Product Development Engineer

Are you passionate about driving innovation, product excellence, and consistent improvement? We’re looking for a dynamic and hands-on Product Development Engineer to join our client’s team. In this role, you’ll take full ownership of one of the company’s core product ranges, guiding it through its entire lifecycle—from concept and innovation to quality, support, and cost optimisation.

Key Purpose of the Role

• Managing a core product range throughout its lifecycle.
• Driving product innovation and ensuring industry-leading performance, quality, and value.
• Supporting cross-functional teams including production, customer service, and procurement.
• Identifying and implementing cost-saving and value engineering opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Innovation & Competitive Analysis
   • Stay current with advancements in UHV (Ultra High Vacuum) design and manufacturing technologies.
   • Benchmark competitor products through reverse engineering to maintain a competitive edge.
2. Product Development
   • Manage and deliver development projects on time and within budget.
   • Promote and apply best practices in Design for Manufacture (DFM).
   • Conduct feasibility studies on new product introductions (NPIs).
   • Create and review detailed drawings in accordance with BS 8888 standards.
   • Collaborate with new and existing suppliers for product development.
   • Generate CAD BOMs and ensure accurate data dissemination across stakeholders.
   • Carry out FMEA and prototype assembly/testing.
3. Quality Assurance
   • Identify areas for product and process improvement.
   • Lead 8D problem-solving and root cause analysis initiatives.
4. Product Lifecycle Maintenance
   • Maintain accurate and current product data and documentation.
   • Support operations with up-to-date CAD BOMs and comprehensive work instructions.
5. Cost Optimisation
   • Lead value engineering efforts to reduce costs while maintaining quality and functionality.
   • Contribute to in/out-sourcing projects in collaboration with purchasing and manufacturing teams.
6. Engineering Change Management
   • Execute engineering changes promptly and systematically.
   • Ensure all product documentation and BOMs reflect current specifications.
7. Custom Design Support
   • Provide technical support for custom quotations and inquiries.
   • Deliver engineering packs for custom orders on time and within budget.

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong understanding of DFMA principles.
• Experience in root cause analysis and product engineering of assemblies/components.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Project costing and quotation experience.
• Ability to read and produce technical drawings using modern 3D CAD systems.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• 3–5 years’ experience in a similar role.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics.
• Proficiency in PTC Creo 5 (or higher).
• Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly and machining (milling/turning).

Qualifications

• Essential: HNC/HND in Mechanical and Production Engineering
• Desirable: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Personal Attributes

• Strong communication skills across all levels of engineering and production.
• Self-motivated with excellent time management.
• Practical, hands-on approach with a strong sense of ownership.

Flexible Working Requirements

The successful candidate will be expected to balance responsibilities across design, product engineering, and quality. A flexible, proactive attitude is essential, along with a willingness to get involved in hands-on product build and testing when required.