At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and test prototype transmission systems while improving processes.
- Company: Join a world leader in propulsion engineering with a culture of innovation.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Other info: Diverse team with excellent growth opportunities and a commitment to inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge projects that drive global change.
- Qualifications: Experience in prototype builds and strong mechanical understanding required.
The predicted salary is between 28350 - 34650 £ per year.
Overview
Contract Type: Contract
Location: Leamington Spa
Role ID: 2026-3432
Ricardo - Pushing Boundaries: A World leader in propulsion engineering from concept to production. Ricardo is a trusted engineering partner specialising in complex propulsion, driveline, and energy systems. We work with customers globally to deliver end-to-end solutions from initial design through to full production. For over 110 years, we have been at the forefront of world changing engineering innovation, partnering with many of the world’s most ambitious organisations to improve performance, push boundaries, and accelerate progress.
The Role
We are looking for a confident and competent Prototype Build Technician to support our growing portfolio of driveline testing projects. You will have a strong background in strip and build of prototype Transmission systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Strip and build of prototype transmissions, following prototype build manuals with support from engineering team.
- Identify and implement improvements in build processes and learning for future phases.
- Fault finding of transmission build and manufacturing issues.
- Strip and inspection of unfamiliar transmissions without instruction.
- Have a fundamental understanding of different transmission types, functions, and components.
- Carry out instrumentation and modifications of test unit as per engineering request.
- Raising of issues found during build (reporting to relevant engineer).
- Participation in subsequent 8Ds.
- Ability to understand and adhere to storage/part picking process (with assistance from Engineering teams).
- Responsible for maintaining good housekeeping of facilities and workshops.
Key Competencies and Experience
- Extensive experience of large range of complex assemblies in a prototype build environment.
- Experience of interpreting engineering drawings to a high level and ability to validate manufactured parts quality.
- Familiar with accurate measurement techniques and able to utilise these to support bespoke build characteristics (Manual or CMM).
- Fabrication/modification experience on bespoke hardware - machining experience (lathe/ mill / pillar drill / welder, etc.).
- Good mechanical understanding of prototype build processes and ability to identify design and manufacturing faults.
- Excellent troubleshooting skills with a logical mindset.
- Self-motivated and resilient.
- Able to work flexibly to achieve deadlines.
- Able to work well within a team.
- Ability to tackle unfamiliar tasks with limited guidance or supervision.
Working here
You will be warmly welcomed into our workplace where every voice matters. We are diverse thinkers and doers, coming together to create a culture of inclusion. We will support you to find your place. We will encourage you to use your passion and expertise to make a positive impact through the projects you work on. Your knowledge and desire to bring about change will be invaluable in helping deliver innovative solutions that support communities across the globe in becoming safer and more sustainable.
Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion statement
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person's potential, and we'll help you reach yours. We have an ambitious diversity, equality, and inclusion approach. We value diversity; recognising that a more diverse workforce creates a richer and more varied working environment. Diversity also drives innovation, by allowing us to offer our clients the best consultancy service that we can. As part of our commitment to engage positively and pro-actively with all our employees and to ensure an inclusive culture, we are recognised as a 'disability confident' employer.
Contractor - Prototype Build Technician in Royal Leamington Spa employer: Ricardo
At Ricardo, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our Shoreham-by-Sea location provides employees with unique opportunities for professional growth through hands-on experience in supplier quality assurance, alongside competitive benefits and the chance to engage in international projects. Join us to be part of a team that values quality, teamwork, and personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contractor - Prototype Build Technician in Royal Leamington Spa
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Ricardo.
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✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
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✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Ricardo and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Contractor - Prototype Build Technician in Royal Leamington Spa
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Ricardo and the Contractor - Prototype Build Technician role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ricardo
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Ricardo.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Ricardo.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Ricardo, making you a more appealing candidate.
