At a Glance
- Tasks: Own product engineering from concept to production, ensuring high standards and compliance.
- Company: Leading design-led brand in luxury interiors with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full ownership of projects, and opportunities for overseas travel.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on quality and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on premium products while working with innovative materials and processes.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in product design, SolidWorks experience, and a passion for how things are made.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
We're working with a leading design-led brand in the luxury interiors sector to find a Product Development Engineer for their R&D team. A British business founded in the late 1990s, they now sell in over 90 countries with subsidiaries in the US and Asia. Everything they make is designed in house and manufactured through a global supply chain, and this is the role that takes a product from approved concept to something that can actually be built.
The Role
Reporting to the Internal Product Development Leader, you'll own the engineering of your own products from concept handover through to Tool Proof Sample approval, working to IEC and UL standards for the UK, EU, MEA, APAC and North American markets. In practice that covers prototyping and 3D printed models, engineering drawings and specifications for quotation and manufacture, in-house testing, liaison with external test labs for certification, and sample evaluation reports back to the factories. You'll also own the NPI timeline for your products, calling the concept handover, engineering and compliance reviews, and flagging anything that threatens the seasonal launch dates. You'll work closely with suppliers, the packaging, quality and technical teams, and the supplier liaison managers in the China office. There's scope to visit manufacturers overseas as part of the role. This is design for manufacture rather than concept design. The creative thinking goes into solving how something gets made to a very high standard, at the right cost, within a launch deadline. Compliance is also a real part of the week, not a footnote. IEC, UL and the various market directives sit behind every decision you make, so you need to be comfortable working within them rather than seeing them as an obstacle.
What We're Looking For
- Two years or more as a product design or development engineer in a DFM environment
- SolidWorks Experience designing for specific processes such as extrusion, die casting, injection moulding, pressing, deep draw pressing, fabrication, blown glass or pressed glass
- An understanding of product testing and why it matters
- Creative engineering flair and a genuine interest in how things are made
- Comfortable in a team, able to give and take constructive feedback
- A professional approach to deadlines
Also useful, though not essential:
- Experience in lighting, or knowledge of the relevant standards
- BIM file creation, photometric data or Change Order processes
Why This One
- Full ownership of your own products from concept through to production-ready
- Real variety of materials and processes across a premium product range
- Direct contact with manufacturers, including overseas travel
- A design-led business where quality is taken seriously at every level
- Full-time, UK-based, competitive salary and benefits
Due to the location of the offices, this position will suit those commuting from areas such as Bishops Stortford, Harlow, Cambridge, St Albans, Chelmsford, Cheshunt, Hertford, Enfield, London, Brentwood, Basildon, Colchester, Braintree and Welwyn Garden City.
Product Development Engineer - DFM in Epping employer: Zero Surplus Careers
Join a well-established IT company in Cambridge that prioritises innovation and customer satisfaction, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture. As an IT Support Specialist, you'll enjoy the flexibility of a largely remote role while benefiting from professional development opportunities and exposure to cutting-edge Microsoft technologies. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and a friendly team environment, this is an excellent place for motivated individuals looking to advance their careers in IT support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Engineer - DFM in Epping
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Engineer - DFM in Epping
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Zero Surplus Careers specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zero Surplus Careers
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Zero Surplus Careers, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Zero Surplus Careers value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
