Central Engineering - Process Improvement Engineer (Mechanical)

We are currently looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our Central Engineering team in the position of Process Improvement Engineer (Mechanical).

The Purpose of the Process Improvement Engineer (Mechanical) is to provide ‘hands-on’ technical support and expertise and drive Plant Operational Improvement as part of the Group Engineering function.

Focusing on analysing, optimising and improving manufacturing processes to increase efficiency and reduce waste.

Working with key stakeholders in both the central Projects teams and Plant Operational Teams and being responsible for driving technological improvements and operational efficiency.

This role is a key part of the team and will take responsibility on matters mechanical, leading projects and/or taking direct action themselves to improve the operation.

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• Driving plant improvements by root causing repetitive issues and implementing lasting containment measures and, where possible designing out the failure modes.
  
• Measuring and gathering data on cycle times, downtime and design issues effecting availability and working with the Operational teams to develop engineering solutions that find the 100 yr fix.
  
• The modification and optimisation of mechanical systems on the shopfloor, including documentation, planning, change control and training out any changes to Operators.
  
• Interacting with existing Factory equipment, including advanced fault finding, for example thermographic surveys, vibration analysis and Non-Destructive Inspections.
  
• Ability to design and execute small scale projects independently, including specifying and designing simple mechanical devices and fabrications
  
• Working and supporting the development of Forterra Engineering Standards and revising where appropriate.
  
• Produce User Requirement Specifications (URS) for submittal to 3rd party system integrators where required.
  
• Reviewing and development Function Design Specifications (FDS) with 3 rd Party integrators where required.
  
• Join cross functional teams for large projects to take ownership of the mechanical aspects of the project and providing expertise on specification.
  
• Developing Business Case and Capital Applications where required to implement Plant Improvements.
  
• Supporting and verifying Performance parameters and Factory Acceptance testing when required.
  
• Support the development of the Reliability Centred Maintenance Strategy by supporting criticality assessments and drive towards condition-based monitoring.
  
• Development of Factory Intelligence Systems and Reporting using IC S and OT Process Automation.
  
• Work to the highest standards of Safety, both in the design and operation of automated equipment and in day-to-day behaviour on site.
  

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• Experience in material properties, manufacturing and fabrication.
  
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills.
  
• Strong experience in Pneumatics and Hydraulic systems, design and compliance.
  
• Experience in Thermodynamics and Fluid Dynamics advantageous
  
• Good inter-personal skills, team work, hands‑on approach and a desire to deliver improved technology and equipment to the end‑user
  
• Be proactive and take accountability for any projects and tasks assigned.
  
• Strong presentation skills, demonstrating an ability to communicate with staff at all levels
  
• Able to work on own initiative and develop and coach other Engineers/Apprentices
  
• Strong track record in delivering small projects “from Cradle to Grave”
  
• Working knowledge of CAD would be preferred
  
• Appropriate engineering qualification to C&G or ONC/HNC/HND/Degree level/Time served Apprenticeship.
  
• Experience in relevant discipline (Mechanics, Manufacturing Engineering) with at least 3 years of relevant front‑line controls experience or Time served industrial mechanical qualification or equivalent
  
• Experience in mechanical assemblies, welding and machining.
  
• Experience in 3D Modelling and Engineering Drawings preferred.
  
• Proven ability to work “hands on” in an industrial environment, problem solving and making incremental improvements within mechanical equipment
  
• Project Management Training
  
• NEBOSH certified preferred
  
• Holder of a full driving licence
  

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• Competitive Salary and Benefits package
  
• Life Assurance and Company Pension Scheme up to 10% employer contribution
  
• Gym benefit and Cycle 2 Work Scheme
  
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme for self and family members
  
• Employee Referral Scheme
  
• Service Awards
  
• Holiday Exchange Scheme
  
• Financial Wellbeing Program
  
• Personal development and opportunities for progression
  
• Company Annual Bonus Scheme
  

We are a leading manufacturer of a diverse and trusted range of concrete and clay building products used extensively within the construction sector, with instantly recognisable brands including Thermalite block, Bison Precast and the iconic London Brick. Our complete product range comprises of clay bricks, aircrete blocks, aggregate blocks, precast concrete, flooring products, permeable paving and chimney, roofing, and flue systems.

Forterra’s purpose is to build lasting legacies, manufacturing a range of products from the ground up to support customers with their construction projects.

We are proud to be at the forefront of the industries’ safety standards and are committed to achieving zero harm in our workplaces.