Prototype Assembly Technician in London

Department: Operations

Reports To: Prototype and Production Build Manager

Location: Acton, West London

Employment Type: Permanent

Overview

You will build battery energy storage systems from general assembly drawings, wiring schematics and parts lists. This is not a role for someone who follows step-by-step work instructions. It is a role for someone who can read a GA, understand what the finished assembly needs to look like, and build it correctly the first time, mechanically, electrically and to standard. If you have spent your career on a line following a defined sequence, this will not suit you and we would rather say so now.

We are a small team building complex, safety-critical, high-voltage products at low volume. The work changes. Designs iterate. You will often be the first person to physically build something that has only existed as a model, and the quality of what you produce sets the standard for everything that follows it.

What you will be doing

• Building mechanical and electrical sub-assemblies and complete BESS units from engineering drawings
• Working directly with design and engineering on prototype builds and design iterations, feeding back on manufacturability and serviceability
• Supporting Manufacturing Engineers with writing and improving the build documentation — SOPs, Bill of Process, work instructions — based on how the job is actually done
• Recording build data: serial numbers, part traceability, torque records, quality checks
• Self-inspecting and functionally checking your own work before it moves on
• Raising build and design issues clearly and early, rather than working around them
• Maintaining a safe, clean and organised build area, with health and safety front and centre

What you must be able to demonstrate

We are looking for recent, significant, hands-on experience across all of the following. Be prepared to give specific examples.

• Working from drawings: Reading and building from general assembly drawings, exploded views, parts lists and wiring schematics without step-by-step instruction; interpreting tolerances, datums, fastener callouts and revision control; identifying and flagging drawing errors and discrepancies before building.
• Electrical assembly and termination: Wiring and terminating breakers, isolators, contactors and distribution equipment; busbar assembly, correct torque, insulation, and awareness of clearance and creepage; cable preparation and lug crimping — correct die selection, hydraulic and ratchet crimp tooling, and how to verify a crimp is sound; connector pinning — contact selection, correct crimp tooling and crimp height, insertion and extraction tooling, seal and backshell fitment; cable identification, labelling, continuity and insulation resistance checks.
• Harnessing and routing: Routing, supporting and clipping harnesses to a defined standard, not by eye; bend radii, strain relief, chafe protection, and segregation of power and signal; gland fitment, cable entry sealing and IP integrity.
• Fluid and cooling systems: Routing, clipping and supporting coolant pipework and hose at correct spacing; fitting types, correct torque and sealing methods; fill, bleed, pressure and leak-test procedures.
• Mechanical assembly: Fastener selection, torque to specification, calibrated torque tooling and torque marking; enclosure and sheet metal assembly, alignment, fit and finish; competent use of hand tools, power tools and basic test equipment.
• Quality and standards: A right-first-time approach, with the self-discipline to check before signing off; accurate build records and traceability as a matter of habit; comfortable using digital tools to record build data and follow digital work instructions; IMI Level 3 in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement, or equivalent HV training; IPC/WHMA-A-620 or equivalent wiring harness standard awareness; experience with lithium-ion battery systems, BMS and thermal management; low-volume, prototype or NPI build experience in a startup or R&D-led environment; counterbalance forklift licence.

HV training and certification will be provided where it is not already held.

About you

• Self-motivated, methodical, and genuinely proud of the standard of your work.
• Flexible as priorities, designs and processes change, which they will.
• Communicates clearly across engineering, quality and operations.
• Realistic about what a startup is: the pressure is high, the scope is wide, and the work is not always tidy.

What we offer

• A direct role in bringing a UK-manufactured clean energy product to market.
• Training and technical development, including HV certification.
• Employee stock ownership plan.
• Private medical and dental insurance.
• A small team where the quality of your work is visible and matters.

Selection process

• CV and covering note review.
• Technical conversation with the Build Manager.
• Hands-on practical assessment at our Acton facility.

The practical assessment is a real part of the process, not a formality. We would rather see what you can do than talk about it.

Right to work in the United Kingdom is required. We are not able to provide sponsorship for this role.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Ability to commute/relocate: London W3 0TH: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience: Prototype or Assembly: 2 years (preferred)