Workshop Technician

At Colebrook Bosson Saunders, we are international designers, manufacturers and distributors of award-winning ergonomic products. We strive for new ways to enhance user experience through the seamless connection of people and technology.

Our purpose is design for the good of humankind. It’s the ideal we strive toward each day in everything we do. Being a part of Colebrook Bosson Saunders means being a part of something larger than your work team, or even your brand. We are redefining modern for the 21st century. And our success allows Colebrook Bosson Saunders to support causes that align with our values, so we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and beautiful future for everyone.

Role Overview

This is a hands-on, workshop-based role supporting R&D through the making and building of prototypes, components, and assemblies. You will be responsible for turning product concepts and specifications into functional prototypes, as well as designing and producing tools, jigs, and fixtures to enable their creation. The role demands a highly skilled maker with broad experience in machining, prototyping, and problem-solving across diverse materials, tools, and methods. Working closely with design and engineering teams, you will play a critical role in accelerating concept development and ensuring practical, buildable solutions in a fast-paced environment.

Role Focus

• Apply engineering principles to support R&D product development and turn concepts into functional prototypes.
• Collaborate with design and engineering teams to develop practical, buildable solutions that accelerate concept development and reduce time-to-market.
• Interpret sketches, drawings, and design intent to build prototypes that support design exploration and validation.
• Support resolution of design challenges by testing ideas, suggesting improvements, and providing practical feedback from a maker’s perspective.
• Lead and support prototyping, modelmaking, and fabrication of parts and assemblies for R&D projects in collaboration with the Workshop Manager.
• Commission prototype parts and samples for R&D projects and manage Far East supplier communication to place and track orders.
• Create 3D models, assemblies, and technical drawings for tools, jigs, and fixtures using CAD software to support prototype making and assembly.
• Design and build tools, jigs, and fixtures to support making components, prototypes, and assemblies, ensuring they align with workshop capabilities.
• Create CNC toolpaths using CAM software and develop efficient machining programs to support prototype part production.
• Set up, program, and operate 3-axis CNC milling machines, optimising parameters for efficient, accurate, and safe machining of prototype parts.
• Operate manual lathes and milling machines to produce components to exact specifications, tolerances, and fit, according to technical drawings.
• Maintain a safe, compliant, and organised workshop environment by performing routine safety checks, identifying risks, and coordinating repairs and upkeep with the Workshop Manager.
• Operate workshop equipment in accordance with safety standards and ergonomic best practices.
• Handle, store, and organise raw materials, workpieces, and tooling to ensure safe and efficient workshop operations.
• Monitor and maintain inventory of cutting tools, inserts, consumables, and standard components, and reorder supplies as required.

Competencies:

• Have practical experience in a workshop or manufacturing environment producing prototypes, models, or production parts and components - Ideally 5+ years.
• 3D CAD literate, with the ability to design tools, jigs, and fixtures (ideally using SolidWorks, though other packages are acceptable).
• Proficient in using CAM Software (ideally CAMWorks) for generating toolpaths, running simulations, and performing post-processing.
• Strong understanding of a wide range of materials covering steel, aluminium, plastic and wood and manufacturing processes including prototyping, small batch, fabrication and mass manufacture.
• Have excellent working knowledge and experience in machine operations, including operating manual lathes and milling machines (ideally Colchester and Bridgeport) and 3-axis CNC machines (ideally Haas Super Mini Mill).
• Confident in a workshop environment and trained in the safe use of hand tools and common workshop machinery, including pillar drills, sanding machines, grinders, and band saws.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a small team and across the business, with strong verbal and written communication skills to clearly convey complex engineering concepts.
• Self-starter with strong time management skills, able to manage multiple projects and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines and agreed deliverables.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office 365 & Teams.
• Minimum Level 3 qualification as an Engineering Technician or Machining Technician, or equivalent vocational training or work experience.

Characteristics:

• Hard-working and enthusiastic, approaching tasks with energy and commitment.
• Natural problem solver with an inquisitive, “can-do” attitude toward challenges.
• Honest and operates with integrity, building trust in all interactions.
• Enjoys hands-on work, passionate about making and building—a true maker at heart.
• Forward-thinking, proactively seeking opportunities for improvement.

Colebrook Bosson Saunders is committed to equal opportunity employment, including veterans and people with disabilities.