At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to develop innovative production test systems for cutting-edge subsea technologies.
- Company: Join Sonardyne, a leader in subsea technology with over 50 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering while working in challenging environments.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering and experience in leading engineering teams.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
From the Mariana Trench, the deepest point on earth, to surging shorelines and anywhere in-between, we make the impossible possible through our continuous passion for innovation. Our people design, engineer and manufacture technologies that are enabling our customers to discover, navigate, measure, detect and communicate in the toughest environment on earth: Our oceans. We’ve been actively developing the technology to make the oceans accessible for over 50 years and we’re only just getting started.
At Sonardyne, we value different ways of thinking. Whether you think in code, patterns, systems, or steps, your unique perspective is important to us. As we continue to develop the next generation of complex engineering systems, we are seeking an NPI Development Team Lead to guide and grow a high-performing engineering team at the heart of our product delivery capability. In this role, you will lead the development of production test systems and supporting technologies that enable the successful introduction of new products into manufacture. You will combine technical leadership with people management, ensuring the team delivers robust, high-quality test solutions while continuously improving processes, tools, and engineering standards. This is a hands-on leadership role, requiring both strong technical capability and the ability to mentor, guide, and inspire a multidisciplinary engineering team.
Dimensions of the Role
- Travel Required: No
- Offshore Training Required: No
- Medical Requirements: No
- Team Leadership: Yes – direct leadership of NPI Development Engineers
- Stakeholders: Engineering, Production Support, Software, and Product Development teams
What You Will Be Doing
- Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of NPI Development Engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
- Conduct regular one-to-one meetings to support development, performance, and engagement.
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and integration of new team members.
- Promote a culture of accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Project & Resource Management
- Manage task allocation using Jira, ensuring alignment with priorities, milestones, and delivery schedules.
- Facilitate estimation and planning sessions to support accurate forecasting and resource planning.
- Monitor progress across multiple NPI activities, identifying risks, dependencies, and delivery challenges.
- Produce clear and concise monthly progress reports for management stakeholders.
- Lead capacity planning and resolve resource conflicts across concurrent projects.
- Technical Leadership & Delivery
- Lead the design and development of high-quality test jigs, including associated electronics and supporting systems.
- Support new board bring-up activities in collaboration with product design engineers.
- Develop embedded firmware and PC-based software applications to automate and control production test systems.
- Drive improvements in test jig functionality, reliability, and efficiency.
- Influence product design to improve manufacturability and testability.
- Maintain robust version control and configuration management for all test systems.
- Process Improvement & Collaboration
- Work closely with NPI Production Support Engineers to enhance production test capability and validate new test processes.
- Collaborate with Software Engineering teams to remain aligned with emerging technologies, tools, and best practices.
- Produce detailed technical documentation, including specifications, procedures, and engineering diagrams.
- Support structured fault finding, debugging, and resolution of production test issues.
- Coordinate across engineering disciplines to ensure smooth integration of development activities.
- Facilitate monthly project and resource review meetings with stakeholders and project teams.
What We Are Looking For
- Experience leading or mentoring engineering teams within a technical or product development environment.
- Strong C# development capability, with working knowledge of C or C++.
- Experience in electronics design interpretation and development of functional test systems.
- Ability to design and support embedded or PC-based test software.
- Understanding of Linux command-line tools and development environments.
- Strong documentation, planning, and organisational skills.
- Experience working with production or manufacturing engineering teams.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience with PCB test jig design and production test systems.
- Familiarity with Jira or similar task and workflow management tools.
- Exposure to version control systems and structured software development practices.
- Background in New Product Introduction (NPI), manufacturing engineering, or test engineering environments.
Qualifications
- Degree in Electrical, Electronic Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Why Join Us
At Sonardyne, you will be part of a team delivering cutting-edge subsea technologies used in some of the most demanding environments in the world. This role offers the opportunity to lead a talented engineering team, shape production test capability, and directly influence how complex systems are introduced into manufacture at a global technology leader.
NPI Development Team Lead Projects, Engineering, Manufacture employer: Sonardyne
At Sonardyne, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration. As an NPI Development Team Lead, you will not only lead a high-performing engineering team but also benefit from extensive professional development opportunities in a company renowned for its cutting-edge subsea technologies. Located in a vibrant area, our employees enjoy a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives and promotes continuous improvement, making it an exceptional place to grow your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPI Development Team Lead Projects, Engineering, Manufacture
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Sonardyne, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace NPI Development Team Lead Projects, Engineering, Manufacture
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Sonardyne specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sonardyne
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Sonardyne, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Sonardyne value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
