At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in robotic additive manufacturing and manage a dynamic engineering team.
- Company: Rapid Fusion, a fast-growing tech company in Exeter focused on advanced robotics.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge technology that shapes the future of manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Strong background in mechatronics and additive manufacturing with leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment where your ideas matter and career growth is encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Location: Exeter, Devon (on-site)
Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
About Rapid Fusion
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. Our engineers work across both architectures — programming and operating motion controllers, integrating process hardware, and developing the toolchains that make it all run. We are a fast-growing, founder-led business based in Exeter. We move fast, build real things, and work on problems that genuinely matter.
The Role
We need a Senior Mechatronics Engineer with a strong additive manufacturing background to take full technical ownership across hardware, process, and user-facing software — leading a current programme to production readiness and then driving engineering across our broader platform portfolio. This is not a role where you wait to be told what to do. You will own work packages end to end: scoping them, executing them, managing the people under you, and reporting progress on your own initiative. The expectation is that you keep yourself and your team unblocked, surface problems early, and deliver. You will manage a current mechatronics engineer and lead UI development alongside the wider software team. You will work directly with the CTO, but the day-to-day direction of your work packages is yours to own. If you need to be chased for updates, this isn't the right role.
What You'll Do
- Take full ownership of assigned work packages — scope, plan, execute, and report progress without being prompted
- 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
- Resolve integration challenges across pellet extrusion, motion systems, thermal management, and process control
- Develop and validate process parameters — temperatures, pressures, speeds, layer strategy — to achieve consistent, repeatable print quality
- Lead UI development for operator-facing interfaces — 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 — 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
Senior Mechatronics Engineer in Devon employer: Rapid Fusion
Contact Detail:
Rapid Fusion Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mechatronics Engineer in Devon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a project showcase that highlights your experience in additive manufacturing and mechatronics. This will give you an edge during interviews and show that you're ready to take ownership of projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses and get comfortable discussing your technical expertise. Focus on how you've tackled challenges and led projects in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining Rapid Fusion. Tailor your application to reflect your passion for robotics and additive manufacturing, and don’t forget to follow up after applying!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mechatronics Engineer in Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Mechatronics: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for mechatronics and additive manufacturing shine through. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Rapid Fusion, so don’t hold back on sharing your experiences and projects that excite you!
Be Specific About Your Skills: Tailor your application by highlighting specific skills and experiences that relate directly to the role. Mention any relevant software, tools, or processes you've worked with, especially those that pertain to systems integration and UI development, as these are key areas for us.
Demonstrate Ownership and Initiative: We love candidates who take charge! In your application, provide examples of how you've owned projects from start to finish. Talk about how you’ve managed teams or resolved challenges independently, as this reflects the proactive mindset we value at Rapid Fusion.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Rapid Fusion!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rapid Fusion
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your additive manufacturing knowledge and mechatronics principles. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving robotic systems or large-format printing. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Show Ownership
Since this role requires taking full ownership of work packages, be prepared to share examples of how you've led projects in the past. Talk about how you scoped, planned, and executed tasks without needing to be prompted. Highlight your ability to manage teams and unblock challenges effectively.
✨Problem-Solving Mindset
Rapid Fusion values proactive problem-solving. Think of instances where you've encountered integration challenges or technical issues and how you resolved them. Discuss your approach to identifying problems early and ensuring smooth project progress.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
This role involves working closely with various teams, including software developers and suppliers. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Emphasise your communication skills and how you ensure everyone is aligned and informed throughout a project.