R&D Lab & Prototyping Manager

AssetCool; Leeds; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible work options

Job summary

AssetCool seeks an organized R&D Lab and Workshop Manager to lead our Leeds lab and prototyping workshop. You will set workspace standards, improve tool availability, and streamline prototype execution to accelerate development timelines.

You will oversee fabrication of test rigs, maintenance of lab equipment, and calibration cycles while ensuring health and safety compliance. This role combines hands-on hardware work with administrative leadership to enable design engineers to iterate rapidly.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as mechanical technician, laboratory manager, or workshop supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of cleanliness, safety, layout, and day-to-day efficiency of the R&D lab spaces.
• Implement tool tracking, 5S, and organized storage to reduce losses and duplicate purchases.
• Manage health and safety compliance including COSHH systems.
• Maintain inventory of consumables, materials and spare parts.
• Support procurement including sourcing and purchasing hardware components.
• Standardise lab documentation and training programs within engineering.

Skills

Mechanical technician

Laboratory manager

Workshop supervision

5S asset management

Fabrication skills

Health & Safety COSHH

Procurement experience

CAD drafting

Machining knowledge (CNC/laser)

Education

Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering degree or equivalent

Advanced Apprenticeship / NVQ Level 3 in a related discipline

Tools

3D printers

Laser cutters

Water-jet cutters

CNC mills

CAD software

Job description

AssetCool seeks an organized R&D Lab and Workshop Manager to lead our Leeds lab and prototyping workshop. You will set workspace standards, improve tool availability, and streamline prototype execution to accelerate development timelines.

You will oversee fabrication of test rigs, maintenance of lab equipment, and calibration cycles while ensuring health and safety compliance. This role combines hands-on hardware work with administrative leadership to enable design engineers to iterate rapidly.