Engineering Prototype Lab Manager

DCS Scaffolding; England; Remote; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

DCS Recruitment seeks an experienced Engineering Prototype Manager to lead a dedicated prototype laboratory and workshop in the UK. The role combines technical oversight with hands-on management of day-to-day operations, resources and supplier coordination to deliver prototype builds safely and to required quality.

You will oversee electrical wiring, assembly, testing and documentation, manage a technical team and apprentices, and liaise with engineering, manufacturing and supply chain functions

Qualifications

• Experience managing or working in an engineering workshop, prototype lab or R&D environment.
• Practical experience of electrical wiring, soldering, cable assembly or electro-mechanical integration.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams and technical documentation.
• Experience coordinating technical teams, resources, suppliers and procurement.
• Strong planning, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication across engineering functions.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operation, safety and organisation of the engineering laboratory and workshop.
• Lead, support and develop technical staff and apprentices, allocating work and priorities.
• Plan and coordinate prototype builds, including small production runs, meeting agreed timescales.
• Oversee manufacture and assembly of prototype equipment and components.
• Interpret drawings, schematics and build documentation.
• Procure components, materials, tooling and specialist equipment.
• Maintain prototype bills of materials and coordinate outsourced manufacturing.
• Maintain workshop equipment, tools, test facilities, stock levels and build records.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and external suppliers.
• Ensure quality standards, risk assessments and health and safety procedures are followed.
• Support the transition of completed prototypes into manufacturing.

Skills

Workshop experience

Electrical wiring

Soldering

Interpreting drawings

Team leadership

Planning & organising

Communication

Apprenticeship/engineering qual

Education

Engineering qualification or apprenticeship

Job description

Engineering Prototype Manager

Permanent | Full-time

The Role

An opportunity for an experienced engineering professional to take responsibility for a prototype engineering laboratory and workshop. This is a varied, hands-on management role combining technical oversight, team leadership and the coordination of prototype development.

You will oversee the day-to-day running of the facility, manage resources and suppliers, and ensure prototype builds are delivered safely, efficiently and to the required quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operation, safety and organisation of the engineering laboratory and workshop.

• Lead, support and develop technical staff and apprentices, allocating work and managing priorities.

• Plan and coordinate prototype builds, including small production batches, ensuring projects meet agreed timescales.

• Oversee the manufacture and assembly of prototype equipment, cable assemblies, wiring looms and electro-mechanical components.

• Interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics and build documentation.

• Manage procurement of components, materials, tooling and specialist equipment.

• Maintain prototype bills of materials, monitor component availability and coordinate outsourced manufacturing.

• Maintain workshop equipment, tools, test facilities, stock levels and build records.

• Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain teams and external suppliers.

• Ensure appropriate quality standards, risk assessments, health and safety procedures and configuration records are maintained.

• Support the transition of completed prototypes into manufacturing.

Key Skills & Experience

• Experience managing or working within an engineering workshop, prototype laboratory, R&D or product development environment.

• Practical experience of electrical wiring, soldering, cable assembly or electro-mechanical integration.

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams and technical documentation.

• Experience coordinating technical teams, resources, suppliers and procurement.

• Strong planning, organisational and problem-solving skills.

• Good communication skills and the ability to work across different engineering functions.

• Relevant engineering qualification, apprenticeship or equivalent practical experience.

Desirable Experience

• Prototype development and new product introduction.

• Experience within marine, defence, robotics, instrumentation or other complex engineering environments.

• Knowledge of quality systems, document control and configuration management.

• Experience supporting products through development and into manufacture.

What’s on Offer

The opportunity to take ownership of a specialist engineering facility, lead a technical team and play an important part in bringing new engineering products from prototype development through to manufacture.

Interested?

DCS Recruitment and all associated companies are committed to creating a working environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly, regardless of gender, gender identity, disability, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or transgender status, age, or nationality