Prototype Lab Lead — Marine Engineering & Innovation

Sonardyne; Yateley; Remote; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonardyne International in Yateley, Hampshire, seeks an Engineering Prototype Lab Manager to lead our prototype lab and development workshop, ensuring safe, efficient operations and on-time delivery of prototype builds.

You will manage hands-on assembly, materials, tooling and supplier coordination, while developing a skilled team of technicians and apprentices to transfer new products into manufacture.

Qualifications

• Experience in prototype development, engineering laboratory, workshop or R&D environment.
• Strong practical engineering skills including electrical wiring, soldering and cable assembly.
• Ability to interpret schematics, wiring diagrams and mechanical drawings.
• Experience managing technical staff, resources, suppliers and prototype procurement.
• Excellent planning, organisation and ability to coordinate multiple projects.
• Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Proactive, detail-oriented with commitment to quality and safety.
• Relevant engineering training or apprenticeship or practical experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the prototype laboratory and development workshop operations, safety and efficiency.
• Oversee hands-on prototype builds and assembly to plan.
• Plan and supervise prototype activities, including small production runs.
• Source and procure prototype components, materials and tooling.
• Coordinate external manufacturing, fabrication and subcontracted work.
• Mentor and develop laboratory staff and apprentices.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, tools and consumables.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing and Supply Chain and external suppliers.
• Support product development and transfer of prototypes into manufacture.
• Drive continuous improvement of laboratory capability and resource use.

Skills

Prototype development

Engineering leadership

Electrical wiring

Soldering

Cable assembly

Mechatronics integration

Reading schematics

Project planning

Stakeholder management

Quality and safety

Education

Engineering qualification (HNC/HND/degree)

Tools

CAD

IPC standards

3D printing

Engineering document control

Rapid prototyping

Job description

Sonardyne International in Yateley, Hampshire, seeks an Engineering Prototype Lab Manager to lead our prototype lab and development workshop, ensuring safe, efficient operations and on-time delivery of prototype builds.

You will manage hands-on assembly, materials, tooling and supplier coordination, while developing a skilled team of technicians and apprentices to transfer new products into manufacture.