Machine Development Engineer

Elevation Recruitment Group are recruiting for a Machine Development Engineer to join a well-established precision engineering business based in West Yorkshire.This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking manufacturing organisation at the forefront of machining innovation, supplying into high-integrity sectors including rail and heavy industry.The successful candidate will take ownership of new product development from concept through to production, focusing on fixture design, programming, and process optimisation.As the Machine Development Engineer, you will:

• Lead the end-to-end development of new machined components, including fixture design, CAM programming, and prove-out.
• Estimate cycle times, set-up durations, tooling requirements, and costings for customer quotations.
• Engage directly with customer engineering teams on design and manufacturability.
• Create innovative fixture solutions to reduce operations and improve efficiency.
• Produce detailed manufacturing drawings and oversee in-house fixture fabrication.
• Develop and document work instructions, tooling sheets, and process improvements.
• Liaise with inspection teams to ensure quality compliance and accurate documentation.
• Coordinate with tooling suppliers and manage procurement of machining tools.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and participate in internal planning meetings.

To be considered for the Machine Development Engineer role, you will need:

• A relevant engineering qualification (HND minimum), ideally gained via an apprenticeship route.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a precision machining environment.
• Strong CAD/CAM skills (Edgecam preferred) with the ability to design fixtures and program offline.
• Excellent problem-solving and innovation skills with a keen eye for detail.
• A working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and process improvement techniques.
• Strong communication and time management abilities with the confidence to liaise with customers, including on-site visits (potentially overseas).
• Knowledge of the rail industry and steel castings would be beneficial but not essential.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced engineer looking to play a pivotal role in the development and delivery of high-precision machined components in a business that values innovation, teamwork, and quality.For a confidential discussion or to find out more, please get in touch.