At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and refine prototypes using cutting-edge VR and fabrication technologies.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aerospace innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible holidays, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with strong focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of aerospace technology and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience with VR/AR hardware and CAD software is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Company: Safran Seats
Job field: Mechanics
Location: Cwmbran, Wales, United Kingdom
Contract type: Permanent
Contract duration: Full-time
Professional status: Professional, Engineer & Manager
Published: 04.25.2026
Initially on site, Hybrid 3 days on site after c.6 months
Skills:
- Virtual Reality Hardware
- 3D Printing
- Rapid Prototyping
- VR
- AR
- Additive manufacturing
- Concepts
- Fabrication
- Virtual Reality
- Augmented Reality
- 3D CAD
- Mock-Ups
- Virtual Environments
- FDM
- SLA
- Laser Cutter
Looking after the people who make Safran great is our priority. We offer a range of flexible benefits designed to support you—both in and out of work, including:
- Competitive salary and annual bonus and pay review
- 25 days' holiday + bank holidays (option to buy/sell)
- Strong Pension scheme and life assurance
- Professional development, ongoing training, mentoring
- Onsite amenities: parking, restaurant, bicycle storage, showers
- Family-friendly and accessible workplace policies
- Early finish on Fridays
Your Role:
As a Prototype & Virtual Development Engineer, you will be at the heart of innovation—creating, assembling, and refining physical and virtual prototypes to enable the highest standards in design development, customer reviews, and internal validation. You'll combine hands-on fabrication with digital expertise, working with a dynamic team to bring concepts to life using the latest materials and immersive technologies.
Key Responsibilities:
- Build high-quality physical mock-ups and functional prototypes from CAD data and engineering drawings
- Operate and maintain 3D printing, CNC, laser cutting, and other digital fabrication tools
- Prepare and manage VR hardware for immersive review sessions; load, optimize, and troubleshoot VR environments
- Support sales and engineering teams with demonstrator models, customer workshops, and presentations
- Undertake ergonomic studies, spatial validation, and packaging reviews using virtual and physical environments
- Advise teams on prototype materials, manufacturing feasibility, and cost/time trade-offs
- Maintain workshop and VR kit stock, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards
- Support development of patentable concepts from idea to proof-of-concept demonstration
Job Requirements:
What You'll Bring:
- Familiarity with VR/AR hardware and set-ups—Essential
- Experience in hands-on prototype/mock-up fabrication - Essential
- Proficiency using CAD software and digital fabrication tools (3D printing, laser cutting, CNC etc)—Essential
- Ability to interpret surface data and design intent for translation into prototypes—Essential
- Knowledge of workshop practices, Health & Safety, and stock management—Essential
- Experience supporting sales, or customer-facing technical activities—Desirable
- Creativity and agility in developing solutions under short timelines—Desirable
At Safran, we understand that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger and more effective, and as an organisation, we are committed to fair and equitable employment practices for everyone.
We also know that some candidates may be put off applying for jobs where they don't meet 100% of the criteria outlined in the advert, however, we encourage anybody to apply if you can demonstrate a variety of skills and experience relevant to the requirements of this role. Please let us know if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the application or hiring process that may better facilitate your participation.
Why Safran?
- A global presence: Be part of a global aerospace, defence & space business with over 100,000 colleagues, across 300 sites in 30 countries.
- Inclusive & empowering environment: We celebrate our differences and believe they make us stronger. We know that a fulfilling work environment is a key driver for innovative ideas and team success.
- Innovation at the core: Join our mission to decarbonise aerospace and make the world a safer place. Your ambitions can take us further.
- Mobility & training opportunities: We can support your ambitions with training, development, a personalised career plan and mobility opportunities. If you have big dreams, we'll support you to make them a reality.
- A culture of excellence: Join a team that values collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement. Whatever your background, together we aim for excellence.
- Get involved: We also have a number of groups and forums across our sites that you can get involved with, including Women at Safran, Diversity at Safran, Sports Clubs, STEM ambassadors, Employee Forum, Charity Partnerships and Wellbeing Programs.
Company Information:
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.
Safran Seats is one of the world's leading manufacturers of aircraft seats, for both crew and passengers. 1 million Safran Seats-manufactured aircraft seats are currently in service with air fleets around the world.
Locate your future workplace: Llantarnam Industrial Park NP44 3HQ Cwmbran Wales United Kingdom
Prototype & Virtual Development Engineer in Cwmbran employer: Safran companies
At Safran Seats, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in Cwmbran, Wales. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes, flexible benefits, and a culture that values collaboration and innovation. With a focus on crafting excellence in the aerospace industry, we empower our team members to reach their full potential while contributing to a sustainable future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prototype & Virtual Development Engineer in Cwmbran
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Safran. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of your prototype work or VR projects, bring it along to interviews. Visuals can speak louder than words and show exactly what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical questions! Brush up on your knowledge of CAD software and digital fabrication tools. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience confidently will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t hesitate to apply through our website! Even if you don’t tick every box, if you’ve got relevant skills and experience, we want to hear from you. Your unique background could be just what we’re looking for!
We think you need these skills to ace Prototype & Virtual Development Engineer in Cwmbran
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Prototype & Virtual Development Engineer role. Highlight your experience with VR/AR hardware, 3D printing, and any relevant CAD software skills. We want to see how your background aligns 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 this role and how your skills can contribute to our innovative projects at Safran. Keep it engaging and personal—let us know what excites you about working with us!
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any cool prototypes or projects, make sure to mention them! Include links or descriptions that demonstrate your hands-on fabrication skills and creativity. We love seeing real examples of your work!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you'll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran companies
✨Know Your Tech
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of VR/AR hardware and digital fabrication tools. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with 3D printing, CNC, and laser cutting, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in prototype development. Safran values creativity, so think about times when you had to come up with innovative solutions under tight deadlines.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with Safran's commitment to diversity and innovation. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a collaborative environment and support their mission to decarbonise aerospace.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and future innovations at Safran. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
