Product Development & Prototyping Engineer

Saint Mellons (CF3)

6 Month Contract (Potential Permanent Opportunity)

Our client is an innovative technology manufacturer developing next-generation infrastructure products for global markets. As the business enters an exciting phase of product development, they are seeking an experienced Product Development & Prototyping Engineer to work closely with the Lead Engineer with the design, development and physical prototyping of a new product line.

This is a hands-on engineering role within a fast-paced startup environment, ideal for someone who enjoys combining design, prototyping and workshop-based engineering. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing large-scale prototype products and supporting the transition from concept through to manufacturing readiness.

Benefits

• Salary of up to £45,000
• Flexible Hours – days only
• Opportunity to play a key role in launching an entirely new product line
• Potential to transition into a permanent leadership role
• Opportunity to build and lead a future engineering team
• Hands-on involvement in developing innovative manufacturing technology
• Work within a collaborative, high-growth engineering environment
• 28 days holidays
• Pension

Product Development Engineer Responsibilities

• Supporting the design, development, and physical prototyping of new products and assemblies
• Producing and updating CAD models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar software
• Assisting with the build, assembly, and testing of prototype products and components
• Supporting design modifications and product improvements through practical testing and evaluation
• Taking a hands-on approach to prototype assembly, fabrication, and workshop-based engineering activities
• Working closely with the Lead Engineer to develop products from concept through to manufacturing readiness
• Liaising with fabrication partners, suppliers, and subcontractors to support prototype manufacture and product development activities
• Supporting machining, fabrication, assembly, and installation activities during prototype development
• Assisting with troubleshooting design, assembly, and manufacturing issues during build and testing phases
• Supporting the development of scalable manufacturing processes and production methods
• Helping establish and optimise manufacturing layouts, assembly processes, and production workflows within a startup environment
• Assisting with the setup and development of production facilities, equipment, and workstations to support future manufacturing operations
• Supporting compliance activities including risk assessments, safety procedures, CE/UKCA requirements, and technical documentation
• Assisting with the implementation of safe working practices, machine guarding, and production line safety measures
• Evaluating materials, components, and manufacturing methods to support product quality and manufacturing efficiency
• Working closely with the leadership team and Lead Engineer to support delivery of product development and manufacturing objectives

Essential Skills & Experience

• Minimum 3 years’ experience within Mechanical Engineering, Product Development or manufacturing environments
• Proven experience in prototyping or design-to-manufacture engineering roles
• Strong CAD experience using SolidWorks, AutoCAD or similar design software
• Experience working on large-scale physical products or structures
• Hands-on engineering mindset with experience supporting fabrication, assembly or workshop environments
• Strong problem-solving and practical engineering skills
• Ability to work in fast-paced development environments and take ownership of engineering projects

Desirable but not essential:

• Experience working within startup or early-stage product development environments

If you are interested and have the relevant experience, please apply with an up-to-date copy of your CV. As champions of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, THOMAS Professional commit to reviewing applications we receive with complete fairness and equality.

At THOMAS Professional, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know, and we’ll be happy to accommodate your needs.

THOMAS Professional is acting as an agency on behalf of the client for this position.

THOMAS Professional is proud to be a corporate member of the REC, the recruitment industry's leading professional body.

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