At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead R&D projects, design prototypes, and solve complex engineering challenges.
- Company: Respected engineering firm specialising in advanced composite structures.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £45,000, investment in development, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Dynamic workshop environment with opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape innovation and tackle exciting projects in a hands-on role.
- Qualifications: Experience as a machinist or prototype engineer with strong CNC skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 54000 £ per year.
Company Overview
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.
Role Overview
As Research and Development Manager, you will play a pivotal hands‑on role in driving technical innovation and early‑stage product development. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced machinist or prototype engineer who thrives on solving complex engineering challenges and turning ideas into functional, testable solutions. 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 of the Research and Development Manager
- 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
- Collaborate cross-functionally to provide design for manufacture input, feasibility assessments and prototype feedback
Requirements of the Research and Development Manager
- Proven experience as a machinist, toolmaker, prototype engineer or in a similar hands‑on technical role
- 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. Opportunity to shape innovation within a growing engineering business. Varied, technically challenging projects across multiple industries. Collaborative, skilled and supportive team environment. 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.
Note on Sponsorship: We regret to inform that at this time, we are unable to offer sponsorship for work authorisation for this role. Therefore, candidates must possess valid authorisation to work in the UK without requiring visa sponsorship.
R&D Manager (3335) employer: Cathedrala appointments
Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where innovation thrives. As an R&D Manager, you will be at the forefront of engineering excellence, working on diverse and technically challenging projects while benefiting from a strong commitment to employee development and continuous improvement. With a focus on safety and technical mastery, this role provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of advanced composite structures in a supportive team atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Manager (3335)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to meet potential employers and get insider info on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best projects, especially those involving CNC programming and prototype development. 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 problem-solving skills. Be ready to tackle real-world engineering challenges and demonstrate how you can drive innovation in R&D.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Manager (3335)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a machinist or prototype engineer. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your CNC programming and machining capabilities!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about engineering innovation and how your hands-on experience can contribute to our R&D efforts. Keep it engaging and relevant!
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of complex engineering challenges you've tackled. We love practical problem-solvers, so share specific instances where you’ve turned ideas into functional solutions!
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 innovative team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cathedrala appointments
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around CNC programming and machining. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've solved complex engineering challenges, as this will show your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to talk about innovative solutions you've developed in the past. Think of examples where you turned ideas into functional prototypes, especially using both metallic and composite materials. This will highlight your ability to drive technical innovation.
✨Collaboration is Key
Since the role involves working closely with engineering and production teams, be ready to share experiences where you've successfully collaborated cross-functionally. Highlight how you provided design for manufacture input or contributed to feasibility assessments.
✨Safety First
Familiarise yourself with safe working practices in a workshop environment. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed workshop operations in the past, ensuring equipment maintenance and technical excellence. This shows you're not just skilled but also responsible.
