Product Development Technician

Niftylift Ltd; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Healthcare cashback scheme

5% workplace pension

Life insurance

On-site parking

Job summary

Niftylift Ltd is seeking a hands-on Product Development Technician in Milton Keynes to support MEWP development, building early prototypes and development machines that help shape future products.

You will assemble prototype equipment, support design concepts, and provide practical feedback to optimise manufacturability, serviceability, reliability and performance. This role offers collaboration across engineering, test & validation teams and opportunities for progression.

Qualifications

• Engineering qualification such as HNC/HND or completed apprenticeship with practical experience.
• Experience in mechanical, hydraulic and electrical assembly and knowledge of manufacturing processes.
• Proficient with hand and power tools and able to read engineering drawings.
• Good general computer skills, including MS Office.
• Independent worker with initiative and problem-solving ability, plus teamwork.
• Strong time management, prioritisation and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Build prototype and development MEWPs and related equipment.
• Support mechanical, hydraulic and electrical development activities.
• Collaborate with Design Engineers on layouts and design improvements.
• Provide practical feedback to improve manufacturability and reliability.
• Assist with design changes and maintain safe, organized development facilities.
• Contribute to continuous product improvement across development projects.

Skills

Mechanical assembly

Hydraulic systems

Electrical assembly

Hand & power tools

Reading engineering drawings

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

Engineering qualification (HNC/HND or apprenticeship)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About Niftylift

Niftylift is a privately owned UK company founded in 1985. Through continuous innovation, engineering excellence and sustained growth we have become one of the world's leading designers and manufacturers of Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs). With more than 75% of our products exported worldwide, we support customers across 40 countries through an extensive sales and dealer network. Today, our success is driven by more than 400 employees across our three UK centres of excellence and manufacturing sites.

About The Role

We are looking for a talented, hands‑on Product Development Technician to support the development of innovative Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs). This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of product development, building early concept prototypes and development machines that help shape future products.

Working closely with Engineers, Technicians and Test & Validation specialists, you will bring new product concepts to life through mechanical, hydraulic and electrical assembly activities, playing a key role in turning engineering designs into functional machines.

As part of your role, you will assemble prototype and development equipment, support the implementation of new design concepts, and provide practical feedback to help optimise products for manufacturability, serviceability, reliability and performance. You will also help identify and resolve build issues, support design changes and ensure machines are constructed to the required specification.

This position offers the opportunity to work across a wide range of projects and contribute directly to the development of future MEWP products.

This role is ideal for an experienced technician who enjoys hands‑on problem‑solving, collaborative working and transforming engineering concepts into working machines.

What the Role Entails

• Building and assembling prototype and development MEWPs.
• Supporting mechanical, hydraulic and electrical development activities.
• Working closely with Design Engineers to develop component layouts, implement design improvements and resolve practical build issues.
• Using your practical experience to provide feedback and identify opportunities to improve manufacturability, serviceability and efficiency.
• Supporting design changes and continuous product improvement throughout the development process.
• Maintaining a clean, organised and safe working environment within the Development, Test & Validation facility.
• Supporting Environmental, Health and Safety requirements and contributing to your own development and the continued growth of the wider team.

What We Are Looking For

• A relevant Engineering qualification, such as an HNC, HND or completed apprenticeship, supported by appropriate practical experience.
• Practical experience in mechanical, hydraulic and electrical assembly, with a good understanding of manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Confident and proficient in the use of a wide range of hand and power tools.
• A basic understanding of hydraulics and electrical systems, with the ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Good computer literacy, including experience using Microsoft Office.
• The ability to work independently, use initiative and solve practical problems with limited information.
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Good time-management skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities, challenges and project requirements.
• Strong attention to detail, with a focus on accuracy, quality and maintaining clear records where required.

What We Offer

• A competitive hourly paid salary, with opportunities for overtime when business requirements allow.
• A comprehensive benefits package including 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (increasing with service), a healthcare cashback scheme, 5% contributory pension scheme, life insurance, discounted gym memberships, premium‑rate overtime and free on‑site parking.
• The opportunity to work on innovative new products and future MEWP developments.
• A varied, hands‑on role with involvement from early concepts through to production line integration.
• Opportunities for training, development and career progression.
• The chance to work as part of an experienced Engineering, Development and Test & Validation team.