Prototyping Engineer

Prototyping Engineer | De’Longhi Group (De’Longhi, Kenwood and Braun) | Kenwood Global Headquarters, Havant, Hampshire | £Competitive + excellent benefits package Closing Date – 16th December 2024 Help us to build the future of kitchen appliances De’Longhi Group is seeking a prototyping engineer to produce functional and aesthetic prototypes that support our technical and industrial design teams. It’s an exciting opportunity to be a part of the New Product Development process within a leading family of premium brands. The role You’ll develop prototypes from metals, plastics, and other materials, collaborating with key interfaces across the business to ensure delivery aligns with requirements. You will be responsible for the day-to-day running of a small technical workshop, which includes duties such as maintaining equipment and managing material stocks. You’ll also be responsible for administrative tasks like risk assessments, inducting workshop users into working practices, and updating maintenance schedules. You’ll be working in a fast-paced, fluid environment with multiple projects and challenges and a strong focus on mechanical engineering; your tools will include 3D printers, rapid prototyping machines, manual machine tools (e.g. mill and lathe) hand tools, and a CNC machine. This position will primarily sit within our R&D department but will also provide support to an Industrial Design team and, occasionally, Quality and NPD Marketing teams. Here, you could find yourself creating visual prototypes and proof-of-concept models to support various stages of development and innovation. Key responsibilities Your responsibilities include (but are not limited to) the following: • Assisting in New Product Development, primarily in support of the Technical/R&D Department. • Supporting R&D Engineers in the design and manufacture of concept development prototypes. • Development and integration of new technologies and systems. • Design and manufacture of jigs and fixtures for testing and assembly. • Support the definition of the facilities budget and monitor expenditure against it. • Assist with the planning, purchase and installation of new equipment. • Identifying areas for improvement in laboratory processes and working environment. • Stock management of all workshop consumable materials to support the anticipated project workload. • Carrying out scheduled maintenance of facilities where in-house support is required. • Supporting on-site visits of nominated sub-contractors undertaking workshop maintenance activities. • Checking RP & CNC machine setting/calibration and cleaning as required, and specialised operations such as dressing grinding wheels and replacing bandsaw blades etc. • Ensuring the safe storage of hazardous RP waste materials prior to their collection for disposal. • Carrying out Workshop Inductions for new starters. • Assisting the EHS Manager in undertaking Risk Assessments for new workshop facilities & processes. About you We’re seeking an individual who can perform the core aspects of the role from day one, so the ideal candidate will be highly skilled with hands-on tools and have experience working with a variety of materials. You must be capable of producing work to a high level of precision; a background as a skilled machinist, toolmaker or similar, with expertise in the use of mills and lathes, would be particularly valuable. It’s possible that for the right candidate, some skills could be learned on the job with additional training provided as required. In particular, proficiency in 3D CAD software would be very desirable – particularly for rapid prototyping and 3D printing in support of the design process – but not as imperative as a strong foundation in precision machining. For this role, we prioritise demonstrable skills over formal qualifications; workshop certifications such as PETA training, or hands-on experience with mills and lathes, are highly valued. EngTech, BTEC or equivalent experience will all be considered. The role requires a flexible and pragmatic approach to working in a results-driven environment, and would suit someone who thrives in a practical, hands-on environment without seeking to quickly transition away from the lab. What’s in it for you? You’ll have the opportunity to work on innovative products that you’ll see in stores, and to help shape the future of the kitchen appliance industry. Our work environment and investment into staff is outstanding; our extensive benefits include: • Competitive salary • Excellent contributory pension • 25 days holiday + bank holidays • Superb subsidised restaurant • Free on-site parking • Flexible benefits package • Access to a range of wellbeing activities and events About us De’Longhi Group is home to the De’Longhi, Kenwood and Braun Household brands—all pioneering kitchen and home appliance brands that are internationally recognised and respected. The De’Longhi Group, headquartered in Treviso, Italy, has international operations in more than 30 countries. The location Your reporting office will be Kenwood’s global HQ on the beautiful South Coast between Portsmouth and Chichester, where our products are conceived and tested, and where our UK De’Longhi division is based. The role is primarily on-site, five days a week with an early finish on Friday afternoon. However, once you’re established in your role, it’s likely you’ll have some flexibility to work remotely on occasion, when warranted. You should live within commuting distance, and you must have a driver’s licence.