Job Title

Manufacturing Engineer Paint Newton Aycliffe The DRVN Automotive Group are recruiting for a Manufacturing Engineer to oversee the Paint manufacturing process for a leading automotive company with stunning build workshops based in Newton Aycliffe. The Manufacturing Engineer will provide safe documented control systems, designed to facilitate Automotive manufacturing paint processes and methods, with a Right First Time methodical approach and a focus on quality. Our client is experiencing a period of rapid growth having secured a long-term contract to build some of Ford Motor Companys most historically significant icons. This role will suite a highly desirable car enthusiast, working for a company of fellow enthusiasts. Manufacturing Engineer - Paint ~ Holidays: 33 Days ~ Pension ~ Employee Referral Scheme ~40 hours per week Monday-Friday (early finish each Friday afternoon) ~ Ability to travel to Coventry 1 day per week The DRVN Automotive Group are a sector leading automotive group, specialising in the design, manufacture, and distribution of luxury automotive brands, recognised globally for our commitment to innovation, quality, and engineering, centred around a world-class customer experience. The DRVN group have made some major recent announcements to launch some of Ford Motor Companys most historically significant icons kick starting with the RS200 and MK1 Escort, giving engineers an amazing platform to not only showcase their engineering and design skills across various disciplines, but to work on the most amazing modernisation programmes ever to be seen. Situated in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, our North -East Site boasts a state-of-the-art production facility spanning 40,000 square feet. Equipped with specialised workshop bays dedicated to fabrication, bodywork and paint, our facility stands as a testament to our commitment to precision and quality. As we surge ahead, production at our facility is poised for rapid expansion throughout 2025, reflecting our unwavering dedication to growth and innovation. Company Policies: Manage and follow the quality, health, safety, and all policies of the company Serve in a cross-functional environment with engineering, manufacturing, sourcing, product management and suppliers to optimise manufacturability Design, implement, and optimise hand painting techniques tailored to low-volume, high-value vehicles, focusing on precision, aesthetic quality, and durability. Ensure consistent application of custom finishes, such as special colour-matching, blending, and detailing techniques, while maintaining production schedules and quality standards Ensure all painting tools (e.g., spray guns, brushes, and detailing equipment) are properly maintained, calibrated, and controlled for the hand painting process Manage and maintain paint booth environments, controlling temperature, humidity, and air quality to control the paint application process and curing time to meet production takt times Provide technical support to the production team, quickly identifying and resolving issues related to surface preparation, paint application, and curing processes. Collaborate with the quality team to investigate root causes of defects and develop solutions to ensure the highest quality finish on each vehicle Work with the design team to understand specific paint requirements, ensuring that customer preferences are integrated into the manufacturing process Ensure compliance with safety protocols in the paint preparation and painting process, including the handling of chemicals, solvents, and waste materials. Implement and enforce safety measures, such as proper ventilation, personal protective equipment (PPE), and paint booth maintenance, to ensure a safe working environment Implementation and CI of documentation, production tooling, equipment, and operator training to meet standards and final sign-off requirements Introduce lean manufacturing principles to optimise effectiveness of the manufacturing operations Support AME by Identifying, investigating, testing, and validating new innovative process technology and work methods to be implemented Serve as a critical supplier to Manufacturing/Production, understanding their needs and able to effectively communicate to contain and resolve concerns and issues Provide support to less experienced process engineers HNC qualification or equivalent in Manufacturing engineering or equivalent ~3-5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, focusing on hand painting, paint preparation, or custom finishes for low-volume, high-value vehicles or luxury products. Strong background covering Manufacturing Engineering principles ~ Proficient in using Microsoft Packages ~ Be a strong advocate for Quality in the company and outside, with suppliers and other stakeholders ~ An understanding of industry and regulatory requirements such Quality System Regulations (IATF16949, ISO9001, 5S, TPM, KPIs) ~ Experienced in generating standard work instructions, man assignments and process flows ~ Able to identify risks, use problem-solving techniques, develop, and safely implement new processes within a production and manufacturing environment ~ Understand lean manufacturing and 5S principles ~ Lean experience and able to manage CI projects ~ Ability to manage ones own time and prioritise workload accordingly across multiple projects ~ Must have IDLR/Full Rights to Work in UK - Sponsorship or Work Permits will not be accepted/ provided. Experience Steel fabrications & carbon fibre bonding, competency in CAD design packages. Our inclusive workplace welcomes and values all candidates from all backgrounds, we believe that diversity enhances our ability to innovate and serve our customers effectively. We are an equal opportunity employer and strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and able to bring their authentic selves to work.