Lead Development Engineer

Solid Solutions Staffing; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic startup in the United Kingdom seeks a Lead Development Engineer to oversee the design and prototyping of an innovative bike-assist system. You will manage a small team in a hands-on role supporting product development and establishing manufacturing processes. Ideal for candidates with strong CAD skills and leadership experience, and offering a flexible hybrid working environment with competitive benefits.

Benefits

33 Days Holiday Inc. Bank

Pension

EMI Share Options (after 2 years)

Qualifications

• Experience producing detailed production drawings for manufacture (DFM).
• Basic understanding of control systems, electronics, and cabling.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, prototyping, and iterative testing of the product.
• Support the optimisation of control software.
• Recruit, mentor, and manage a small team of design engineers.

Skills

Strong CAD proficiency

Hands-on engineering capability

Proven leadership skills

Creative problem-solving ability

Tools

SolidWorks

Inventor

Creo

Fusion 360

Job description

Overview

Lead Development Engineer Permanent Full-Time

Salary - Circa 65,000 DOE
Location - Hybrid based in either West London / Oxford Corridor

We're proud to be working with an exciting new startup founded by Andrew Ritchie, creator of the Brompton Bike. This venture is focused on developing and marketing a mid-drive bike-assist pack for use with conventional pedal bikes. The product offers flexibility and lightness unmatched by other systems, allowing cyclists to seamlessly engage/disengage assist or remove/re-attach the assist pack.

With patents published and awaiting grant, and the first prototype successfully developed, the next phase involves product refinement, testing, and preparation for commercial launch. The company is now seeking a Lead Development Engineer to oversee this work, build and manage a small engineering team, and establish a manufacturing facility.

This is a hands-on role, ideal for someone who thrives in a startup environment and enjoys combining strategic thinking with practical engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, prototyping, and iterative testing of the product, including development of key components (e.g. locking mechanisms, battery interface)
• Support the optimisation of control software and ensure smooth hardware-software integration
• Set up and maintain systems for CAD data, testing records, and homologation documentation
• Build and manage relationships with suppliers and contractors to support development and production
• Design and equip a small-scale manufacturing cell for initial production volumes ( 2,000 kits/year)
• Procure tooling, fixtures, and special equipment; commission and validate the manufacturing setup through hands-on operation
• Recruit, mentor, and manage a small team of design engineers
• Post-launch, drive product improvement and cost-reduction initiatives

Experiences required

• Strong CAD proficiency (SolidWorks preferred; other platforms like Inventor, Creo, Fusion 360 also considered)
• Experience producing detailed production drawings for manufacture (DFM)
• Hands-on engineering capability, including fitting, machining and testing
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate and retain a high-performing team
• Basic understanding of control systems, electronics, and cabling
• Creative problem-solving ability
• Curious, collaborative mindset with a willingness to ask questions and challenge assumptions

Package

40 Hours P/W Monday to Friday Flexible Hours 33 Days Holiday Inc. Bank Pension EMI Share Options (after 2 years)