New Product Introduction Engineer

Unify; Chichester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Unify in the United Kingdom is seeking a hands-on Product Development / NPI Engineer to drive new products from concept through prototyping, testing and into production.

The role requires DFMA, prototyping, testing and collaboration with design, engineering and manufacturing teams to deliver reliable, cost‑effective products for manufacture and assembly.

Qualifications

• Background in Mechanical Engineering, Product Development, NPI or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Practical experience developing mechanical products for manufacture.
• Confident using 3D CAD packages such as SolidWorks, Onshape or similar.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, tolerances and assembly techniques.
• Experience with prototyping, product testing, fault-finding and design improvement.
• Knowledge of DFMA, PFMEA, lean manufacturing or production preparation would be beneficial.
• A hands-on problem solver with strong attention to detail and a proactive approach.
• Comfortable working across different departments in a fast-paced SME manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Drive the development of new products from concept and prototype through to validation and production launch.
• Review and refine mechanical designs, identifying opportunities to improve functionality, reliability and manufacturability.
• Use 3D CAD to develop and amend models, drawings and technical specifications.
• Build prototypes, carry out testing and resolve practical engineering challenges.
• Apply DFMA principles to improve product simplicity, quality and production efficiency.
• Develop simple jigs, fixtures, tooling and assembly aids.
• Support pilot builds, production trials and the successful introduction of new products.
• Prepare and maintain engineering documentation, including drawings, BOMs, process flows and work instructions.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams, suppliers and customers to resolve technical issues and support continuous improvement.

Skills

3D CAD proficiency

DFMA

PFMEA

Lean manufacturing

Prototype testing

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

SolidWorks

Onshape

Job description

We are working with a well-established hardware manufacturer seeking a hands-on Product Development / NPI Engineer to join its engineering team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a practical mechanical engineer who enjoys taking products from initial concept through prototyping, testing and into full production.

Working closely with engineering, design and manufacturing teams, you will play a key role in developing reliable, cost-effective products while ensuring designs are suitable for efficient manufacture and assembly.

The Role:

• Drive the development of new products from concept and prototype through to validation and production launch.
• Review and refine mechanical designs, identifying opportunities to improve functionality, reliability and manufacturability.
• Use 3D CAD to develop and amend models, drawings and technical specifications.
• Build prototypes, carry out testing and resolve practical engineering challenges.
• Apply Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) principles to improve product simplicity, quality and production efficiency.
• Develop simple jigs, fixtures, tooling and assembly aids.
• Support pilot builds, production trials and the successful introduction of new products.
• Prepare and maintain engineering documentation, including drawings, BOMs, process flows and work instructions.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams, suppliers and customers to resolve technical issues and support continuous improvement.

About You:

• Background in Mechanical Engineering, Product Development, NPI or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Practical experience developing mechanical products for manufacture.
• Confident using 3D CAD packages such as SolidWorks, Onshape or similar.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, tolerances and assembly techniques.
• Experience with prototyping, product testing, fault-finding and design improvement.
• Knowledge of DFMA, PFMEA, lean manufacturing or production preparation would be beneficial.
• A hands-on problem solver with strong attention to detail and a proactive approach.
• Comfortable working across different departments in a fast-paced SME manufacturing environment.

The Opportunity

A varied, hands-on engineering position where you can take real ownership of product development, influence manufacturing processes and see your designs progress from concept through to finished product.