Manufacturing Engineer Location: Marden, Kent Contract: Full-time contract position Working pattern: Predominantly on-site, supporting manufacturing operations TPA Recruit is supporting an established engineering manufacturer in the appointment of an experienced Manufacturing Engineer on a contract basis. The position is focused on improving assembly processes, production flow, work instructions, tooling, routings and shop-floor performance. The role would suit a practical Manufacturing or Process Engineer who is comfortable working directly with production teams and can combine SAP experience with Lean manufacturing, CAD and structured problem solving. Key Responsibilities * Develop and standardise build processes, digital work instructions and stage sign-off controls. * Maintain and improve production routings in SAP, including component allocation and build-time validation. * Use Lean manufacturing, Kaizen and 6S techniques to improve flow, line balance, productivity and waste reduction. * Create and maintain shop-floor layouts using CAD and support process flow-line design and implementation. * Design and implement jigs, fixtures, specialist tooling, shadow boards, racks and material-handling aids. * Work with Quality and Inspection to build quality into processes and drive a no-fault-forward approach. * Use A3/root-cause problem solving to investigate production issues and implement sustainable improvements. * Develop KPI, target and visual-management information for shop-floor and management review. * Evaluate engineering change requests and update routings and work instructions following approved changes. * Create and review VSM and FMEA documentation and support wider manufacturing improvement projects. Skills and Experience * Previous experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Production Engineering, Process Engineering or a closely related role within an engineering/manufacturing environment. * Practical SAP experience is required, including maintaining or working with manufacturing data and routings. * Good understanding of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, waste reduction and structured problem solving. * Experience using SolidWorks or AutoCAD to produce or amend technical drawings and factory/shop-floor layouts. * Ability to create production routings, work instructions and process documentation. * Experience with FMEA and Value Stream Mapping would be advantageous. * Confident working with Production, Quality, Engineering, Purchasing and other cross-functional teams. * Organised, accurate and able to communicate practical improvement ideas clearly at different levels. Why Join This Business? * Immediate contract opportunity within an established UK engineering manufacturer. * Hands-on remit with visible impact on production efficiency, quality and shop-floor performance. * Broad exposure across manufacturing, quality, industrialisation and engineering teams. * Opportunity to deliver practical Lean, tooling, routing and process-improvement projects. * Competitive hourly rate of £35.00–£40.00 depending on experience