Senior Design & Development Engineer (Prototype to Product)

Quell; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Quell is a high-growth British defence and security AI technology start-up. We require a Senior Design & Development Engineer to drive concepts from early prototypes to refined, manufacturable products.

This hands-on role spans workshop and R&D environments, demanding practical experimentation, rapid iteration, and strong teamwork. The successful candidate will design and prototype with CAD tools, develop PCB electronics, and push products toward robust production while maintaining

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on engineering skills and passion for building and problem-solving.
• Proficient in CAD software.
• Proficient in PCB electronics.
• Thorough additive manufacturing experience.
• Knowledge of CAD/PDM methodologies.
• Experience taking products from concept through prototype to production.
• Proactive, self-driven mindset with strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Must be able to work on-site in workshop/R&D facilities five days a week.
• Must be able to travel at short notice if required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to design, prototype, and develop new products
• Using CAD software to produce detailed designs, refine concepts, and support prototyping
• Building, testing, and iterating physical prototypes to improve performance and reliability
• Solving complex engineering challenges with practical, innovative solutions
• Improving product durability, efficiency, manufacturability, and overall design
• Working hands-on within workshop and R&D facilities to accelerate product development

Skills

Hands-on engineering

CAD software

PCB electronics

Additive manufacturing

Problem-solving

Communication

Tools

CAD/PDM methodologies

Job description

Quell is a high-growth British defence and security AI technology start-up developing solutions to counter drone, vehicle, and human threats across the military, civilian and critical national infrastructure sectors.

Based near Cambridge, we are seeking an exceptional Senior Design & Development Engineer to take innovative concepts from early prototype through to refined, manufacturable products. This is a hands-on, multidisciplinary role for a dynamic engineer who enjoys building, experimenting, problem-solving, and iterating rapidly in a workshop and R&D environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to design, prototype, and develop new products
• Using CAD software to produce detailed designs, refine concepts, and support prototyping
• Building, testing, and iterating physical prototypes to improve performance and reliability
• Solving complex engineering challenges with practical, innovative solutions
• Improving product durability, efficiency, manufacturability, and overall design
• Working hands-on within workshop and R&D facilities to accelerate product development

Requirements

• Strong hands-on engineering skills and passion for building and problem-solving
• Proficient in CAD software
• Proficient in PCB electronics
• Thorough additive manufacturing experience.
• Knowledge of CAD/PDM methodologies
• Solid understanding of engineering principles and ability to learn new tools and systems quickly
• Experience taking products from concept through prototype to production
• Proactive, self-driven mindset with strong teamwork and communication skills
• Must be able to work on-site in workshop/R&D facilities five days a week
• Must be able to travel at short notice if required

Details

• Location: North Uttlesford / Greater Cambridge area, on-site
• Five days a week on-site (ie: this is not a hybrid role)
• Applicants must be fully eligible to work in the UK without restriction, time limit, or the need for current or future sponsorship.