Manufacturing Product Engineer

Company Description

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place. 

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.  

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Job Description

SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Manufacturing Product Engineer will play a pivotal role in ensuring efficient, high-quality manufacturing processes for complex products. This individual will be responsible for supporting documentation control, production and process improvement, quality compliance, and cross-functional initiatives including New Product Introduction (NPI) and product transfers. The role demands strong technical acumen, problem-solving skills, and hands-on support to drive operational excellence.

SPECIFIC DUTIES, ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

1. Documentation & Quality Systems

• Review and approve build books and Certificates of Conformance.
• Maintain and update JES, SOPs, PFMEAs, and other manufacturing quality documents.
• Issue Quality Alerts and ensure timely follow-up and closure of corrective actions.
• Review, register, and communicate changes in XERI and ECN documentation to relevant stakeholders.

2. Production & Process Control

• Monitor, analyse, and report weekly/monthly RTY and LAR metrics; maintain Power BI dashboards and MoR reports.
• Conduct TAKT time analysis, touch time assessments, and in-process quality audits from assembly through packaging.
• Drive productivity and efficiency improvements through new tools, methods, and layout optimization, ensuring compliance with quality standards.
• Support root cause analysis, troubleshooting, and resolution of production issues.

3. Support production teams in delivering effective on-the-job training (OJT) & certification.

4. Software & System Control (CXS)

• Manage Hitrax software ECNs: verify and release software to production, maintain revision control and issuance records.
• Generate software activation codes via Dongle programming station upon SCM request.

5. Customer & Inspection Support (CXS)

• Support Customer Quality Engineer in complaint investigations, CAPA development, and timely resolution of PCFs.
• Coordinate and conduct Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and 3rd-party inspections with internal teams and external stakeholders.

6. Supplier & Vendor Management

• Manage incoming quality issues for critical components (e.g., Mechanical Cabinet, X-ray tube), including rework and RTV activities.
• Provide technical input for QBRs and supplier development initiatives.

7. New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Provide hands-on engineering support during NPI builds and trials.
• Assist in evaluating manufacturing readiness and implementing feedback from early builds.
• Compile and submit NPI findings reports with observations, issues, and recommendations.

8. Product Transfer Projects

• Act as the lead for product transfer projects.
• Set up new production lines, including equipment installation, layout design, and workflow planning.
• Manage training activities for transferred products and ensure production readiness.
• Set up and validate BOMs, routings with GDG, and system configurations for successful production launch.

9. Engineering & Continuous Improvement

• Lead or support Lean, DFT/DFM, and process validation activities.
• Analyse and optimize manufacturing methods, labour utilization, space allocation, and equipment layout.
• Recommend or design tooling, fixtures, and automation to enhance process efficiency.
• Compile and evaluate production/test data to support improvements and decision-making.

10. Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with teams in SCM, Quality, and Production to resolve production challenges.
• Lead weekly coordination meetings with global teams (e.g., Wiesbaden), track open issues, and drive timely closure of action items.

11. Compliance & Safety

• Ensure full compliance with company safety, health, environmental, and export control policies.
• Promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement in all manufacturing areas.

12. Perform additional duties as required

You are authorized to act within the jurisdiction and capacity in your job scope to deliver the results/output expected of your job function.

Qualifications

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s Engineering in Electrical Electronic, Mechanical or related field.

Experience:

• 3+ years of relevant experience in box build manufacturing, preferably in a high-mix, low-to-medium volume production environment.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Strong understanding of manufacturing documentation (SOPs, PFMEAs, ECNs), quality systems, and engineering change management.
• Hands-on experience supporting production lines, equipment setup, and product launches.
• Proficient in data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI) and ERP/MRP systems.
• Familiarity with Lean, DFM/DFT principles, and process validation techniques.
• Strong troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and communication skills.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and global stakeholders.
• Good team skills - a high level of enthusiasm and motivation, and the ability to take input from others

Supervises:

• None.

Additional Information

Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)