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- 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: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 51000 £ 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 bank holidays
Design Engineer / Technical Project Lead in Plymouth 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 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 gig.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best design projects. Make sure to highlight any mould tool designs or 3D printing work you've done. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with CAD software, project management, and customer interactions. We want to see how you can lead projects and solve problems on the fly!
✨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 Rapid Fusion and being part of our innovative team.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Engineer / Technical Project Lead 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 mould tool design 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 additive manufacturing and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal, so we can get to know you better.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your CAD skills, especially if you’ve used Fusion 360 or similar software. We’re keen to see examples of your work, so if you have a portfolio, include that too. It’ll help us visualise your capabilities!
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. Plus, it shows you’re serious about 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 talk about your design process will show your technical expertise.
✨Understand the Manufacturing Processes
Familiarise yourself with mould tool design and the principles of design for manufacture. Be prepared to explain how your designs can optimise downstream processes like machining and assembly. This knowledge will demonstrate your practical understanding of the role.
✨Project Management Skills are Key
Since this role involves managing projects from start to finish, think of examples where you've successfully led a project. Highlight your ability to manage timelines, budgets, and customer expectations. This will show that you can handle the responsibilities of the position.
✨Communicate Clearly with Confidence
You'll need to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical clients, so practice articulating your ideas clearly. Use simple language and relatable examples to convey your points. Strong communication skills can set you apart from other candidates.
