At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative prototypes and tooling for exciting new products.
- Company: Join a leading manufacturing business in Preston with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, healthcare, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and excellent career growth opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Be hands-on in engineering and make a real difference in product development.
- Qualifications: 10 years of fabrication experience and strong problem-solving skills required.
Location: Preston / Fulwood, Lancashire
Salary: Up to £40,000 DOE
Hours: Monday-Friday, 39.5 hours per week
Permanent | Days
We are recruiting for an experienced R&D Technician to join a well-established and highly successful manufacturing business based in the Preston area. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled Fabricator, Toolmaker, Sheet Metal Worker or Development Technician who enjoys solving engineering problems, working from drawings and turning new product concepts into practical prototypes, tooling, moulds and production-ready solutions.
This is a genuinely hands-on engineering position where you will work closely with the R&D and wider manufacturing teams, taking projects from initial concept through manufacture, modification, testing and final verification.
The Role
As R&D Technician, you will be responsible for the manufacture and development of bespoke tooling, moulds, jigs and formers used in new product development. Your duties will include:
- Manufacturing and developing new tooling, moulds, jigs and formers
- Building components and tooling from detailed engineering drawings
- Carrying out sheet metal fabrication and developing complex shapes
- MIG and TIG welding to a high standard
- Bending, drilling, grinding and press brake work
- Modifying and improving new tooling during the development process
- Carrying out new tool verification and snagging
- Supporting design reviews and providing practical manufacturing input
- Advising design teams on Design for Manufacturability (DfM)
- Carrying out R&D moulding trials and verifying operating parameters
- Product verification, testing and problem solving
- Supporting pilot production runs and the transition of new products into manufacture
- Working with a range of materials including sheet metal, plastics, wood and composites
- Using measuring equipment including micrometers and calipers
- Providing advanced maintenance and technical support where required
- Working closely with R&D, engineering and production departments
- Sharing technical knowledge and supporting less experienced team members
- Ensuring work is completed in line with health, safety and quality requirements
What We're Looking For
We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with a strong practical background in fabrication, tooling, prototype manufacture or product development. You will ideally have:
- A minimum of 10 years' hands-on experience within tool manufacture and/or fabrication
- Strong sheet metal fabrication skills
- Experience developing complex shapes and bespoke components
- Strong MIG and TIG welding skills
- Experience with bending, drilling, grinding and press brake setup
- The ability to confidently interpret and manufacture from detailed engineering drawings
- Excellent practical problem-solving skills
- Good 3D visualisation skills with the ability to understand how a finished component or tool needs to be manufactured
- Experience taking complex projects from concept through to manufacture and verification
- Experience working with different materials
- Good knowledge of dimensional inspection and measuring equipment
- Excellent attention to detail
- The ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
- Good communication skills and the confidence to work across different engineering departments
- A Level 3 NVQ / City & Guilds qualification in Fabrication & Welding Engineering, Sheet Metal or similar
- Full UK driving licence
- Experience within a manufacturing environment or knowledge of plastic moulding processes such as rotational or injection moulding would be advantageous but is not essential.
Salary & Benefits
Salary up to £40,000, depending on experience and capability.
Benefits include:
- 25 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays
- Additional holiday purchase scheme
- Company pension
- Healthcare scheme
- Death in service benefit
- Free on-site parking
- Tea and coffee provided
- Permanent, stable position
Working Hours
39.5 hours per week
Monday-Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Some additional flexibility may occasionally be required depending on business and project demands.
Interested?
If you are an experienced Fabricator, Toolmaker, Sheet Metal Worker, Prototype Technician, Development Technician or R&D Technician looking for a hands-on role where you can use your fabrication and problem-solving skills on new product development projects, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today with your CV for immediate consideration.
R&D Technician employer: Employment Solutions Ltd
Join a dynamic engineering and manufacturing environment where your role as a Driver / Stores Assistant will be both varied and rewarding. Enjoy the benefits of a four-day working week, competitive pay, and the potential for permanent employment after an initial 12-week period, all while being part of a supportive team that values reliability and hard work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Technician
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Employment Solutions Ltd, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Employment Solutions Ltd specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Employment Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Employment Solutions Ltd, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Employment Solutions Ltd value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
