Aerospace OEM or First Tier supplier or equivalent industries
• Or a relevant (IMechE) or (IET) qualification / Apprenticeship or equivalent vocational training
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems

Personal skills / attributes:

• Demonstratable strong project management and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams
• High level of personal accountability and a strong bias for action

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and be a part of a company that values your skills and contributions, we encourage you to apply for our Lead Manufacturing Engineer position. Come on a journey with us and be part of delivering our defined business and sales targets to continue our journey of growth.

Graduate Manufacturing Engineering Scholarship
Thorlabs Ltd are delighted to offer an Engineering Scholarship Programme through our UK Engineering Department. This opportunity is open to undergraduate students in the UK who are in their second year (third year in Scotland) of study towards a degree in either Manufacturing or Production Engineering . Our UK scholarship programme is open for University students graduating in 2026

Beginning with an immersive 8 week summer placement, this programme will offer real world engineering design experience and lead to a role in a fast growing, multinational company.

Your learning will involve…  

·    Exposure to multidisciplinary team working in a fast-paced development and manufacturing environment

·    Concept design of a real engineering project

·    Familiarisation with Solidworks 3D CAD system

·    Rapid prototyping and vendor visits

·    Assembly, test and evaluation of your design

·    Engineering reviews and technical presentations

Who we are?

Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 13 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

What we offer you…

The Engineering Scholarship Programme offers the following specific benefits:

·    A scholarship of £9,250 in each of the remaining years of your undergraduate studies.

·    A mentor from our engineering team will give one-on-one support during your placement.

·    An 8-week placement each remaining summer of your degree.

·    A guaranteed graduate-level job upon your graduation (subject to fulfilling certain requirements).

What we look for…

Successful applicants to the Engineering Scholarship Programme will require:

·    AAB at A Level in STEM subject areas.

·    First year degree results of 2:1 or higher.

·    A post-graduation employment commitment to Thorlabs of 3 years minimum.

·    A passion for technology, excellent communication skills, the ambition to lead and the drive to achieve goals.

Requirements

Your responsibilities…

·    With support from experienced engineers, design and improve mechanical mechanisms for precision motion control and vibration isolation systems

·    Demonstrate some knowledge of concept, design, development and testing of theoretical designs following concurrent engineering approach

·    Produce detailed specifications of the product from data analysis gathered from testing

·    Brainstorm, discuss and review technical challenges with team members, sub-contractors, suppliers and manufacturing departments to find root cause and resolution to the problems

·    Demonstrate some knowledge of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) in component and assembly designs

·    With support from experienced engineers, ensure Design for Compliance is implemented in the design

·    Ensure a product can be made reliably and will perform consistently in specified operating conditions

·    Plan and oversee the product development process and ensure deadlines are met

·    Consider implications of issues such as cost creep, compliance, safety and time constraints and with the assistance of experienced engineers, apply strategies to minimise them

·    Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure complete knowledge transfer of products into production

Required Knowledge and skills…

·    Engineering degree or equivalent experience or qualifications

·    Basic understanding of materials selection for a wide range of mechanical assemblies

·    A creative ability with attention to detail

·    Ability to identify and resolve problems quickly

Opportunities and requirements for career development include but are not limited to…

·    Junior Design Engineer, other engineering discipline

·    Adhering to core values and driven positive attitude

·    Positive contribution to multi-departmental initiatives and process improvements

·    Building on theoretical knowledge gained from a university degree and applying this theory into real world applications and solutions

·    Demonstration of product releases efficiently and smoothly into production

 Working Hours: Monday to Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm

 Closing date: Thursday 29th February 2024

Assessment days: Tuesday 2nd & Wednesday 3rd April 2024

Due to the nature of this role, external international candidates need not apply.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Benefits

-Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.

Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail

In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.

What is the job?

As a Manufacturing Operator you will be very much ‘hands on’ in this physical role, working as part of the production team, expressing a can-do attitude and eye for quality. In addition to producing high tolerance components, critical to the quality of a finished product, you will be trained to operate a wide range of processes and equipment and identify opportunities to improve product quality and production output.

Working Hours: - Monday to Thursday 6am to 2:30pm and Fridays 6am to 1pm

Department: Tables

Interview process: 2 stage process following shortlisting – First stage: 30 minute Teams interview

Second stage: OnSite 1 hour interview

Who we are?

Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

Where you will be working?

Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful mediaeval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station.

