Product Development Engineer in Stoke-on-Trent

For all Electrical QA specialists – a newly created role is now available at RKW Ltd, Europe’s leading distributor of small domestic appliances and houseware products. Our Quality Assurance Team is looking to add exceptional talent to help deliver on ambitious expansion and development plans, by bringing in a Product Development Engineer. We’re looking for someone with an extensive Electrical background, with a proven track record in Product Testing and/or Product Development.

Job Purpose Overview

Reporting to the Quality Assurance Manager as a member of the Quality Assurance Team, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the Safety/Quality and Reputation of our Business is kept to the highest rate possible. The Product Development Engineer will play a key role in the research and development (R&D) of our existing line, looking for potential faults and the ability for improvement to increase the Quality and Safety of the RKW brands.

This unique opportunity will involve selecting products from stock for assessment, reviewing Factory schematic diagrams and documentation, and liaising with Quality Management and Buyers for possible improvements. UK & EU Legislation and customer returns will play a big part in your role diagnosing issues and trends, collating them into presentation software to analyse trends and improvements.

With the ever-evolving expansion of the Quality Assurance Department, we have an exciting opportunity to build and run a state-of-the-art life testing area to push the products to their absolute limit, identifying weaknesses and opportunities for improvement. Drawing on your experience in the field of electronics and mechanical design, working within the QA Lab environment, you will be able to advise QA Lab Technologists based on your experience and expertise as and when required.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Work within the Quality Assurance Team in the Research and Development of Products, Assessing Performance and Function as well as returned Trends.
• Follow both British Standards and departmental procedures as well as working on life Testing Equipment.
• Collate findings and report to QA Management/Buyers and interested Parties to suggest and drive improvements to our products.
• Provide support to the current product portfolio when issues are identified.
• Manage workload in conjunction with the business needs ensuring all samples are tested in a timely fashion.
• Support with the design of test equipment and procedures.
• Test competitor products as and when required.
• The above list is not exclusive, and support is expected with any duties within the department as stated by the department management.

Key Requirements

• HND/A Level qualification in a relevant technical discipline (e.g. Automotive, Electronic & Electrical, Mechanical, Aeronautical, Manufacturing), or relevant experience.
• Hands-on Mechanical and/or Electrical skills is essential.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Organised and structured with a drive for a clean, orderly, tidy and safe working environment.
• Computer literate. MS Excel & Word experience is essential.
• Enthusiastic with a ‘can do’ outlook.
• An ability to get things done. Completes and finishes work with no loose ends.
• The ability to work to tight deadlines under pressure.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and priorities.
• Able to work as part of a team or own initiative as required.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Flexible during busy periods.
• Pneumatic/Mechanical Experience.

Additional Information / Preferred Previous Experience:

• Good understanding of Quality Management Systems (e.g. ISO 9001).
• Good understanding of relevant UK, European and International regulations standards, codes of practice and procedures (e.g. UKCA, CE, CCC, LVD, IP ratings, etc.)
• Good experience of working in a technical test facility.
• Minimum 5 years’ industry related experience in testing of products with mechanical, electrical, electronic & software elements.
• Good experience of following/creating detailed test requirements and protocols.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and make confident decisions.

Company Benefits:

• Free parking on all sites.
• Staff discount on all our products.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Refer a Friend Scheme.
• Training and development.
• Eye care allowance.
• Exclusive discounts on cinema, holidays, days out, eating out and much more.
• Long service incentives and rewards.
• Annual bonus scheme.
• 7.30am – 4pm working hours (onsite).

Come and join us to celebrate 35 years of business – If you feel you have the right background and experience to carry out this busy role, we look forward to hearing from you, please apply now!