R&D Engineer

Yolk Recruitment Ltd; Newport; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An engineering recruitment firm is seeking a Development Engineer in South Wales to lead testing and validation of mechanical and mechatronic systems. Applicants should have a relevant degree or HND and experience in product development. The role offers a salary between £40,000 - £50,000 along with benefits. You'll work collaboratively to optimize system performance from concept to production.

Benefits

Pension

Holidays

Wider perks

Qualifications

• Experience within a product development, validation, or test environment.
• Ability to interpret drawings, schematics, and technical documentation.
• Self-motivated, methodical, and comfortable in a cross-functional team.

Responsibilities

• Planning and carrying out development and validation testing on new and existing products.
• Gathering, analysing and interpreting performance data to support engineering decisions.
• Collaborating with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to optimise performance.

Skills

Planning and carrying out development and validation testing

Data analysis and interpretation

Technical documentation production

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

HND or degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Job description

Overview

Development Engineer – South Wales

Salary £40,000 - £50,000 + benefits

Yolk Recruitment is exclusively partnered with an established and growing engineering business, part of a global group investing heavily in its UK design and development operations, to recruit a Development Engineer for a collaborative and forward-thinking R&D function.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on engineer to play a key role in testing, validating, and improving complex mechanical and mechatronic systems used in demanding, high-performance applications. You’ll work at the intersection of design, analysis and production - helping to turn innovative concepts into reliable, proven products.

What you'll be doing

• Planning and carrying out development and validation testing on new and existing products
• Gathering, analysing and interpreting performance data to support engineering decisions
• Producing clear technical documentation and detailed test reports for internal and external use
• Supporting New Product Development (NPD) activity from concept through to production release
• Contributing to DFMEA, DFM and DFA reviews and helping to resolve technical challenges
• Working collaboratively with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to optimise performance and reliability
• Occasionally visiting group or customer sites to support testing and development programmes

The experience you'll bring

• HND or degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Experience within a product development, validation, or test environment
• Confidence interpreting drawings, schematics and technical documentation
• Ability to analyse data, perform engineering calculations, and communicate findings clearly
• Practical mindset, comfortable in both lab and workshop environments
• Self-motivated, methodical, and comfortable working as part of a cross-functional team

What you'll get in return

• Salary in the region of £40,000 - £50,000, depending on experience
• Excellent benefits package including pension, holidays and wider perks
• Real technical variety, working on products from concept to production
• Long-term development and progression within a global engineering group

Are you up to the challenge? If you feel you have the skills, experience and passion to be successful in this role, apply now.