Graduate Associate Production Engineer

About Bruntons  Bruntons Aero Products specialises in precision machined components and mechanical cable assemblies for the aerospace industry. Based in Musselburgh, East Lothian, our manufacturing facility brings together precision machining, mechanical assemblyand specialist processes, offering exposure to a varied range of products and engineering challenges.  The opportunity  Created in preparation for upcoming retirements within our experienced team, this role offers an excellent opportunity to launch a career in mechanical and production engineering in a busy aerospace manufacturing facility. Working alongside highly experienced colleagues, the successful candidate will gain practical skills and specialist knowledge through hands-on involvement, mentoring and the transfer of expertise built over many years.  The Role: Technical drawings and manufacturing data 

• Produce 2D manufacturing and assembly drawings from 3D CAD models and approved technical data, including appropriate dimensions, tolerances, material requirements, finishes and notes. 
• Review customer drawings, specifications and associated technical requirements; identify missing or conflicting information and obtain clarification before release. 
• Create and maintain bills of materials, manufacturing routings and supporting data in the ERP system, including operation sequences, work centres, setup and cycle times, external processes and inspection or test requirements. 
• Ensure technical requirements flow through to production documentation, including special characteristics, traceability, marking, handling and applicable process controls. Maintain revision alignment with the approved source data.  Work instructions and production support 
• Create clear work instructions using drawings, photographs and diagrams to explain operation sequences, tooling, process settings, checks and acceptance criteria. 
• Work with operators and team leads to capture practical knowledge, trial instructions and ensure methods are usable on the shop floor. 
• Support machining and cable assembly operations by resolving technical queries, investigating recurring problems and introducing approved improvements. 
• Help deliver training on new or revised methods and maintain controlled engineering documentation through the company approval process.  New Product Introduction 
• Coordinate assigned NPI projects from initial technical review through process development, first manufacture and handover to routine production. 
• Maintain project plans, actions and milestones; coordinate Operations, Quality, Purchasing, Planning and suppliers, and escalate risks to delivery, cost or quality. 
• Assess manufacturing feasibility, identify equipment and resource needs, and coordinate trials to establish a repeatable method of manufacture. 
• Support process risk assessments, control plans and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities where required. Work with Quality to prepare First Article Inspection (FAI) and other customer approval evidence. 
• Confirm that production documentation, tooling, training and required approvals are in place before handover; capture lessons learned for future introductions.  Process development and continuous improvement 
• Develop and improve manufacturing methods, operation sequences and assembly processes to reduce scrap, rework, setup times and unnecessary handling. 
• Design or support the development of jigs, fixtures, assembly aids and test tooling, with suitable review and validation before use. 
• Carry out time studies and process trials; compare actual performance with routing assumptions and recommend evidence-based improvements. 
• Support root-cause investigations and corrective actions with Operations and Quality, checking that changes resolve the problem and sustain the improvement. 
• Provide technical input to quotations, including manufacturing feasibility, estimated process times, tooling needs and opportunities to improve cost or capacity.  Reverse engineering and design support 
• Support authorised reverse engineering of existing components, tooling or legacy products by collecting measurements, creating CAD models and preparing technical documentation. Record assumptions and obtain validation of materials, tolerances and functional requirements. 
• Suggest improvements to manufacturability and support prototype or development activities within the agreed project scope. 
• Route proposed changes to customer-controlled product designs through the appropriate approval process. Drawings derived from models must preserve the approved design intent; the role does not carry independent product design approval authority.  Quality and safe working  Work within the company quality management system and approved procedures. Consider product safety, process risks and safe operator use when developing methods or tooling. Maintain accurate, traceable records and escalate any requirement or issue outside the role holder's competence or authority.  Person specification  Essential 
• Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing or a related engineering discipline, or HNC/HND with relevant practical engineering experience. 
• Ability to use 3D CAD and produce clear 2D engineering drawings; understanding of dimensions, tolerances and basic drawing conventions. 
• Knowledge of engineering materials and manufacturing principles, with an interest in precision machining and mechanical assemblies. 
• A methodical approach to technical information, problem solving and written instructions, with strong attention to detail. 
• Ability to organise tasks, communicate with colleagues across functions and work closely with operators; willingness to learn through practical shop-floor involvement.  Desirable 
• Placement, apprenticeship or employment experience in manufacturing, aerospace or another controlled engineering environment. 
• Exposure to CNC machining, cable assemblies, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, or jig and fixture design. 
• Familiarity with ERP routings, bills of materials, NPI, FAI, APQP or structured continuous improvement methods.  Measures of success  Accurate drawings and routings; clear and usable work instructions; timely completion of NPI milestones and production handovers; effective resolution of technical issues; and demonstrated improvements in quality, process time or cost. Objectives will reflect the role holder's experience and agreed development plan.