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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team of engineers in exciting development projects across multiple disciplines.
- Company: Innovative engineering firm focused on cutting-edge technology and teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative environment with flexible core working hours.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by bridging development and manufacturing in a hands-on role.
- Qualifications: Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and a strong technical background in engineering.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
We're partnered with an innovative engineering business to recruit a Lead Development Engineer to head up a multidisciplinary team of 6+ engineers spanning mechanical, electrical and software disciplines. This is a technically broad, people-focused leadership role for an engineer who is naturally curious, comfortable across disciplines and ready to take ownership of a varied and exciting development portfolio.
The Role
You’ll lead the development engineering team both technically and from a people management perspective - guiding feasibility studies, product development and improvement projects from concept through to handover. You’ll act as the bridge between development and manufacturing. Projects will be varied, some are new product development and some are improvements to existing systems. What matters is the quality of engineering thinking, the ability to lead a team through ambiguity and a genuine curiosity for how things work.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading and managing a multidisciplinary development engineering team of 6+ people
- Driving feasibility studies and development projects across mechanical, electrical and embedded software disciplines
- Providing technical direction and hands‑on involvement where needed
- Bridging development and manufacturing, applying DFM principles where relevant
- Managing concurrent projects across varying complexity and timescales
- Mentoring and developing engineers across the team
- Collaborating with wider business stakeholders on project scoping and delivery
Essential
- BSc or MSc in Electronics Engineering or a related discipline
- Proven experience leading or managing a multidisciplinary engineering team
- Broad technical understanding spanning electronics, embedded software and mechanical engineering
- Comfortable reading and understanding code - willingness to engage technically across all disciplines
- A curious, hands‑on engineering mindset - someone who wants to understand how everything fits together
- Background in defence, automotive electronics or similar complex engineered products
Beneficial
- Exposure to small vehicle systems, weapon systems or complex electronics platforms
- DFM awareness and experience bridging development and production
- Experience managing projects from feasibility through to development handover
The Details
- Hours: Core hours Monday-Friday, 10:00-16:00
- Location: On-site in Hinckley office
Lead Development Engineer employer: Vantage Consulting
Contact Detail:
Vantage Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Development Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with multidisciplinary teams and how you've tackled complex projects. Show them your curiosity and hands-on approach!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and interests. Use our website to find roles that excite you, like the Lead Development Engineer position, and tailor your approach to each one.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Development Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Lead Development Engineer role. Highlight your leadership experience and technical expertise across mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about engineering and how your curiosity drives your work. Share specific examples of projects you've led and how you’ve bridged gaps between development and manufacturing.
Showcase Your Team Management Skills: Since this role involves leading a multidisciplinary team, make sure to emphasise your people management experience. Tell us about how you’ve mentored engineers and managed projects with varying complexities.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vantage Consulting
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge across mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how you applied your engineering skills. This role requires a broad understanding, so don’t shy away from showcasing your expertise!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about challenges you faced and how you motivated your team through ambiguity. Highlight your mentoring experiences and how you’ve helped others grow in their roles.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with the company’s products and the industries they operate in, like defence or automotive electronics. Being able to connect your engineering experience to their business goals will show that you’re not just technically savvy but also commercially aware.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your curiosity about the role and the company. Inquire about their current projects, team dynamics, and how they approach development and manufacturing. This shows you're genuinely interested and engaged, which is key for a leadership position.