At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and prototype innovative products in a fast-paced startup environment.
- Company: Join an exciting tech manufacturer launching next-gen infrastructure products.
- Benefits: Salary up to £45,000, flexible hours, and potential for permanent leadership roles.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent growth opportunities in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Be hands-on in product development and make a real impact on new technologies.
- 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.
Prototype Engineer in Cardiff employer: THOMAS Professional
Join an innovative technology manufacturer in Saint Mellons, where you will have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in launching a new product line. With a collaborative and high-growth engineering environment, flexible working hours, and the potential for permanent leadership opportunities, this is an excellent place for hands-on engineers looking to make a significant impact. Enjoy 28 days of holiday and be part of a team that values creativity and practical problem-solving in a fast-paced startup atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prototype Engineer in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who might know about opportunities in product development and prototyping. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job openings that aren't even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Get hands-on! If you can, create a small prototype project to showcase your skills. This not only demonstrates your practical abilities but also gives you something tangible to discuss during interviews. Plus, it shows your passion for engineering!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your CAD skills and prototyping knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how you tackled challenges. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Prototype Engineer in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Prototype Engineer role. Highlight your experience in mechanical engineering, product development, and any hands-on prototyping you've done. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Show Off Your CAD Skills:Since CAD experience is key for this role, don’t forget to mention your proficiency with SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Include specific projects where you used these tools to create models or engineering drawings. This will help us see your technical capabilities!
Be Hands-On:We love candidates who have a hands-on approach! Share examples of your workshop-based engineering activities, like prototype assembly or fabrication. This shows us you're not just about theory but can get stuck in and make things happen.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at THOMAS Professional
✨Know Your Prototyping Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your prototyping skills and experience. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've designed, built, or tested prototypes. Highlight your hands-on approach and any challenges you faced during the process.
✨Show Off Your CAD Skills
Since CAD experience is crucial for this role, be prepared to talk about your proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar software. Bring examples of your work, like CAD models or engineering drawings, to demonstrate your capabilities.
✨Emphasise Problem-Solving Abilities
This role requires strong problem-solving skills, so think of examples where you've tackled engineering challenges. Discuss how you approached these issues and what solutions you implemented, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Questions
Expect practical questions that assess your hands-on engineering mindset. Prepare to discuss your experience with fabrication, assembly, and workshop activities. If possible, share anecdotes that showcase your ability to take ownership of projects from concept to manufacturing readiness.