At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical research and drive innovation in advanced floorcare technology.
- Company: Join TTI, home to iconic brands like Vax and Hoover.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to shape future technologies.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to work with universities and tech partners.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by solving complex engineering challenges.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 8+ years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Technical Research Manager – Advanced Development
Global Floorcare, part of TTI, is home to two iconic floorcare brands: Vax and Hoover.
As the Technical Research Manager, you will lead the technical research capability within Advanced Development, providing engineering depth that underpins future innovation.
- Key Duties
- Lead and develop the Engineering Sciences capability, providing technical direction across CFD, NVH, systems modelling and multi‑physics.
- Guide the technical evaluation and maturation of new technologies, reducing uncertainty through structured engineering analysis and experimentation.
- Apply first‑principles engineering and sound mechanical engineering judgement to solve complex challenges.
- Develop system level understanding, engineering models and technical requirements to support concept development.
- Define technical learning plans and validation activities to de‑risk technologies before transition into NPD.
- Partner with Electrical Engineering and Industrial Design to ensure concepts are electro‑mechanically robust and the systems are optimised.
- Work with suppliers, universities and technology partners to evaluate emerging technologies and engineering methodologies.
- Present clear, evidence‑based technical recommendations that influence product architectures, our technology strategy and future investment decisions.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree (BSc or BEng) in Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems Engineering or related discipline; Master’s advantageous but not required.
- 8+ years experience in Advanced Development, Research, Mechanical, Simulation or Systems Engineering within complex consumer or electromechanical products.
- Experience with motors, compressors, filtration systems and pumps is desirable.
- Demonstrated technical leadership of specialist engineering disciplines such as CFD, NVH, system modelling, multi‑physics or performance engineering.
- Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, fluid dynamics, aeroacoustics, heat transfer, structural behaviour and system‑level engineering.
- Experience using simulations, engineering analysis and physical testing to de‑risk technologies in support of engineering decisions.
- Proven ability to define system requirements, performance targets and technical validation strategies.
- Excellent first‑principles engineering capability, analytical thinking and mechanical engineering judgement.
- Confident communicator with experience presenting complex technical recommendations to senior stakeholders and cross‑functional teams.
- Success Factors
- Technical authority: trusted engineering expert providing sound technical judgement and guiding complex engineering decisions.
- Engineering science: use first principles, modelling and analysis to understand broader system behaviour and solve complex problems.
- Systems thinking: see the complete product, balance interactions, trade‑offs and performance across all fields of engineering.
- Capability leadership: develop and inspire specialist engineers, build technical excellence across CFD, NVH, modelling and engineering.
- Evidence‑led decisions: reduce uncertainty through robust analysis techniques.
- Strategic influence: shape our future by providing confidence needed to invest in new ideas.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Advanced Development - Technical Research Manager employer: Vax
Vax is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture in Droitwich Spa that fosters innovation and service excellence. As a Quality Technician, you will benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring your growth within the company while contributing to high-quality standards in product assessments. Join a team that values attention to detail and problem-solving, making a meaningful impact on customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Development - Technical Research Manager
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Vax.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Vax love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Vax and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Development - Technical Research Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Vax and the Advanced Development - Technical Research Manager role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vax
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Vax.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Vax.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Vax, making you a more appealing candidate.
