At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and prototype innovative products in a fast-paced startup environment.
- Company: Exciting tech manufacturer focused on next-generation infrastructure products.
- Benefits: Salary up to £45,000, flexible hours, and potential for permanent leadership role.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with excellent growth opportunities and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Be hands-on in launching new products and shaping the future of engineering.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in Mechanical Engineering or Product Development with strong CAD skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
Our client is an innovative technology manufacturer developing next-generation infrastructure products for global markets. As the business enters an exciting phase of product development, they are seeking an experienced Product Development & Prototyping Engineer to work closely with the Lead Engineer with the design, development and physical prototyping of a new product line.
This is a hands-on engineering role within a fast-paced startup environment, ideal for someone who enjoys combining design, prototyping and workshop-based engineering. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing large-scale prototype products and supporting the transition from concept through to manufacturing readiness.
Benefits
- Salary of up to £45,000
- Flexible Hours – days only
- Opportunity to play a key role in launching an entirely new product line
- Potential to transition into a permanent leadership role
- Opportunity to build and lead a future engineering team
- Hands-on involvement in developing innovative manufacturing technology
- Work within a collaborative, high-growth engineering environment
- 28 days holidays
- Pension
Product Development Engineer Responsibilities
- Supporting the design, development, and physical prototyping of new products and assemblies
- Producing and updating CAD models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar software
- Assisting with the build, assembly, and testing of prototype products and components
- Supporting design modifications and product improvements through practical testing and evaluation
- Taking a hands-on approach to prototype assembly, fabrication, and workshop-based engineering activities
- Working closely with the Lead Engineer to develop products from concept through to manufacturing readiness
- Liaising with fabrication partners, suppliers, and subcontractors to support prototype manufacture and product development activities
- Supporting machining, fabrication, assembly, and installation activities during prototype development
- Assisting with troubleshooting design, assembly, and manufacturing issues during build and testing phases
- Supporting the development of scalable manufacturing processes and production methods
- Helping establish and optimise manufacturing layouts, assembly processes, and production workflows within a startup environment
- Assisting with the setup and development of production facilities, equipment, and workstations to support future manufacturing operations
- Supporting compliance activities including risk assessments, safety procedures, CE/UKCA requirements, and technical documentation
- Assisting with the implementation of safe working practices, machine guarding, and production line safety measures
- Evaluating materials, components, and manufacturing methods to support product quality and manufacturing efficiency
- Working closely with the leadership team and Lead Engineer to support delivery of product development and manufacturing objectives
Essential Skills & Experience
- Minimum 3 years’ experience within Mechanical Engineering, Product Development or manufacturing environments
- Proven experience in prototyping or design-to-manufacture engineering roles
- Strong CAD experience using SolidWorks, AutoCAD or similar design software
- Experience working on large-scale physical products or structures
- Hands-on engineering mindset with experience supporting fabrication, assembly or workshop environments
- Strong problem-solving and practical engineering skills
- Ability to work in fast-paced development environments and take ownership of engineering projects
Desirable but not essential:
- Experience working within startup or early-stage product development environments
If you are interested and have the relevant experience, please apply with an up-to-date copy of your CV.
As champions of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, THOMAS Professional commit to reviewing applications we receive with complete fairness and equality. At THOMAS Professional, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know, and we’ll be happy to accommodate your needs.
THOMAS Professional is acting as an agency on behalf of the client for this position. THOMAS Professional is proud to be a corporate member of the REC, the recruitment industry's leading professional body.
Product and Prototype Development Engineer in Cardiff employer: THOMAS Professional
Join a respected aerospace manufacturing business in Stroud, where you can build a long-term career as a Process Operative - Surface Treatment. With a supportive team culture, full training, and opportunities for ongoing development, this role offers a clean and modern working environment focused on quality and safety. Enjoy the benefits of a permanent position with a Monday to Friday schedule, including early finishes every Friday, making it an ideal place for those looking to grow within the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product and Prototype Development Engineer in Cardiff
✨Connect with Product Management Communities
Dive into online communities like Product School or Mind the Product. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and ask questions. This can help you build relationships and visibility in the product management scene, plus you might hear about temp roles before they even get posted!
✨Attend Industry Meetups and Workshops
Check out local meetups or workshops specifically targeted at product management. These gatherings are prime spots to meet hiring managers and fellow practitioners. Plus, they often lead to connections that can help you land temporary roles.
✨Showcase Your Work with a Portfolio
Even if you're after a temporary gig, having a solid portfolio is key! Include case studies of past projects, highlighting your role and how you drove product success. Use platforms like Behance to display your work visually.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you spot a temp role like Product and Prototype Development Engineer at THOMAS Professional, go straight to their website to apply. Direct applications often have a better chance of standing out since they show commitment. It's worth the extra effort, trust us!
We think you need these skills to ace Product and Prototype Development Engineer in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Product Sense:In product management, we want to see your understanding of user needs and business value. When you're crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight specific products you've worked on, the methodologies you used, and how those experiences shaped your product sense. If you have insights into user journey mapping, competitive analysis, or product lifecycle, make sure to feature them!
Highlight Relevant Experience:For a temporary role, employers often look for candidates who can hit the ground running. Make sure your written application showcases not just your past roles, but also specific outcomes you've driven. Don't shy away from using metrics—how did your contributions impact the product or team? We love when you quantify your achievements!
Be Ready to Adapt:Temporary positions can often lead to quick changes in direction. In your cover letter, convey your adaptability and eagerness to learn. Mention any experiences where you’ve had to pivot or adjust your approach to meet project goals. Talk about how you thrive in dynamic environments—it'll really resonate with us at THOMAS Professional!
Link to Your Portfolio:If you've worked on product roadmaps, user stories, or any visualisations, link to your portfolio in your application. Even a personal project that demonstrates your skills as a product manager can show your proactive approach. It's a great way for us to see your work in action and understand your style. And remember, apply through our website to make it easier for us to find you!
How to prepare for a job interview at THOMAS Professional
✨Show Off Your Product Knowledge
Make sure we can discuss the product lifecycle with confidence! Be ready to showcase your understanding of key concepts in product management, such as roadmap planning and user research. We want to hear about any tools you're familiar with, like JIRA or Trello, as they’re popular in this space!
✨Agile Mindset is Key
As a temporary role, they'll want us to hit the ground running. Brush up on Agile methodologies and be prepared for scenario-based questions where you might need to demonstrate how you'd handle shifting priorities or tight deadlines. Show that you can think on your feet and adapt quickly!
✨Bring Your Portfolio of Projects
If you've got any product projects up your sleeve—be it case studies or live examples—bring them along! For a temporary position, they’re going to want to see tangible results from your previous work, so don't hold back on demonstrating how you've made an impact in past roles.
✨Communicate Clearly and Concisely
They’ll be looking to see how you articulate your ideas, so practice your pitch! Make sure we can summarise complex product requirements into clear, understandable language. Being able to express yourself well is vital in product management, especially in a temporary role where quick collaboration is essential!
