Research and Development Design Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Leeds; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in cremation and incineration systems seeks an R&D Design Engineer to drive innovation. This role involves designing high-precision components and leading projects from concept to production, ensuring product performance and compliance while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Benefits

Cycle to Work Scheme

Extra Day Off for Your Birthday

Competitive Holiday Allowance

Life Assurance (6x Salary)

Employee Assistance Programme

Sustainability Commitment

Festive December Shutdown

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–10 years’ experience in an engineering environment, preferably in product development.
• Proven ability to solve complex technical challenges independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support New Product Development and innovation projects from research to production.
• Translate R&D outputs into practical engineering solutions.

Skills

SolidWorks

Mechanical design principles

3D CAD

2D AutoCAD

Education

BTEC ONC/OND, NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical/Design Engineering

Job description

Job Description

Facultatieve Technologies is a global leader in cremation and incineration systems, recognised for delivering environmentally responsible and technically advanced solutions.

Driven by our mission ‘Leading with Integrity, Innovating with Purpose, Prioritising Sustainability’ we design, and service high-performance cremators trusted in over 20 countries around the world. With over 140 years of engineering expertise and a commitment to continuous improvement, we’re proud to set the standard in our field.

We’re equally committed to the people behind our products. As a Confident Employer, we champion accessibility, fairness, and wellbeing at every level. We actively promote a positive workplace environment and prioritise investing in the growth and development of our colleagues.

About the Role

We’re looking for an R&D Design Engineer to join our team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our product innovation. In this hands-on role, you’ll drive cutting-edge projects from concept through to industrialisation. Designing high-precision components, building prototypes, and working cross-functionally to bring ideas into reality.

You’ll combine creative thinking with technical rigor to solve complex design challenges, optimise performance, and influence the next generation of products in a business committed to long-term technical excellence and sustainability.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and support New Product Development (NPD) and innovation projects from early research to full-scale production.
• Design and develop precision-engineered components and assemblies in SolidWorks.
• Oversee prototype manufacture, testing, and validation to ensure robust product performance.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards across all designs.
• Translate R&D outputs into practical engineering solutions and documentation for manufacturing.
• Contribute to product lifecycle improvements—enhancing reliability, functionality, and cost-efficiency.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, procurement, and quality teams to support design for manufacture and process improvements.
• Maintain accurate design records, technical data, and revision control.
• Proactively identify and implement opportunities for continuous improvement across design, materials, and production methods.

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Proficiency in SolidWorks (AutoCAD experience also welcomed).
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles and engineering best practices.
• Background in 3D CAD and 2D AutoCAD.
• Engineering qualification: BTEC ONC/OND, NVQ Level 3, or equivalent in Mechanical/Design Engineering.
• Minimum 5–10 years’ experience in an engineering environment, preferably in product development, fabrication, or R&D.
• Proven ability to solve complex technical challenges independently and manage multiple design iterations.

Desirable:

• Time-served Engineering Apprenticeship or higher-level vocational training.
• Experience in highly regulated sectors (e.g., combustion, energy, environmental technology).
• Understanding of product compliance and safety engineering standards.

What We Offer:

• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Extra Day Off for Your Birthday.
• Competitive Holiday Allowance.
• Life Assurance (6x Salary).
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Sustainability Commitment – Work for a company dedicated to environmentally responsible practices.
• Festive December Shutdown.

We actively celebrate diversity & inclusion across the Facultatieve Technologies group. We embrace individuals’ contributions to our business, regardless of their background, social status, or beliefs.

We believe that a diverse and inclusive culture is vital for our future success.