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- Tasks: Lead design projects for innovative 3D printing solutions and optimise designs for manufacturing.
- Company: Rapid Fusion, a cutting-edge advanced manufacturing company in Exeter.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, pension scheme, and 22 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Join a fast-growing team and work with revolutionary robotic 3D printing technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in CAD design and mould tool design, with strong project management skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with diverse projects across various sectors.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
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.
- Project Management
- 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.
- Customer & Sales Support
- 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.
- Continuous Improvement
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
Design Engineer in Plymouth employer: Rapid Fusion
Contact Detail:
Rapid Fusion Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Engineer in Plymouth
✨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 Design Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best design projects. Make sure to include details about your process and the impact of your work. This will help potential employers see what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to mould tool design and project management. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role at Rapid Fusion.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Rapid Fusion.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Engineer in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Design Engineer role. Highlight your experience in CAD design and mould tool design, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills and achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for additive manufacturing and how your background aligns with our projects. Don’t forget to mention any relevant customer-facing experience!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We want to see your technical prowess! Include details about your experience with CAD software like Fusion 360, and any project management skills you have. This will help us understand how you can lead our print projects effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get back to you. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
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. Brush up on your skills and be ready to discuss specific projects where you applied these tools. Being able to demonstrate your technical expertise will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed projects from start to finish. Highlight your ability to meet deadlines and manage budgets, as this role requires strong project management skills. Be ready to discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Understand the Manufacturing Processes
Familiarise yourself with mould tooling principles and the manufacturing processes relevant to large-format additive manufacturing. Be prepared to explain how you ensure designs are manufacturable and what considerations you take into account during the design phase.
✨Build Rapport with Technical Knowledge
Since this role involves customer interaction, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. Think about how you can build strong relationships with clients through your expertise. Show that you can be a reliable point of contact throughout the project delivery.
