Prototype & Development Lab Manager

A growing engineering technology business is looking for a hands-on Prototype & Development Lab Manager to lead its engineering prototype lab and workshop.

This is a rare chance to be at the heart of new product development, turning engineers' designs into working hardware, and to shape how a small, expanding team works.

What you'll be doing as Prototype & Development Lab Manager

• Building prototype products, cable assemblies, wiring looms and harnesses from drawings and schematics, and getting stuck in yourself

• Planning and coordinating prototype builds, typically small runs of tens of units, against project milestones

• Leading, developing and supporting a small team of technicians and apprentices

• Sourcing and buying prototype components, materials, tooling and specialist services, and managing suppliers and subcontractors

• Managing prototype bills of materials and component availability

• Supporting change control, quality and the handover of new products into manufacturing

• Keeping the lab safe, organised and well equipped, and constantly finding better ways of working

What we're looking for - Prototype & Development Lab Manager

• Experience in a prototype, R&D lab, development workshop or similar engineering environment

• Strong practical skills in electrical wiring, soldering, cable assembly and electro-mechanical integration

• Comfortable reading schematics, wiring diagrams and mechanical drawings

• Experience leading technical staff and managing suppliers or procurement

• An engineering apprenticeship, HNC/HND, degree or equivalent practical experience

• A curious, inventive mindset. You enjoy solving build problems and trying new approaches

Nice to have - Prototype & Development Lab Manager

• Background in marine, defence, robotics, instrumentation or a similar high-tech sector

• Experience of new product introduction and transfer to manufacture

• IPC certification, CAD, 3D printing or rapid prototyping

This is a site-based job with a well-established, growing technology company offering genuine career development.

Ripple Recruitment is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. My client is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Due to high volumes of interest, we can only respond to shortlisted applicants