Product Development Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Northampton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm near Northampton is seeking a full-time Product Development Engineer to advance product projects for private organizations and governments. You will be responsible for design, build, and testing, with experience in mechanical CAD and product development essential. The role requires daily office attendance with opportunities for growth and skill improvement. Attractive benefits include 33 days of annual leave and flexible working.

Benefits

33 days’ annual leave increasing to 38 days

Flexible working

Travel insurance for leisure trips

4% employer pension contribution

Share scheme recognizing employee effort

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ industry experience or relevant degree with at least 3 years’ experience.
• Experience with mechanical CAD, especially for product enclosures.
• Evidence of creating products with excellent user experience.

Responsibilities

• Participate in all technical aspects from design to manufacture.
• Hands-on design, build, and testing of products.
• Manage workload and identify resource needs.

Skills

Product development from concept to production

Mechanical CAD experience

Excellent user experience

Self-driven and organized

Good communication skills

Education

Degree in relevant field

Tools

3D printing

CNC milling

Job description

Job Description

Overview: My client is seeking a full-time Product Development Engineer to join their Hardware Team. As a valued member of staff, you will receive a competitive salary with great working conditions amongst a friendly team. You will have regular personal development interaction with your manager and be encouraged to increase and improve your skills through mentoring and external sources of knowledge.

Exceptional input and actions are recognised and rewarded in this company.

The Role: Join my client as a Product Development Engineer and play a pivotal role in advancing product development projects that aid private organisations and governments in safeguarding their assets. You will be involved early in the product development cycle to coordinate physical design and build, including enclosure design in CAD for manufacturing, liaising with electronic engineers, and taking the product to a finished state with labelling, accessories, and presentation cases with documentation. This is a full-time, on-site role, where you'll work on multiple projects, seeing them through to production. Your experience in technical environments, managing project progress, launching new products, and ensuring excellent user experience will be instrumental. There is ample opportunity for growth and diversification within the company. The role is based in the UK near Northampton, and a full driving license is preferred due to the rural location. Attendance at the office daily is required; remote work is not an option. Some UK travel will be necessary, with occasional foreign travel opportunities.

Key Skillset and Experience:

• 5+ years’ industry experience OR relevant degree with at least 3 years’ experience
• Experience with mechanical CAD, especially for product enclosures (3D printing & CNC milling)
• Proven experience in product development from concept to production
• Evidence of creating products with excellent user experience
• Self-driven and organized
• Ability to work independently and in a team with good communication skills
• Some technical understanding

Additional Desirable Skills:

• Experience in a customer-facing role
• Mentoring staff in product development best practices

Responsibilities:

• Participate in all technical aspects from design to manufacture
• Hands-on design, build, and testing of products
• CAD of mechanical aspects, enclosures, fixings, and jigs
• Work to deadlines and schedules
• Ensure documentation for compliance (e.g., UKCA)
• Assist with product demonstrations and liaise with customers
• Manage workload and identify resource needs
• Develop clear specifications, test plans, and strategies to ensure quality
• Handle post-development customer support, including returns and NCRs, with corrective actions and reviews

Benefits:

• 33 days’ annual leave, increasing to 38 days after 5 years
• Flexible working
• Travel insurance for leisure trips
• 4% employer pension contribution
• Share scheme recognizing employee effort

Next Steps: If you have the skills and experience, are comfortable working in an office-based role, and have your own transport, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to grow and make a difference.