Development Engineer in Chippenham, Wiltshire

Our client, a specialist in the design and manufacture of advanced composite structures, based in Chippenham, is currently looking for a Development Engineer to join their growing team on a permanent basis. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, and forward‑thinking company where you will be more than just an employee, but an integral part of an ambitious future. The company also runs a 9‑day working fortnight offering a 3‑day weekend every other week!

Our client is a leading innovator in the design, development and manufacture of advanced composite structures and components. They specialise in lightweighting and efficiency solutions for high‑performance industries, including aerospace, automotive, energy and industrial. They are passionate about pushing the boundaries of composites technology and delivering cutting‑edge solutions to their clients.

Job Summary

• Conceptualise, innovate, design and develop components, products, technologies, processes and the systems used to manufacture them, playing a key role in the development and ongoing of products and technology roadmap.
• This role has responsibility for ensuring project success with regard to designed artefacts from inception, through concept design, detailed design, tooling design and into first article manufacture, using innovative engineering skills to ensure seamless integration.
• Both a desk based and hands on position, demanding high levels of creativity and flexibility.
• Reporting to the Managing Director, and when in‑position, Project / Program Manager, the role will be accountable for the delivery of CAE activities (CAD, Simulation, Drafting, CAM) and for the formal and informal delivery of relevant information back to stakeholders in a comprehensive and timely manner.
• Provide support for New Product Introduction and work to ensure that all aspects of CAE design are created to support production development and mechanisation of manufacturing process, leading to automation.
• Work closely with the New Product Introduction Manager to communicate project intentions for first article design and manufacture, ensuring that numerous aspects of CAD design are agreeable to scaled production, allow for the adoption of LEAN methodologies and mechanisation, ultimately leading to automated or semi‑automated artifact production.
• Lead and supervise Project R&D activities relevant to component, product and technology development, analyse data from these prototype tests and generate progress reports summarising technical outcomes and lessons learnt.
• Directly responsible for CAE activities including, but not limited to, Modelling, Simulation, Drafting and Engineering Document Control with the intention of outlining and developing “Design and Development” processes and Standard Operating Procedures (“WI”ss), compliant to ISO9001, for the design process.
• Where delegated and agreed, the role will be the primary point of contact and accountable for the successful OTIF and On‑Budget delivery of grant‑funded R&D programmes, managing suppliers (soliciting updates, obtaining pricing for bought in components, developing BOMs and similar).

Requirements

• Min 2:1 Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Equivalent.
• Ideally 2+ years experience working in an Engineering design environment.
• Proficient in Solidworks CAD Software or equivalent.
• Able to set‑up, mesh, run and analyse FE Simulations to model intelligible load cases with realistic outcomes.
• Experienced in conveying engineering data via engineering drawings (GD&T).
• Capable of presenting ideas and information to stakeholders.
• Extensive knowledge of production methods and processes.
• Experience in project management and managing suppliers.
• Capable of communicating ideas and conveying information in a team‑based environment.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of LEAN methodology and associated tools and techniques.

Certification required

• Membership to an Engineering Institution (IMechE, IET). Encouraged but not a necessity.