Job Description
About Sunseeker International
Sunseeker was founded on a bold vision: to create a new kind of yacht and redefine what was possible on the water. From our earliest designs in 1967, we’ve pushed boundaries and reshaped the motor yacht industry through innovation, craftsmanship and relentless ambition.
At the heart of every Sunseeker lies a legacy of expert hands and meticulous attention to detail, skills refined and passed down through generations. These are the qualities that set our yachts apart - and the qualities that continue to drive our craft today.
In a world increasingly defined by automation, we remain committed to building hand‑crafted, hand‑finished boats. With over 1,800 talented team members across our busy shipyards - from long‑serving specialists to more than 180 apprentices - our Sunseeker workforce reflects the strength, diversity and pride of our local community. It’s this blend of heritage, skill and passion that makes our shipyards unlike any other place in the world.
Who We Are Seeking
At Sunseeker, we don’t just build yachts - we engineer world-class performance, precision, and craftsmanship.
We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer / Lean Manufacturing Engineer to join our team at our Poole operations. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in driving operational quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement across one of the world’s leading luxury yacht manufacturers.
As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will be at the heart of our production environment, working closely with design, production, and quality teams to ensure our yachts are built to the highest standards. You will champion lean manufacturing principles, optimise processes, and continuously enhance operational quality across the business.
A Day in the Life
A typical day as a Manufacturing Engineer at Sunseeker starts out on the production floor, working closely with skilled craftspeople to review ongoing builds and ensure every yacht meets our exacting standards of operational quality. You’ll spend time analysing processes, identifying opportunities to embed lean manufacturing principles and improve efficiency, while supporting teams to resolve any technical or quality challenges in real time. Collaboration is key - you’ll engage with design and engineering teams to refine manufacturability, lead problem-solving activities, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance both performance and precision. By the end of the day, you’ll have played a hands-on role in shaping world-class yachts, ensuring that every detail reflects Sunseeker’s reputation for innovation, craftsmanship, and engineering excellence.
Example Responsibilities Include
- Develop, implement, and improve manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency and quality
- Drive lean manufacturing initiatives, including waste reduction, standardisation, and continuous improvement
- Support production teams with technical expertise to resolve process and quality challenges
- Embed and promote a culture of operational quality and right-first-time delivery
- Collaborate with design and engineering teams to ensure manufacturability of new products
- Analyse production data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement
- Lead and support root cause analysis and corrective actions
To Be Considered for This Role You Should Have
- Proven experience as a Manufacturing Engineer or Lean Manufacturing Engineer within a fast-paced production environment
- Strong knowledge of lean tools and methodologies (e.g., Kaizen, 5S, Six Sigma)
- Passion for operational quality, precision engineering and continuous improvement
- Excellent problem-solving skills with a proactive, hands-on approach
- Ability to collaborate across teams and influence positive change
- Experience within marine, automotive, or high-end manufacturing environments is desirable
Sunseeker employees benefit from
With 7 miles of golden sandy beaches, flanked on both sides by the New Forest National Park and the Jurassic Coast line, working in Poole for a genuinely premiere international brand offers an enviable opportunity to truly live the dream. All the usual benefits you would expect from a sophisticated manufacturing organisation are available, including:
- A generous company pension scheme - 6% employer contribution
- Private medical insurance, including baby bonus and Digital GP (after 2 years)
- Dental insurance (after 2 years)
- Annual leave increases with continued service
- Health Assured EAP
- Trained Mental Health First Aiders
- Death in service scheme (£)
- Employee discounts with a wide range of third party businesses (up to 30% off) including access to Perkbox discount platform