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- Tasks: Support innovative design engineering projects and develop prototypes for global sanitation solutions.
- Company: Cranfield University, a leader in technology and management education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health and sustainability through cutting-edge engineering.
- Qualifications: Master’s Degree, SolidWorks expertise, and experience in prototype development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to innovation and sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 24900 - 28700 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the Design Engineering Technical Developer role at Cranfield University. This range is provided by Cranfield University. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range: ÂŁ28,929 to ÂŁ33,825 per annum
Location: Cranfield, Bedfordshire
We welcome applications from passionate, skilled, committed individuals to join our team.
About the Role
The Design Engineering Technical Developer will provide critical support to the Senior Lecturer in Product Design Engineering and the Centre for Digital Design Engineering team in design engineering and prototype development for the Cranfield Circular Toilet Project, a Gates Foundation‑funded initiative developing next‑generation sanitation solutions for global deployment. This role is essential to address the significant increase in prototyping deliverables, to ensure timely delivery of project outputs to commercial partners. The successful candidate will work on breakthrough innovations in sanitation technology, contributing directly to solutions that will impact global health and sustainability for billions of people worldwide.
By leveraging extensive knowledge in design engineering and proven capabilities in prototype development, the Postholder will help deliver multiple new prototypes on schedule. This role offers the opportunity to work independently on complex engineering challenges while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, making a tangible difference in advancing Cranfield’s reputation as a leading powerhouse of innovation in design engineering.
About You
You should hold a Master’s Degree. You should also be good at creating detailed CAD models for all sanitation system components and assemblies, preparing engineering drawings and technical specifications, and optimising the designs for manufacturability and cost‑effectiveness. You should have excellent SolidWorks skills in modelling 3D parts and working systems, preferably with experience in developing sanitation‑based technologies. A demonstrable track record of innovation through patents and prototyping is an advantage. You must be able to show evidence that you are a named inventor on any innovation you are presenting. You must be able to independently lead the development of a technology stream within Cranfield’s reinvented toilet portfolio, with minimal oversight.
About Us
As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world‑class expertise, large‑scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Cranfield’s Manufacturing, Materials and Design Theme has been following the ambitious strategy of developing a roadmap for Sustainable Manufacturing and Materials Sectors for 2050 by applying fundamental science and thought leadership via conceiving and maturing in the concepts of Smart, Clean and Green manufacturing solutions agnostically across all sectors and through all tiers of the supply chain. This is to support the national aspiration of Net Zero UK by 2050. We offer world‑class and niche postgraduate level research, education, training and consultancy. We are unique in our multidisciplinary approach, by bringing together design, materials’ technology and management expertise. We link fundamental materials research with manufacturing to develop novel technologies and improve the science base of the manufacturing research. Our capabilities are unique, with a focus on simulation and modelling, and sustainability.
Our Values and Commitments
Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families.
Working Arrangements
Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on‑site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.
How to apply
For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Matt Collins, Senior Lecturer in Product Design Engineering, on m.collins@cranfield.ac.uk. Apply online now. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 5180. Closing date for receipt of applications: 18 January 2026. We reserve the right to close this advert prior to the stated closing date if sufficient applications are received, so we encourage you to submit as soon as possible.
Additional Information
- Seniority level: Not Applicable
- Employment type: Contract
- Job function: Engineering, Research, and Other
- Industries: Higher Education
Design Engineering Technical Developer in Cranfield employer: Cranfield University
Contact Detail:
Cranfield University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Engineering Technical Developer in Cranfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Cranfield University on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the role and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the Cranfield Circular Toilet Project. Show your passion for innovation in sanitation technology and how your skills can contribute to this groundbreaking initiative.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your SolidWorks skills before the interview. Being able to discuss your CAD modelling experience confidently will impress the hiring team and show you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Cranfield community.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Engineering Technical Developer in Cranfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your SolidWorks skills and any experience you have with sanitation technologies. We want to see how your expertise aligns with the role, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Mention the Cranfield Circular Toilet Project and how your background can contribute to its success. We love seeing candidates who do their homework!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your achievements and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Cranfield.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranfield University
✨Know Your CAD Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your SolidWorks skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've created detailed CAD models and how those designs contributed to successful prototypes, especially in sanitation technologies.
✨Showcase Your Innovation Track Record
Prepare to talk about any patents or innovations you've been involved in. If you're a named inventor, bring evidence of your contributions and be ready to explain the impact of your work on design engineering and prototype development.
✨Understand the Project's Impact
Familiarise yourself with the Cranfield Circular Toilet Project and its significance in global health and sustainability. Being able to articulate how your role as a Design Engineering Technical Developer can contribute to this initiative will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working with a multidisciplinary team, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others on complex engineering challenges. Highlight your ability to lead independently while also being a team player.