Requirements

What is essential to us…

• A practical ‘hands on’ approach with experience in a manufacturing environment
• High level of attention to detail and the ability to maintain focus
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Good level of mechanical aptitude and practical skill is desired
• Adhering to core values and driven positive attitude
• Ability to identify and resolve problems quickly
• Proven ability to work in a team environment

What we would like you to do/to see…

• Work within an allocated team to achieve scheduled manufacturing targets
• You will be trained and developed to set and operate a wide range of precision industrial machinery
• Maintain high levels of attention to detail at all times, recording and communicating accurate technical measurements and readings
• Communicate product status accurately via the production control system and associated paperwork
• Participate in cross-training to increase knowledge and experience of the Tables Business Unit
• Support and drive problem solving and quality/performance improvement

What will you get?

At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.

And the benefits are?

£12.65 per hour, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

Job Reference: THOR-VC-1555

This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.

*This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age - GOV.UK (

This role does not currently meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa we are therefore unable to accept applications that require employer sponsorship in order to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa. 

We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.

Benefits

-Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.

Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail

We are Disability Confident Committed

In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.

What is the job?

As a Senior Manufacturing Operator you will be very much ‘hands on’ in this physical role, working as part of the production team, expressing a can-do attitude and eye for quality. Your core responsibility will be to run the Trumpf TruLaser 3030, Mazak Optiplex NEO and Amada Brake Press (full training provided), processing sheet materials, feeding the Press Brake and Drilling Machines as part of the Optical Tables product line.  In addition, you will be trained to master a wide range of processes and equipment and identify opportunities to improve product quality and production output.

Working Hours: Monday to Thursday 2:35pm to 11:05pm and Fridays 1:05pm to 8:05pm

Who we are?

Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

Where you will be working?

Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful mediaeval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station.

Requirements

What is essential to us…

• A practical ‘hands on’ approach with experience in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to interpret and follow Standard Operating Procedures
• High level of attention to detail and the ability to maintain focus
• Ability to identify and resolve problems quickly
• Proven ability to work in a team environment
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• High level of mechanical aptitude and practical skill is desired

What we would like you to do/ to see…

• Ensure best health and safety practices are adhered to at all times, contributing to improvements and idea generation
• Work within an allocated team to achieve scheduled manufacturing targets
• You will be trained and developed to set and operate a wide range of precision industrial machinery
• Maintain high levels of attention to detail at all times, recording and communicating accurate technical measurements and readings
• Communicate product status accurately via the production control system and associated paperwork
• Demonstrate a willingness to support Team Leaders in the development and implementation of workplace programs, including but not limited to cross-training and machine maintenance programmes
• Support and drive problem solving and quality/performance improvement

What will you get?

At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.

And the benefits are?

Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

Job Reference: THOR-VC-1227

This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.

*This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age - GOV.UK (

This role does not currently meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa we are therefore unable to accept applications that require employer sponsorship in order to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa. 

We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.

Benefits

-Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.

Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail

In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.

What is the job?
As a Manufacturing Operator you will be very much ‘hands on’ in this physical role, working as part of the production team, expressing a can-do attitude and eye for quality. In addition to producing high tolerance components, critical to the quality of a finished product, you will be trained to operate a wide range of processes and equipment and identify opportunities to improve product quality and production output.

Working Hours: Tables Second Shift: Monday to Thursday 2:35pm - 11:05pm and Fridays 1:05pm - 8:05pm

Who we are?

Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 13 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

Where you will be working?

You’ll be working in our new purpose-built facility in Witchford, Ely. Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful mediaeval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station.

Requirements

What is essential to us…

• A practical ‘hands on’ approach with experience in a manufacturing environment
• High level of attention to detail and the ability to maintain focus
• Ability to identify and resolve problems quickly
• Proven ability to work in a team environment
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Good level of mechanical aptitude and practical skill is desired

What we would like you to do/ to see…

• Work within an allocated team to achieve scheduled manufacturing targets
• Set and operate a wide range of precision industrial machinery
• Maintain high levels of attention to detail at all times, recording and communicating accurate technical measurements and readings
• Communicate product status accurately via the production control system and associated paperwork
• Participate in cross-training to increase knowledge and experience of the Tables Business Unit
• Support and drive problem solving and quality/performance improvement

What will you get?

At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.

And the benefits are?

Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

Job Reference: THOR-VC-613

Closing date: Friday 15th March 2024.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

This role does not currently meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa we are therefore unable to accept applications that require employer sponsorship in order to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa.   

We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.

Benefits

-Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.

Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail

In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.