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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design projects for innovative 3D printing solutions and manage technical delivery.
- Company: Join Rapid Fusion, a leader in advanced manufacturing and robotic 3D printing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, pension scheme, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Work with cutting-edge technology and make a real impact in diverse industries.
- Qualifications: Experience in CAD design and mould tool design; strong project management skills.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 51000 £ per year.
Department: Engineering
Reports To: Group CTO
Location: Skypark, Exeter (on-site with customer travel)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
About Rapid Fusion
Rapid Fusion is an advanced manufacturing company based in Exeter, Devon, specialising in large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) systems. We develop robotic 3D printing systems including the Cerberus (containerised military systems) and Gantry (factory floor systems), along with the PE320 pellet extruder and Apollo Zeus commercial manufacturing platform. We work with clients across defence, aerospace, marine, and industrial sectors, delivering cutting-edge manufacturing solutions.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Design Engineer with a strong background in mould tool design to lead technical delivery of our print projects. This customer-facing role owns projects from concept through to delivery, working closely with clients to develop designs, advise on manufacturability, and ensure successful outcomes. You will act as the technical authority on projects, guiding our Sales Engineer on what's achievable and managing the 3D print team to deliver on time and to specification. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience designing mould tools, patterns, or similar tooling applications, and understands the practical realities of taking a design from screen to finished product.
Key Responsibilities
- Design & Technical Leadership
- Develop and refine customer designs for large-format 3D printing, ensuring printability and structural integrity
- Apply mould tooling principles to optimise designs for downstream processes (machining, layup, assembly)
- Conduct design reviews with customers, advising on material selection, build orientation, and design modifications
- Create and maintain CAD models, drawings, and technical documentation for print projects
- Develop print strategies including toolpaths, support structures, and build parameters
- Own projects from order through to delivery, managing timelines, budgets, and customer expectations
- Lead and coordinate the 3D print technician team on day-to-day production
- Manage project risks and resolve technical issues as they arise
- Ensure quality standards are met and projects delivered to specification
- Act as the primary technical contact for customers throughout project delivery
- Support the Sales Engineer during the sales process, providing technical feasibility assessments and design input
- Advise sales on what's achievable, identifying potential challenges early and proposing solutions
- Contribute to quoting by providing accurate time and material estimates based on design complexity
- Build strong customer relationships through technical expertise and reliable delivery
- Identify opportunities to improve design workflows and print processes
- Develop design guidelines and best practices for large-format additive manufacturing
- Contribute to the company's technical knowledge base and training materials
Requirements
Essential:
- Demonstrable experience in CAD design, ideally using Fusion 360 or similar
- Background in mould tool design, pattern making, or tooling applications
- Understanding of manufacturing processes and design for manufacture principles
- Proven ability to manage projects and deliver to deadlines
- Strong problem-solving skills with a practical, solutions-focused approach
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences
- Experience working directly with customers in a technical capacity
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable:
- Experience with composites manufacturing, GRP/CFRP layup, or related processes
- Familiarity with additive manufacturing, particularly large-format or pellet extrusion systems
- Knowledge of CAM software and CNC machining principles
- Experience in defence, aerospace, or marine sectors
- Project management qualification (PRINCE2, APM, or similar)
What We Offer
- Opportunity to work with cutting-edge robotic 3D printing technology
- Be part of a fast-growing company at the forefront of advanced manufacturing
- Work on diverse projects across defence, aerospace, marine, and industrial sectors
- Collaborative environment where your contribution makes a real difference
- Career development opportunities as the company scales
- Pension scheme
- 22 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Locations
Design Engineer / Technical Project Lead in Devon, Exeter employer: Rapid Fusion
Contact Detail:
Rapid Fusion Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Engineer / Technical Project Lead in Devon, Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best design projects. Whether it's CAD models or successful project deliveries, having tangible proof of your abilities can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to design engineering. Think about how you can demonstrate your problem-solving skills and technical expertise. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Rapid Fusion. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Engineer / Technical Project Lead in Devon, Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Engineer role. Highlight your experience in mould tool design and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we do at Rapid Fusion!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about additive manufacturing and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention your customer-facing experience!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We’re looking for someone with solid CAD skills, especially in Fusion 360. Make sure to include specific examples of your technical expertise and any projects where you’ve successfully managed timelines and budgets.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rapid Fusion
✨Know Your CAD Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in CAD design, especially if you’ve used Fusion 360 or similar software. Brush up on your skills and be ready to discuss specific projects where you’ve applied these tools, as this will show your hands-on experience and technical expertise.
✨Understand the Manufacturing Process
Familiarise yourself with mould tool design and the practicalities of taking a design from concept to finished product. Be prepared to talk about how you’ve optimised designs for manufacturability and any challenges you’ve faced in previous projects.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Highlight your ability to manage timelines, budgets, and customer expectations. Share examples of how you’ve successfully led projects from order through to delivery, and be ready to discuss how you handle risks and resolve technical issues.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since this role involves working closely with customers, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. Think of examples where you’ve effectively communicated with non-technical audiences, as this will demonstrate your strong communication skills.
