At a Glance
- Tasks: Get hands-on with welding, machining, and building prototypes in a dynamic workshop.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge company focused on medical and healthcare equipment innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and work on meaningful projects that improve healthcare outcomes.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team where your skills make a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Mechanical Engineering qualification and strong hands-on workshop skills required.
- Other info: This is not a desk job; it's for makers who love to build and solve problems.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 £ per year.
If you're a practical mechanical engineer who thrives in the workshop and loves building one-off prototypes, this is your kind of role.
We’re looking for a Prototype Engineer with real hands-on experience - someone who’s comfortable welding, machining, fabricating, and assembling new concepts from the ground up. This is a chance to work on cutting-edge medical and healthcare equipment in a fast-moving, prototype-focused R&D environment.
You’ll work with a small, skilled team to take early-stage ideas through design, development, build, and test – and make things no one’s built before.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Working hands-on in the workshop: welding, fabrication, CNC machining, and assembly of prototypes
- Supporting mechanical R&D activities across early-stage product development
- Building functional test rigs and one-off components from sketches and CAD
- Collaborating with design and engineering colleagues to refine ideas into working systems
- Using tools, machines, and your own ingenuity to solve tough mechanical problems
- Supporting testing and iteration of prototype medical devices
What We’re Looking For:
- Mechanical Engineering qualification: NVQ / HNC / HND or similar
- Ideally apprentice-trained with solid mechanical fundamentals
- Strong hands-on workshop skills – welding, fabrication, CNC machining, etc.
- Practical experience with tools, manual machines, and real-world builds
- A doer, problem-solver, and maker – someone who loves to build and improve things
- Basic CAD (e.g. SolidWorks) knowledge helpful, but not essential – we can train
- Full UK right to work; driving licence preferred
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a team where workshop skills are front and centre
- Build real, functional equipment that improves healthcare outcomes
- Join a company that values craftsmanship, creativity, and practical thinking
- Work on a wide variety of challenging, meaningful projects
- Competitive salary and a role with true hands-on variety
If you build it, we want to meet you.
This isn’t a desk job. If you’re a mechanical engineer who loves to weld, fabricate, or machine your ideas into reality – and wants to work on meaningful products that help people – we want to hear from you.
Apply now and bring your workshop mindset to a company that builds real solutions.
Contact Detail:
Coates Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prototype Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in medical and healthcare equipment prototyping. This will not only help you understand the industry better but also allow you to discuss relevant topics during your interview, showcasing your passion and knowledge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to demonstrate your hands-on skills. If you have any personal projects or previous work that involved welding, machining, or fabrication, be ready to talk about them. Real-world examples can make a strong impression on the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the engineering and R&D sectors, especially those who work in medical devices. Attend industry events or join online forums to connect with others and gain insights that could be beneficial during your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your problem-solving abilities by preparing examples of challenges you've faced in previous projects. Be ready to explain how you approached these issues and what innovative solutions you implemented, as this aligns perfectly with the role's requirements.
We think you need these skills to ace Prototype Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your hands-on mechanical engineering experience, particularly in welding, fabrication, and CNC machining. Use specific examples of projects you've worked on that relate to prototype development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for building prototypes and solving mechanical problems. Mention any relevant qualifications and experiences that align with the job description, and explain why you want to work in the medical and healthcare equipment sector.
Showcase Your Skills: If you have experience with CAD software like SolidWorks, be sure to mention it. Even if it's not essential, demonstrating your willingness to learn and adapt can set you apart from other candidates.
Highlight Team Collaboration: Since the role involves working closely with a small team, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've worked with others to refine ideas and develop prototypes in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coates Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Skills
Be prepared to discuss your practical experience in welding, machining, and fabrication. Bring examples of past projects or prototypes you've worked on to demonstrate your hands-on abilities.
✨Understand the Role's Requirements
Familiarise yourself with the specific tasks mentioned in the job description, such as building functional test rigs and collaborating with design teams. This will help you articulate how your skills align with their needs.
✨Problem-Solving Mindset
Highlight your problem-solving skills by discussing challenges you've faced in previous projects and how you overcame them. This is crucial for a role that involves tackling tough mechanical problems.
✨Express Your Passion for Prototyping
Convey your enthusiasm for building and improving prototypes. Share stories that reflect your passion for engineering and how it drives you to create innovative solutions in the healthcare sector.