Product Development Technician

Rise Technical Recruitment; Whitstable; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technical recruitment agency is seeking a Product Development Technician in Whitstable, England. This role involves supporting prototype and low-volume builds, collecting and reporting build data, and working closely with engineering teams. Ideal candidates should possess strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and familiarity with precision assembly tools. This position offers a competitive salary between £30,000 - £32,000 plus benefits, contributing to innovative product launches in a supportive engineering environment.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on mechanical aptitude with the ability to interpret engineering drawings.
• Experience with precision assembly tools, soldering, wiring preferred.
• Analytical and detail-oriented; ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Support prototype and low-volume builds including assembly and testing.
• Collect, record, and report build data to the engineering team.
• Assist with tooling and process refinement to support NPI projects.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work independently

Team collaboration

Tools

Precision assembly tools

Soldering tools

Wiring tools

Measurement instruments

Job description

Product Development Technician

£30,000 - £32,000 + Benefits

Whitstable, Kent (Commutable from Canterbury, Herne Bay, Faversham, Sittingbourne, Margate)

Are you a hands‑on technician looking to play a key role in developing new products within a manufacturing environment? This is a great opportunity to join a skilled Product Development team, supporting prototype and low‑volume builds while helping bring innovative products from concept to full‑rate production.

In this role, you will assist with building, testing, and evaluating new products, supporting design and process engineers in refining assembly methods and tooling, and helping to accelerate product introduction. You will collect and report accurate build data, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to process improvement initiatives, ensuring that products meet customer and regulatory requirements.

You will collaborate closely with design, process, and operations teams, supporting root‑cause analysis, corrective actions, and first article inspections. You'll also maintain build documentation, ensure material traceability, and work with fixtures, tooling, and test equipment to enable high‑quality prototype and NPI builds.

This position is ideal for a disciplined, detail‑oriented technician with strong mechanical aptitude, excellent problem‑solving skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. You'll gain hands‑on experience across mechanical and electrical assembly, testing, and product validation, contributing directly to new product launches within a supportive engineering‑focused environment.

The Role

• Support prototype and low‑volume builds, including assembly, testing, and validation of new products
• Collect, record, and report build data, test results and nonconformances to the engineering team
• Assist with tooling, fixture setup, troubleshooting and process refinement to support NPI projects

The Candidate

• Strong hands‑on mechanical aptitude with the ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications
• Experience with precision assembly tools, soldering, wiring, and measurement instruments preferred
• Analytical, detail‑oriented, and able to work independently while collaborating effectively in a fast‑paced engineering environment

To apply for this role or to be considered for further roles, please click “Apply Now” or contact Jamie Saint at Rise Technical Recruitment.

Rise Technical Recruitment Ltd acts an employment agency for permanent roles and an employment business for temporary roles.

The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.