Additive Manufactuing & Prototyping Engineer

Quell; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Quell, a British defence and security AI tech startup, seeks Additive Manufacturing & Prototyping Engineers to support rapid prototyping, fabrication, and small-batch production. Roles suit junior to senior candidates with responsibilities scaled to experience.

You will operate advanced AM equipment, assist with mechanical prototyping, and help develop components used in sensing, robotics, and AI-enabled systems.

Qualifications

• Experience with 3D printers in academic, hobbyist, or professional settings.
• Basic CAD skills for preparing print files and modifications.
• Hands-on workshop or fabrication experience.
• Familiarity with slicing software (Cura, PrusaSlicer, PreForm).
• Good understanding of mechanical principles and tolerances.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple jobs in parallel.
• Attention to detail and quality.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot 3D printers (FDM, SLA, SLS).
• Prepare, slice, and optimise print files for accuracy and strength.
• Manage setup, calibration, material changes, and print monitoring.
• Perform post-processing: support removal, curing, sanding, finishing.
• Maintain AM logs, material inventory, and build documentation.
• Support hands-on prototyping for assemblies and components.
• Fabricate prototype parts using workshop tools; assist CNC/laser tasks.
• Refine designs for manufacturability (DFAM) with engineers.
• Develop workflows to improve print quality, repeatability, efficiency.
• Lead senior AM initiatives: printer selection and process improvements.

Skills

3D Printing

CAD

Prototyping

CNC

SLA/FDM/SLS

Tools

Cura

PrusaSlicer

PreForm

Job description

Quell is a high-growth British defence and security AI technology start-up developing solutions to counter drone, vehicle, and human threats across the military, civilian and critical national infrastructure sectors.

We are currently seeking Additive Manufacturing & Prototyping Engineers to support rapid prototyping, fabrication, and small-batch production across our engineering and R&D teams.

This role is open to both junior and senior candidates, with responsibilities adjusted to match experience.

You will operate advanced additive manufacturing equipment, support mechanical and hands-on prototyping, and help develop components used in cutting-edge sensing, robotics, and AI-enabled systems.

Key Responsibilities

Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)

• Operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting 3D printers (FDM, SLA, SLS)
• Preparing, slicing, and optimising print files for accuracy, strength, and speed
• Managing setup, calibration, material changes, and print monitoring
• Performing post-processing tasks (support removal, curing, sanding, surface finishing)
• Maintaining AM logs, material inventory, and build documentation

Prototyping & Fabrication

• Supporting hands-on prototyping for mechanical, electronic, and optical assemblies
• Fabricating prototype components using workshop tools (e.g., drills, saws, sanders, small mills, hand tools)
• Assisting with machining simple parts or fixtures (CNC experience is a plus)
• Producing jigs, fixtures, brackets, enclosures, and test hardware for engineering teams
• Assembling prototype systems and supporting integration with electronics or mechanical housings
• Building and maintaining test rigs used in R&D

Design Support & CAD

• Working with engineers to refine designs for manufacturability (DFAM)
• Preparing and orienting CAD models for additive manufacturing
• Suggesting improvements for strength, tolerances, print times, or assembly considerations

Quality, Testing & Workflow Development

• Inspecting printed and fabricated parts for accuracy, defects, and performance
• Keeping the workshop and print lab organised, safe, and well maintained
• Helping develop improved workflows for print quality, repeatability, and efficiency
• Supporting experimental material trials or advanced AM processes (for senior candidates)

Senior-Level Additions (where applicable)

• Leading AM strategy, including printer selection, material choices, and process improvements
• Training junior team members and establishing best-practice standards
• Supporting experimental research in lattice structures, high-performance materials, or hybrid AM/CNC workflows

Requirements

• Experience using 3D printers (academic, hobbyist, or professional)
• Basic CAD skills for preparing/modifying print files
• Strong hands-on workshop or fabrication experience
• Familiarity with slicing software (Cura, PrusaSlicer, PreForm, etc.)
• Good understanding of mechanical principles and tolerances
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple jobs in parallel
• High attention to detail and quality
• Strong organisation and documentation habits
• Professional experience in additive manufacturing, fabrication, prototyping, or mechanical engineering
• Knowledge of advanced materials (nylon composites, carbon fibre, engineering resins)
• Ability to operate or support CNC machining or laser cutting
• Experience building test jigs and fixtures
• Understanding of DFAM principles
• Experience repairing or upgrading 3D printers
• Familiarity with electronics assembly or wiring
• Background in robotics or hardware development

This role is suitable for both junior technicians with strong potential and experienced specialists looking to shape prototyping capability in a deep-tech environment.

Details

• Location: North Uttlesford / Greater Cambridge area, on-site
• Five days a week on-site (ie: this is not a hybrid role)
• Full UK driving licence required. If this isn't held, candidates will need to commit to obtaining within 6 months of their start date
• Applicants must be fully eligible to work in the UK without restriction, time limit, or the need for current or future sponsorship.