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 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 Prototype Engineer in Cardiff
✨Get Hands-On with Temporary Projects
Temporary roles are all about flexibility and quick results. Look for short-term engineering projects or gigs that local companies might need help with. You can find these on job boards like Indeed or even niche platforms like PeoplePerHour. Don't be shy to reach out directly to firms—sometimes they have needs that aren't posted yet!
✨Tap into Engineering Meetups
Networking is key in engineering, especially for temporary positions. Check out local engineering meetups or hackathons relevant to your interests. Engaging with peers can lead to leads on temporary roles. Plus, it’s a sweet way to showcase your skills and passion in person—who knows who might be hiring at one of these events?
✨Leverage Your Connections
Let your friends and family know you're on the hunt for a temporary engineering role. Often, personal recommendations can get you in the door faster than any application. Share your goals and what you’re looking for through social media or casual conversations; you’d be surprised how many people might have the right connections!
✨Stay Sharp with Online Courses
While you're searching, keep those skills fresh! Take on some online courses related to your engineering field. Platforms like Coursera or edX can help you stay current and even get some certifications under your belt. This shows potential employers at THOMAS Professional that you’re committed to growth, making you a more appealing candidate for temporary roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Prototype Engineer in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Versatile Engineering Skills:For a temporary engineering role like this one at THOMAS Professional, make sure to showcase a broad range of your engineering skills. Talk about different projects you’ve undertaken, focusing on your problem-solving ability and adaptability—key traits for temporary positions that depend on quick integration into teams.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this is a temporary role, clarity is essential. In your cover letter, be upfront about your availability and how soon you can start. Employers like THOMAS Professional want to know that you can hit the ground running, so don’t shy away from mentioning your flexibility!
Tailor Your CV to Showcase Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV is tailored to reflect the specific engineering projects relevant to the job. For instance, if you’ve worked on temporary contracts before or have engaged in diverse engineering processes, highlight these experiences to show how well-rounded you are.
Include References from Past Employers:Temporary positions often require trust and reliability. Adding references from previous employers can significantly boost your application. It shows that you have a strong work ethic and can adapt quickly, which is exactly what THOMAS Professional will be looking for.
How to prepare for a job interview at THOMAS Professional
✨Get to Grips with Your Technical Skills
Engineering roles often involve assessing your technical expertise, so be prepared to delve into your core skills. Brush up on relevant software and tools you’ve used before, as well as any engineering principles that relate to the position at THOMAS Professional. We want you to showcase your hands-on experience and problem-solving capabilities – it could be the difference between you and another candidate!
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to tackle some practical scenarios during the interview. Whether it's a design challenge or a troubleshooting test, THOMAS Professional might want to see how you approach real-world engineering problems. Think of specific examples from your past work where you had to think on your feet and be ready to walk your interviewers through your thought process.
✨Show Your Adaptability in Temporary Roles
Since this is a temporary position, it’s key to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to hit the ground running. Make sure to convey your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly to the team and the specific projects at THOMAS Professional. We all know that temporary roles can be a bit of a whirlwind, so emphasise your quick learning skills and your approach to managing change.
✨Highlight Relevant Portfolio Projects
If you've worked on engineering projects that align with the role at THOMAS Professional, make sure to bring them up! A portfolio can be a great way to illustrate your engineering prowess. Discuss the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the results achieved – this will give the interviewers a tangible idea of what you bring to the table.
