Interim Manufacturing Engineer

Role: Interim Manufacturing Engineer – Component Manufacturing

Sector: Automotive and Defence Manufacturing

Location: Rugby, Warwickshire

Contract Type: Interim Role (9 to 12 months)

Remuneration: Circa £45,000 to £50,000 per annum or equivalent daily rate, depending on experience

The Role

An exciting interim opportunity is available for a versatile Manufacturing Engineer to join a leading component manufacturer supplying precision parts to the automotive and defence industries. Based in Rugby, Warwickshire, this 9 to 12-month contract role offers a broad scope encompassing manufacturing engineering, quality assurance, and process improvement responsibilities during a key phase of operational development.

As the Interim Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in supporting production efficiency, maintaining quality standards, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. You will collaborate closely with production, quality, and engineering teams to optimise manufacturing processes, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with industry regulations and customer requirements.This role is ideal for candidates with a background in manufacturing or production engineering, including those with quality experience, particularly from high-regulation, low-tolerance sectors such as aerospace, automotive, or similar industries.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and improve manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain product quality.
• Apply engineering principles to troubleshoot production issues and implement effective solutions.
• Collaborate with quality teams to ensure compliance with standards such as ISO9001, IATF16949, or AS9100.
• Lead or support root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) related to manufacturing defects or process deviations.
• Develop and maintain process documentation including work instructions, control plans, and process flow diagrams.
• Assist in process validation and capability studies to ensure consistent, repeatable manufacturing outputs.
• Work with cross-functional teams to support new product introductions and manufacturing changes.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production efficiency, quality, and delivery.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities and supporting lean manufacturing initiatives.

Your Background

• Proven experience in manufacturing or production engineering within a regulated, precision manufacturing environment.
• Experience working in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, defence, or similar high-regulation industries.
• Familiarity with quality management systems and standards (ISO9001, IATF16949, AS9100) and quality tools such as PFMEA, SPC, and CAPA.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to analyse data and implement practical engineering solutions.
• Knowledge of process improvement methodologies including lean manufacturing and Six Sigma is advantageous.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, able to work collaboratively across departments.
• Ability to adapt quickly and deliver results in a dynamic, interim role.

What’s On Offer

• Circa £45,000 to £50,000 per annum or equivalent daily rate, depending on experience.
• 9-12 month contract with potential for extension based on business needs.
• Opportunity to work with a respected manufacturer in the automotive and defence sectors.
• A varied role combining manufacturing engineering and quality elements during a critical period for the business.
• The chance to contribute to process improvements and operational excellence in a precision-driven environment.

If you are a flexible and skilled manufacturing or production engineer with quality experience looking for an interim role in Rugby, Warwickshire, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now with your CV to discuss this opportunity further in confidence.