Research & Development Engineer

Manpower; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Manpower (United Kingdom) seeks an R&D Engineer for Cardiff to provide mechanical engineering support for Lab Filtration products, focusing on design, CAD, and documentation, with Windchill PDM adoption.

You will develop 2D/3D models (SolidWorks), maintain specifications and drawings, and contribute to manufacturing transfer and validation activities in a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3–5 years' experience in R&D, mechanical design or product engineering.
• Strong experience with 3D CAD and engineering drawings (SolidWorks preferred).
• Experience with PLM/PDM systems, Windchill preferred.
• Experience in a regulated or quality-controlled environment is desirable.
• Strong analytical and technical writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide mechanical engineering expertise for new and existing product development, validation, and lifecycle activities.
• Support Windchill PDM adoption, including data creation and migration.
• Create and maintain product specifications, drawings, BOMs, and technical docs.
• Develop 2D drawings and 3D CAD models using SolidWorks.
• Control CAD, specifications, drawings, and engineering records in the PLM environment.
• Conduct feasibility studies, design verification, tolerance reviews, and testing.
• Lead design reviews, product changes, and problem-solving.
• Apply knowledge of plastics, injection moulding, tolerancing, and manufacturing design.
• Support manufacturing transfer, process validation, supplier engagement.
• Use prototyping and additive manufacturing for design evaluation.
• Prepare technical reports complying with quality, regulatory and safety requirements.

Skills

CAD

Windchill

PLM systems

Technical writing

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

R&D Engineer - Lab Filtration Hours per week: 37.5 Site Location: Cardiff Rate: Negotiable (Inside IR35 via Umbrella) Duration: 12 Months

Role Summary

The R&D Contingent Engineer will provide mechanical engineering expertise to support the development, validation, and lifecycle management of new and existing Lab Filtration products within Cardiff R&D. The role will focus on engineering design, CAD, product specifications and documentation, while supporting the introduction and adoption of Windchill PDM.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide mechanical engineering expertise for new and existing product development, validation, and lifecycle activities.
• Support the introduction and adoption of Windchill PDM within Cardiff Lab Filtration R&D, including creation, migration, and maintenance of engineering product data.
• Generate and maintain product specifications, engineering drawings, BOMs, and technical documentation.
• Develop and maintain 2D drawings and 3D CAD models using SolidWorks.
• Support configuration control of CAD, specifications, drawings, and engineering records within the PLM environment.
• Conduct feasibility assessments, design verification, tolerance reviews, and product performance testing.
• Lead and contribute to design reviews, product changes, and technical problem-solving.
• Apply knowledge of plastics, injection moulding, materials, tolerancing, and design for manufacture to product and component design.
• Support manufacturing transfer, process validation, supplier engagement, and resolution of engineering issues.
• Use prototyping and additive manufacturing where appropriate to support design evaluation and verification.
• Prepare technical reports and engineering documentation in accordance with applicable quality, regulatory, and safety requirements.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years' experience in R&D, mechanical design, product engineering, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience in 3D CAD and engineering drawings, preferably SolidWorks.
• Experience creating and maintaining engineering specifications and controlled technical documentation.
• Good understanding of plastics, injection moulding, tolerancing, and design for manufacture.
• Experience with PLM/PDM systems, ideally Windchill, would be advantageous.
• Experience within a regulated or quality-controlled environment is desirable.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and technical writing skills.