Lead Design Model Maker

Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Vax Ltd is seeking a Lead Design Model Maker to drive the development of physical prototypes, appearance models and functional demonstrators across the innovation process. You will work with Industrial Design, Design Research, Advanced Development and Engineering to transform concepts into tangible, educational models for decisions and validation.

You will lead crafting processes from CNC machining to additive manufacturing, ensuring high-quality, presentation-ready models for reviews, consumer

Qualifications

• Degree, HND, apprenticeship or equivalent in Model Making, Manufacturing, Product Design, Engineering or related discipline.
• Extensive experience creating appearance models, prototypes and demonstrators in product development.
• Strong understanding of model making materials, fabrication and finishing techniques.
• Experience producing presentation-quality models with painting, spraying and cosmetic finishing.
• Strong workshop capability including conventional machining, fabrication and assembly.

Responsibilities

• Create appearance models, ergonomic studies, functional prototypes and demonstrator builds for innovation and product development.
• Translate design concepts into physical models that communicate intent.
• Produce presentation-quality models using fabrication, assembly and finishing techniques.
• Apply finishing processes including painting, colour matching and cosmetic detailing.
• Co-own and manage workshop and prototyping facilities to support standards and safety.

Skills

Appearance models

Prototyping

CNC machining

CAM

3D printing

Laser cutting

Workshop safety

Detail craftsmanship

Education

Degree/HND/apprenticeship or equivalent

Tools

CNC machining

CAM software

Additive manufacturing (3D printing)

Job description

**If you’re looking for a progressive and rewarding career and you thrive in a fast-paced, fun and team-orientated environment, then look no further! Overview of Vax:**Our heritage-rich, expert-led business has always had the same goal: to prioritize innovation and to design easy-to-use products that seamlessly integrate into our customers' lives, offering reliable, quick solutions to cleaning homes, whatever the mess.Vax has forged its reputation as a brand that focuses on the needs of its customers. Our culture of innovation is at the heart of everything we do and we work hard to constantly think of new ways to improve our products, ensuring that we deliver premium quality products for our customers.Global Floorcare, part of TTI, is home to two iconic floorcare brands: **Vax and Hoover.**Together, we combine decades of expertise with a passion for innovation, creating products that make cleaning faster, easier and more effective for millions of customers around the world. Our success is built on understanding the needs of consumers and continuously pushing the boundaries of what's possible in floorcare. Backed by the scale and strength of a global business, we are committed to developing high-quality, innovative solutions that deliver exceptional performance and help people care for their homes with confidence. **We work on a hybrid basis; this role will be working 4 days onsite and 1 day working from home** **Lead Design Model Maker** As our Lead Model Maker, you'll lead the development of physical prototypes, appearance models and functional demonstrators that bring ideas to life throughout the innovation process. You will play a critical role in transforming concepts into tangible experiences that enable learning, validation, communication and decision making.Working closely with Industrial Design, Design Research, Advanced Development and Engineering, you'll combine traditional model-making craftsmanship with modern prototyping technologies to deliver world-class physical representations of future products. **Key Duties include:*** Create appearance models, ergonomic studies, functional prototypes and demonstrator builds that support innovation and product development activities.* Translate Industrial Design concepts into physical models that accurately communicate design intent.* Produce presentation-quality models using a wide range of fabrication, assembly and finishing techniques.* Apply finishing processes including preparation, painting, spraying, colour matching and cosmetic detailing.* Support design reviews, consumer evaluations and executive presentations through exceptional model quality and craftsmanship.* Develop proof of principle and functional demonstrators to evaluate user interactions and experiences.* Utilise a broad range of fabrication technologies including manual machining, CNC machining, additive manufacturing and laser cutting.* Co-own the workshop and prototyping facilities alongside the Front-End Innovation Engineer, supporting standards, maintenance, tools, consumables and best practices.* Deliver inductions and support safe working practices across the facility.* Identify opportunities to improve prototyping capability, processes and model quality. **What we’re looking for**You're a highly skilled model maker who combines craftsmanship, creativity and technical expertise to transform ideas into tangible experiences. You understand how physical prototypes accelerate learning, communicate design intent and support better decision making throughout the innovation process. **Skills, Experience & Competencies*** Degree, HND, apprenticeship or equivalent experience in Model Making, Manufacturing, Product Design, Engineering or a related discipline.* Extensive experience creating appearance models, prototypes and demonstrators within a product development environment.* Strong understanding of model making materials, fabrication methods and finishing techniques.* Experience producing presentation-quality models, including painting, spraying and cosmetic finishing.* Strong workshop capability including conventional machining, fabrication and assembly.* Proven CNC & CAM experience including setup, programming and operation.* Experience with additive manufacturing technologies such as, FDM, MJF, SLS, SLA and PolyJet.* Familiarity with laser cutting and other advanced prototyping technologies.* Strong understanding of workshop safety, equipment maintenance and good workshop practices.* Excellent craftsmanship, attention to detail and practical problem-solving skills. **What Makes You Successful*** Craftsmanship Excellence: You create models and prototypes of exceptional quality.* Visual Communicator: You bring concepts to life through physical representation.* Technical Versatility: You combine traditional skills with modern fabrication methods.* Workshop Stewardship: You help maintain a safe, organised and capable facility.* Collaborative Partner: You work effectively across Design, Engineering and Innovation.* Continuous Improver: You develop new techniques and capabilities that enhance prototyping.* Innovation Enabler: You help teams learn and make better decisions through physical prototypes. **Equal Opportunities**At Vax we are committed to being an equal opportunity employer. We believe in creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and grow.If you're looking to join a forward-thinking company that values collaboration, innovation, and impact — we’d love to hear from you.If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will do what we can to support you.Please note: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this role.