Research And Development Engineer in Kidderminster

This role is a permanent, full-time position with a salary up to £45,250 plus performance bonus paid twice yearly and additional benefits. Flexitime (employees can choose their working pattern).

Location: Worcestershire, United Kingdom

Products: Filters, Strainers, Separators, Flame Arrestors, Skid Packages, Piping Systems, Pressure Vessels.

Taking concept designs to production within an agreed time frame, utilising the latest 3D modelling techniques. Producing technical manufacturing drawings in SolidWorks for production of equipment. Conducting design calculations using software packages, i.e. SolidWorks Flow Simulation and supervised simulation. Product development including research and supervised prototype testing to optimise performance and cost. Producing concept designs and production models to agreed specifications. Overseeing the company’s PED approvals to ensure the standard product ranges are kept up to date.

• Directly responsible to the Engineering Manager
• Supervised by the Lead Engineers & Primary Engineers during project work
• Works with Test Engineers/Production personnel where testing/practical work is required
• Liaises with technical analysts, for checking and support, as and when required
• Liaises internally with all departments
• Liaises with suppliers, including third party inspection bodies
• Works closely with the Technical Director

• Proficient in 3D modelling (SolidWorks), including assemblies and configurations
• Experience with 2D drafting (AutoCAD or similar) from in-house training
• Higher National Certificate (HNC) qualified in Mechanical Engineering (with practical experience)
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software, i.e. Excel, Outlook, Word and PowerPoint
• Proficient in Physics and Mathematics
• Minimum GCSE Grade 5 (equivalent grade C) or higher in Maths, English & Science
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in Research and Development
• Practical skills in manufacturing, welding, piping and materials
• Experience using Adobe Acrobat
• ASME PV code knowledge preferred (i.e., ASME VIII)
• Experience of working within the Oil & Gas industry preferred
• Experience of filters, strainers and pressure vessels preferred

Shall be fully committed to the achievement of the company policies and objectives with special respect to quality, safety and environment. Working to agreed task lists for R&D, technical and project work and seeking clarification from the Engineering Manager, as required.

Design: this shall include, but not be limited to, research into specifications, materials and components, as instructed; design calculations and simulation.

Material Procurement: issuing material requisitions for project and technical work.

Instigation and Control: working with the Engineering Manager and Primary Engineers for instigation and ongoing control of projects.

Assisting the Technical Director with SolidWorks PDM administration. Liaising with the Engineering Manager and Design Engineers to ensure the project/task is fully understood. Supporting the Technical Director with design optimisation (cost and performance, including calculation/simulation, FEA/CFD). Producing SolidWorks technical drawings for manufacture and assembly in accordance with company standards to agreed time schedules. Integration of common parts/standardisation and finalisation of materials and components. Ensuring the designs are safe and in accordance with the Health and Safety Act and other governing legislations, e.g., Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU (PED). Creating final assembly models from concepts through the necessary procedures.

Prototypes/Modifications: upon receipt of prototype/first-off modification/manufacture, conduct functional/process testing to establish equipment as ‘fit for purpose’. Inspection of prototype/modification to verify compliance to manufacturing drawings, as instructed by the Manager or Primary Engineers. Feedback to supplier regarding NCRs/minor problems and subsequent issue/control of modifications of manufacturing drawings to supplier to enable closeout. Compilation of flow test results from test engineers with supervised validation. Witness of pressure testing/flow testing to confirm acceptability of design.

Documentation: responsible for the organisation and preparation of all engineering documentation requirements, ensuring they are issued, as required by the project. Responsible for the compilation of Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) approval documentation for issue to notified bodies, to enable approval of design. Selection of conformity assessment modules. Assessment of essential safety requirements and particular material appraisals. Design calculations for the product range. Manufacturing and GA drawings for the product range.

Benefits:

• Company bonus
• Company pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Life insurance (death in service)
• 23 days holiday (19 floating days, 4 fixed towards Christmas shutdown) plus extra service days and bank holidays and birthday leave (after 2 full calendar years’ service)
• Training opportunities
• Free eye tests and contribution towards lenses/spectacles for VDU users, if appropriate
• Social events organised and funded by the company