At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in developing advanced prosthetic technology and testing solutions.
- Company: Join Blatchford, an award-winning global leader in mobility solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and 25 days holiday plus more.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives through innovative engineering and teamwork.
- Qualifications: MSc in Mechanical Engineering and proven experience in managing testing teams.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values courage, learning, and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Blatchford is an innovative, multi-award-winning, global manufacturer of some of the world's most advanced prosthetic technology, bespoke seating solutions and orthotic devices. Our evidence-based approach and commitment to continuously challenge possibilities ensures our mobility solutions prioritise the wellbeing and long-term health of our users. Through innovation, science, technology, and maintaining a clear focus on people, we make mobility possible.
We have a new and exciting opportunity for an Engineering Manager to join our dynamic R&D team, focusing on NPI and Testing.
The role:
- As Engineering Manager - NPI & Test, you will lead a team of NPI and Test Engineers within our Product Lifecycle Management function.
- You will drive delivery of project-specific objectives, whilst ensuring documentation is complete, compliant and aligned with best practice in testing, Design for Manufacture (DfM), Design for Assembly (DfA), Design for Test (DfT) and Design for Service (DfS).
Key duties:
- Ownership of test activities, from definition through completion, ensuring alignment with internal procedures, standards, and regulatory expectations.
- Prioritising and scheduling testing tasks to meet project and business objectives.
- Mentoring, managing and developing team members through regular reviews and ongoing feedback.
- Contributing to product roadmap planning, ensuring test strategy and resource needs are represented.
- Collaborating cross-functionally to achieve optimal design, quality, and schedule outcomes.
- Reviewing and approving technical documentation in accordance with the QMS.
- Participating in design reviews for active projects and providing test-focused feedback.
- Supporting the CAPA process, contributing to root cause analysis and driving quality improvements.
- Reviewing proposed design changes and overseeing test impact assessment for Change Requests.
- Leading NPI tasks within projects, ensuring readiness throughout the stage gate process.
- Ensuring test feedback loops (e.g., early prototyping insights, DfM, DfA, DfT and DfS considerations, production test requirements) are integrated into the NPI process.
- Overseeing creation and approval of production test requirements, working with operations to establish scalable NPI test solutions.
- Supporting post-market surveillance investigations and helping bring swift effective resolutions.
What are we looking for?
To be considered for this Engineering Manager - NPI & Test opportunity, you will have the following:
- Essential skills MSc in Mechanical Engineering.
- BSc/BEng in Materials or Science related discipline.
- Proven track record of managing testing teams.
- Extensive testing experience, preferably within the medical device or other regulated industry.
- Excellent knowledge of System Engineering principles, standards and best practices.
- Experience with MDD/MDR.
- Experience of applying ISO 13485 and ISO 14971.
- Familiarity with verification management tools i.e. JAMA.
- Natural leader, able to share vision and motivate people.
- Drive for continuous improvement.
- Team player with a positive 'can do' attitude.
- Ability to handle multiple, challenging, infrastructure areas of responsibility.
- Excellent verbal, written and presentation communication skills.
What can we offer you?
As Engineering Manager - NPI & Test, you will receive the following benefits:
- Highly competitive salary.
- Early Friday finish.
- Flexible, hybrid working.
- 25 days holiday (rising with service).
- Option to purchase additional annual leave.
- Pension.
- Discounted shopping and leisure activities.
- Health cash plan.
- Cycle to work scheme.
Opportunity to be part of an award-winning organisation with a culture that centres around our core values: courage, learning, integrity, collaboration, and innovation.
Engineering Manager - NPI & Test in Southampton employer: Blatchford Ltd
Contact Detail:
Blatchford Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Manager - NPI & Test in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Blatchford on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Blatchford's products and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission of making mobility possible. Tailor your examples to highlight your leadership in NPI and testing.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. We want to hear about specific situations where you've led teams, tackled challenges, and driven improvements in testing processes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Manager - NPI & Test in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Engineering Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing testing teams and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background in mechanical engineering and testing makes you a perfect fit for us at Blatchford.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a natural leader, it's important to demonstrate your ability to motivate and mentor others. Share examples of how you've developed team members and driven project success in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our dynamic R&D team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blatchford Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and testing standards, especially ISO 13485 and ISO 14971. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, particularly in regulated industries like medical devices.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Engineering Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and motivate a team. Prepare examples of how you've mentored team members and driven project success through effective leadership. Highlight your 'can do' attitude and collaborative spirit.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into your experience with NPI processes and testing methodologies. Think about specific projects where you’ve contributed to test strategy or quality improvements, and be prepared to discuss the outcomes.
✨Align with Their Values
Blatchford values courage, learning, integrity, collaboration, and innovation. Reflect on how your personal values align with theirs and prepare to share stories that illustrate these qualities in your work. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.