At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in robotic additive manufacturing and manage a talented engineering team.
- Company: Rapid Fusion, a cutting-edge tech company in Exeter, specialising in advanced robotics.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, 22 days holiday, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence, aerospace, and marine sectors with your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Strong background in mechatronics and additive manufacturing, with leadership experience.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with potential to grow into a Head of Engineering role.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Rapid Fusion designs and manufactures advanced robotic large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) systems used in defence, aerospace, marine, and commercial sectors. Our platforms span both industrial robotic arms and large-format gantry systems, all built around high-throughput pellet extrusion and capable of printing large structural components that can't be made any other way. We need a Senior Mechatronics Engineer with a strong additive manufacturing background to take full technical ownership across hardware, process, and user-facing software β leading a current programme to production readiness and then driving engineering across our broader platform portfolio.
You will manage a current mechatronics engineer and lead UI development alongside the wider software team.
- Manage a current mechatronics engineer: direct their work, unblock them, and be accountable for their output
- Own end-to-end systems integration on a robotic large-format additive manufacturing platform, from current development state to production readiness
- Develop and validate process parameters β temperatures, pressures, speeds, layer strategy β to achieve consistent, repeatable print quality
- Lead UI development for operator-facing interfaces β working with the software team to define requirements, review designs, and ensure the HMI reflects real operator needs
- Define and execute acceptance testing and commissioning procedures, including print quality benchmarks
- Manage technical interfaces with suppliers and sub-contractors
Ongoing Engineering
- Lead mechatronics and process engineering on future LFAM platform development
- Build and maintain material characterisation capability β working with engineering polymers, composites, and high-temperature materials
- Set hardware and process engineering standards across the platform portfolio
- Support compliance work including CE/UKCA declarations, PSSR, and machinery risk assessments
- Hands-on experience with large-format or industrial additive manufacturing systems β pellet extrusion, FGF, WAAM, or similar
- Strong process engineering background: understanding of how hardware parameters drive print quality, material behaviour, and structural performance
- Systems integration experience across mechanical, electrical, and control domains β comfortable owning all three
- Experience leading UI or HMI development for industrial or manufacturing systems β you understand what operators need and can translate that into a usable interface
- Experience developing and validating process parameters for engineering-grade or high-performance materials
- Experience programming and configuring motion controllers for CNC or gantry-based systems β setting up axes, tuning motion profiles, and integrating peripheral hardware
- Ability to own technical documentation end-to-end: schematics, assembly drawings, FMEA, test plans, commissioning records
- Familiarity with KUKA KRC4/KRC5 and KRL programming, or Siemens CNC/motion control (S7, Sinumerik, or similar)
- Knowledge of engineering polymers and composites in an AM context β ABS, PA, PETG, CF/GF-filled materials
- Direct involvement in defence, aerospace, and marine programmes
Competitive salary, reviewed regularly as the company grows. Pension, 22 days holiday + bank holidays. Opportunity to grow into a Head of Engineering role as the team scales.
Locations
Mechatronics Engineer (Permanent) in Devon, Exeter employer: Rapid Fusion
Contact Detail:
Rapid Fusion Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Mechatronics Engineer (Permanent) in Devon, Exeter
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your experience with additive manufacturing. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've led teams or improved processes β this is your time to shine!
β¨Tip Number 3
Donβt just apply anywhere; focus on companies that excite you, like Rapid Fusion. Tailor your approach to show how your skills align with their needs, especially in mechatronics and systems integration.
β¨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and the company. And remember, check out our website for more opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechatronics Engineer (Permanent) in Devon, Exeter
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Mechatronics Engineer role. Highlight your experience with additive manufacturing and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Donβt forget to mention your leadership experience and technical expertise.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills, especially in systems integration and process engineering. We love candidates who can demonstrate hands-on experience with large-format additive manufacturing systems.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you donβt miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rapid Fusion
β¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of additive manufacturing and mechatronics. Be ready to discuss specific technologies, like pellet extrusion and motion control systems, as well as your hands-on experience with them. This will show that youβre not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in real-world scenarios.
β¨Show Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a current mechatronics engineer, be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in engineering contexts. Highlight your ability to unblock challenges and drive results.
β¨Understand the User Perspective
The job requires leading UI development for operator-facing interfaces. Think about how you can demonstrate your understanding of user needs. Bring examples of how you've translated technical requirements into user-friendly designs, and be ready to discuss how you would approach this in the context of the company's products.
β¨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to systems integration, process parameters, and material behaviour. Brush up on your knowledge of engineering polymers and composites, and be ready to explain how hardware parameters affect print quality. Practising common interview questions in these areas can help you feel more confident.