Research & Development Engineer

Labman Automation Ltd; Stokesley; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A cutting-edge automation company in the UK is seeking a creative R&D Engineer to design and develop innovative robotic solutions. The ideal candidate has a degree in Mechanical Engineering or Robotics, with over 3 years of experience in R&D and a passion for automation. This role offers a competitive salary, enhanced benefits, and the opportunity to work in a fun, collaborative environment.

Benefits

33 days annual holiday

Private Healthcare

5% employer pension contribution

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

CPD support

Free on-site gym and sports facilities

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in R&D, automation, robotics, or product development.
• Solid foundation in mechanical, mechatronics, robotics, or automation engineering.
• Excellent communication and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and create novel electromechanical devices from scratch.
• Collaborate with a team of engineers to develop innovative solutions.
• Rapidly prototype and test new ideas.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Robotics

Mechatronics

CAD (SolidWorks, Inventor)

Prototyping

3D printing

Electronics

Manufacturing processes

Motion control

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or Mechatronics

Job description

Position: Research & Development Engineer

Reporting to: Head of Concept Development

Location: Labman HQ, Seamer, North Yorkshire

Salary: £40,000 - £55,000 BASED ON EXPERIENCE

Right to Work in the UK: Please note that this role is open only to candidates who already have permanent and unrestricted right to work in the UK. As this role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position, and cannot accept applications from candidates on temporary work or student visas of any length.

Are you the kind of engineer who spends weekends building robotic arms, hacking together Arduino projects, or building and launching potato cannons just for fun? Do you dream in CAD and get excited by the smell of solder? If so, we want you on our team!

Labman is on the hunt for a creative, hands‑on R&D Engineer with a passion for automation, robotics, and solving real‑world problems in wild and wonderful ways.

What you will do

• Designing & creating novel electromechanical devices from scratch
• Rapid prototyping and testing your ideas
• Collaborating with a team of engineers who live and breathe innovation
• Exploring emerging tech like AI, machine vision, and generative design
• Turning concepts into working prototypes that push boundaries
• Developing the next generation of cutting edge products to add to our growing portfolio

What You’ll Bring

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or similar
• 3+ years in R&D, automation, robotics, or product development
• Solid foundation in mechanical, mechatronics, robotics, or automation engineering
• CAD wizardry (SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar)
• Hands‑on experience with prototyping, 3D printing, electronics, and workshop tools
• Understanding of a wide range of manufacturing processes and design suitability for each
• Knowledge of robotics systems, motion control, PLCs, and embedded systems
• Excellent communication and cross‑disciplinary collaboration skills

Desirable Extras

• A portfolio of personal projects that show off your engineering creativity
• Familiarity with machine vision, AI/ML, or automation platforms
• Experience in lab automation, medical devices, or industrial robotics
• Exposure to compliance frameworks (ISO 9001, Machinery regs)

We’re not your average engineering company. We build cool stuff, break boundaries, and have a blast doing it. If you’re a curious creator who loves to tinker, invent, and collaborate — this is your playground.

What We Offer

• 33 days annual holiday (rising to 38 with service, incl. public holidays).
• Private Healthcare with Aviva.
• 5% employer pension contribution (on full salary).
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave (long service applicable).
• CPD support with annual professional body subscription covered.
• Free on‑site gym, squash courts, bouldering wall, and a wide range of staff clubs.

Our Culture

At Labman, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in building world‑class technology and a world‑class workplace. Our culture is one of creativity, collaboration, and mutual support, underpinned by our core values:

• In it together – A community of mutual support
• Excellence – Delivering the very highest quality
• Humility – Respecting ourselves and others
• Sustainability – Recognising our impact on the planet, community, and company
• Fun – Bringing enjoyment and passion to our work