At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects from concept to implementation in advanced propulsion technology.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge engineering organisation in the defence technology sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy autonomy, influence, and the chance to mentor future engineers.
- Other info: Collaborate with a skilled team tackling complex technical challenges.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering with hands-on innovation and strategic impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in advanced engineering, mechanical design, and project management required.
The predicted salary is between 58100 - 80000 £ per year.
If you're the type of engineer who sees a better way of doing things and has the technical credibility to make it happen, this could be the role you've been looking for. We're seeking a Senior Research & Development Engineer to join an advanced engineering organisation developing next-generation propulsion technologies for highly demanding applications. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of innovation projects from concept through to implementation—identifying opportunities, developing new technologies, building prototypes, validating designs, and delivering real-world engineering solutions that shape future products and manufacturing capabilities. You'll enjoy significant autonomy, influence technical direction, and work alongside specialists across design, materials, manufacturing, testing and applied science disciplines.
What you'll be doing:
- Leading research and technology projects from initial concept through to implementation
- Identifying opportunities to improve product performance, manufacturing capability, cost and lead time
- Developing business cases for new technologies and securing stakeholder buy-in
- Designing, building and validating prototypes, tooling and specialised test equipment
- Managing project budgets, schedules and technical deliverables
- Producing and approving engineering designs, drawings and 3D models
- Conducting trade studies, technical investigations and feasibility assessments
- Working closely with suppliers, manufacturing partners and multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Owning verification and validation activities to ensure robust technical solutions
- Monitoring emerging technologies and identifying opportunities to enhance future capability
Leadership & Influence:
As a senior member of the team, you'll also:
- Mentor and develop graduate and junior engineers
- Provide technical leadership across innovation programmes
- Review and approve engineering work packages
- Influence technology strategy and future development roadmaps
- Act as a key technical interface for internal and external stakeholders
What we're looking for:
- Significant experience within research, development, advanced engineering or product innovation environments
- A proven track record of taking concepts from idea through to implemented solution
- Strong mechanical design and development expertise
- Hands-on experience with prototyping, machining and experimental development
- Excellent understanding of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA)
- Strong knowledge of engineering drawings, GD&T, limits and fits
- Experience managing technical projects, budgets and schedules
- Ability to work independently and make sound engineering decisions
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
You'll stand out if you have experience in:
- Aerospace, defence, propulsion, automotive, energy or other high-performance engineering sectors
- New product introduction (NPI)
- Research and development programmes
- Prototype development and testing
- Materials engineering and manufacturing processes
- Advanced mechanical systems and precision engineering
Why apply?
- Work on genuinely cutting-edge technology development programmes
- Own projects from concept to delivery
- Influence the future direction of advanced engineering capability
- Combine hands-on engineering with strategic innovation
- Mentor the next generation of engineers
- Join a highly skilled team solving complex technical challenges
This is an opportunity for an engineer who enjoys creating, improving and delivering—not simply maintaining what's already there. If you thrive on innovation, technical leadership and turning ambitious ideas into reality, we'd love to hear from you.
Senior Research And Development Engineer in Worcester employer: CBSbutler
Join a pioneering advanced engineering organisation that champions innovation and technical excellence in the defence technology sector. As a Senior Research and Development Engineer, you'll benefit from a collaborative work culture that values autonomy and encourages professional growth, while working on cutting-edge propulsion technologies. With opportunities to mentor junior engineers and influence strategic direction, this role offers a unique chance to make a tangible impact in a dynamic and forward-thinking environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research And Development Engineer in Worcester
✨Leverage Innovation Hubs
Tap into local innovation hubs and research centres. These places often host events and workshops where you can meet like-minded people and industry leaders. Plus, they might have job openings that aren't widely advertised, so keep your ears open!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Turn your past innovation projects into compelling stories. Create a portfolio showcasing your creativity and problem-solving skills. This can give hiring managers a real flavour of what you can bring to the table at companies like CBSbutler.
✨Connect at Industry Conferences
Make it a point to attend industry conferences and seminars focused on R&D and innovation management. These events are fantastic for networking and often have job boards or career fairs where you can connect directly with firms looking for talent.
✨Use Your University’s Resources
If you're fresh out of university, don't forget to tap into your institution's career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies seeking new talent in R&D, especially for full-time roles. It's a good shortcut to landing a gig at places like CBSbutler.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research And Development Engineer in Worcester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Creative Thinking:In innovation and R&D management, it's all about thinking outside the box. Make sure your CV highlights any projects or experiences that showcase your creative problem-solving skills. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've developed and implemented innovative ideas in previous roles.
Tailor Your Experience to R&D:When you're crafting your CV, focus on your experience in research and development. Highlight any relevant projects you've worked on, including methodologies used and results achieved. This will show us at CBSbutler that you understand the R&D process and can contribute meaningfully to our projects.
Let Your Passion Shine in the Cover Letter:For a full-time role like this, your cover letter should reflect your genuine passion for innovation and development. Share your excitement about the opportunity to work at CBSbutler and touch on how your goals align with our mission. This helps us see your motivation for wanting to join our team!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in R&D! Whenever possible, quantify your achievements in your CV. Whether it’s a percentage improvement in project outcomes, the budget size you’ve managed, or the number of successful products you've launched, these figures will help paint a clearer picture of your impact and capabilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at CBSbutler
✨Show Off Your Innovative Thinking
In an Innovation R&D Management role at CBSbutler, they're going to want to see how you approach problem-solving. Be ready to discuss previous projects where you introduced a new idea or process. Highlight your ability to think outside the box and provide examples where your innovations drove significant results.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Technologies
Make sure you're clued up on the latest tools and technologies related to innovation management, such as project management software and data analysis platforms. Being able to discuss specific tools you’ve used or have experience with will show CBSbutler that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since this is a full-time gig, emphasising your teamwork skills will be essential. In innovation, collaboration often sparks the best ideas, so be ready to talk about how you've worked effectively within cross-functional teams in your past roles. Have concrete examples at the ready!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions in your interview that reflect real challenges you might face in the role. £At CBSbutler, they might want to see how you handle tight deadlines or manage conflicting ideas within a team. Prepare some responses that demonstrate your critical thinking and decisiveness in high-pressure situations.