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- Tasks: Get hands-on in the workshop, welding and fabricating prototypes for medical equipment.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on innovative healthcare solutions in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and work on meaningful projects that make a difference.
- Why this job: Perfect for makers who want to turn ideas into reality and improve healthcare outcomes.
- Qualifications: Mechanical Engineering qualification and strong workshop skills are essential; CAD knowledge is a plus.
- Other info: This is not a desk job; it's all about practical problem-solving and creativity.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ 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.
Prototype Engineer employer: Coates Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Coates Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Prototype Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to showcase your hands-on experience in mechanical engineering during any informal conversations or networking events. Talk about specific projects where you've welded, fabricated, or machined prototypes, as this will demonstrate your practical skills and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in medical and healthcare equipment prototyping. Being knowledgeable about current innovations can help you stand out in discussions and show that you're genuinely interested in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with current or former employees of StudySmarter on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving approach in detail. Think of examples where you've tackled tough mechanical challenges in the workshop, as this will highlight your ability to think critically and creatively, which is essential for a Prototype Engineer.
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 demonstrate your skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for prototyping and how your practical experience aligns with the role. Mention any relevant projects or achievements that showcase your problem-solving abilities and creativity.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your workshop skills and any experience with CAD software, even if basic. Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in a team and your enthusiasm for tackling mechanical challenges.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a hands-on engineering role.
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 colleagues. 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 role values ingenuity, so be ready to share your creative solutions.
✨Express Your Passion for Prototyping
Convey your enthusiasm for building and improving things. Share why you love working in a workshop environment and how it drives your motivation to create innovative medical devices.
