At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead R&D projects, develop prototypes, and solve technical challenges in a hands-on workshop.
- Company: Respected engineering firm specialising in advanced composite structures.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £45,000, investment in development, and varied projects.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on continuous improvement and technical excellence.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of engineering innovation and make a real impact on product development.
- Qualifications: Strong CNC programming skills and experience with metallic and composite materials.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our client is a well-established and highly respected engineering and manufacturing business specialising in advanced composite structures. Serving a diverse range of high-performance industries, they combine technical expertise with craftsmanship to deliver precision-engineered solutions. With strong in-house capabilities across machining, tooling and quality assurance, they are committed to innovation, continuous improvement and sustainable manufacturing practices.
As Research and Development Manager, you will play a pivotal hands-on role in driving technical innovation and early-stage product development. You will lead R&D activity within a dedicated workshop environment, developing prototypes, tooling and experimental solutions in both metallic and composite materials while collaborating closely with engineering and production teams.
Responsibilities:- Lead the design, machining and fabrication of prototype components, tooling and bespoke fixtures using CNC and manual methods.
- Drive technical problem-solving, generating innovative solutions to support new products, processes and development challenges.
- Manage R&D workshop operations, ensuring safe working practices, equipment maintenance and technical excellence.
- Strong CNC programming and machining capability, producing parts to tight tolerances.
- Practical experience working with both metallic and composite materials.
- Electrical engineering knowledge with the ability to build or troubleshoot simple control and wiring systems.
Competitive salary up to £45,000 depending on experience. Varied, technically challenging projects across multiple industries. Investment in equipment, development and continuous improvement.
If you are a practical problem-solver with a passion for engineering innovation and prototype development, we would love to hear from you.
Research and Development (R&D) Manager in Devon employer: CA Tech Talent
As a leading engineering and manufacturing business, our client offers an exceptional work environment for the Research and Development Manager role, characterised by a commitment to innovation and sustainable practices. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that encourages technical excellence and continuous improvement, alongside opportunities for professional growth through varied and challenging projects. Located in a dedicated workshop setting, this position allows for hands-on involvement in cutting-edge developments, making it an ideal place for those passionate about engineering and prototype development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research and Development (R&D) Manager in Devon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or workshops where you can meet potential employers and showcase your passion for R&D.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your CNC programming, machining projects, and any innovative solutions you've developed. This will give you an edge when discussing your hands-on experience during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of both metallic and composite materials. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in past projects and how you can contribute to the company's innovation goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We want to see your application and get to know you better. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your problem-solving skills and passion for engineering innovation.
We think you need these skills to ace Research and Development (R&D) Manager in Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your CNC programming and machining skills, as well as your experience with metallic and composite materials. We want to see how your background aligns with the technical expertise we're looking for!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, share specific examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past. We love practical problem-solvers, so let us know how you’ve driven innovation in your previous roles!
Highlight Team Collaboration:Since you'll be working closely with engineering and production teams, mention any collaborative projects you've been part of. We value teamwork, so show us how you can contribute to a dynamic workshop environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at CA Tech Talent
✨Know Your Materials
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of both metallic and composite materials. Be ready to discuss your practical experience with these materials, as well as any specific projects where you've successfully used them. This will show your potential employer that you're not just familiar with the theory but have hands-on experience too.
✨Showcase Your CNC Skills
Since strong CNC programming and machining capability is a must for this role, prepare to talk about your past experiences in detail. Bring examples of parts you've produced to tight tolerances and be ready to explain the processes you used. If possible, share any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Problem-Solving Mindset
As an R&D Manager, you'll need to drive technical problem-solving. Think of specific instances where you've generated innovative solutions to development challenges. Be prepared to discuss your thought process and how you collaborated with others to achieve results. This will highlight your ability to think critically and work as part of a team.
✨Safety and Excellence in the Workshop
Since managing workshop operations is part of the job, be ready to talk about your approach to ensuring safe working practices and equipment maintenance. Share any relevant experiences where you implemented safety protocols or improved workshop efficiency. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a high standard of technical excellence.