Production Engineer

Job description

About us:

Headquartered in Derby, with operations across the UK, Germany, Spain, Australia and the United States, [Employer hidden] Group specialises in safety and emergency survival solutions for the defence and maritime industries.

A global leader in the design and manufacture of pyrotechnics, [Employer hidden] Group is made up of a portfolio of trusted brands with capabilities including electronic beacons, screening and signalling, signature management, obstacle breaching, perimeter lighting, pharmaceuticals and emergency rations, developed through both strategic acquisition and organic growth.

Role:

sMRT is hiring a hands‑on Production Engineer in Hull to join our R&D team. You will work directly on the production floor, supporting and improving manufacturing processes, acting as a key link between engineering and operations, and ensuring products are built efficiently, safely, and to the required quality standards.

You will also play a pivotal role in New Product Development (NPD) and New Product Introduction (NPI), providing production-focused input, developing processes, and helping bring new products smoothly from concept to manufacture. This role is ideal for engineers with experience in process improvement, production support, and introducing new products in fast-paced environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support day-to-day production to meet output, quality, and efficiency targets.
• Contribute to new product development (NPD) design considerations at project initiation.
• Develop, implement, and improve manufacturing processes, work instructions, and tooling.
• Identify and resolve production issues using root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Support new product introduction (NPI), including pilot builds and process validation.
• Work closely with design, quality, supply chain, and production teams.
• Ensure compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Support yield improvement, scrap reduction, and cost optimisation initiatives.
• Provide technical support and training to production staff.
• Investigate cost efficiencies across the project lifecycle, evaluating production options.
• Support engineers, production, and operations during design, build, and acceptance testing.

What we are looking For:

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and production workflows.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Commercial awareness to deliver work to scope, budget, and quality requirements.
• Confident communicator, able to work across teams and with external stakeholders.
• Proactive, innovative, and solutions-focused mindset.

Skills & Experience

• Hands-on experience with production support, process improvement, and new product introduction (NPI).
• Experience with process documentation, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
• Competence using lab and test equipment, interpreting datasheets, standards, and technical specifications.
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar production or manufacturing engineering role.
• Experience in fast-paced environments, ideally within marine or defence products.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Qualifications & Attributes:

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Familiarity with test systems, automation, or production tooling (desirable).
• Knowledge of quality systems (ISO 9001 or similar) (desirable).
• Safety-first mindset with a proactive, can-do attitude.
• Willingness to spend time on the production floor and a practical, solutions-focused approach.

Benefits:

• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Access to our Reward Gateway platform, offering employee discounts,
• EAP System ( Employee Assistance Programme)
• Subsidised Gym Membership
• Free on-site parking