Technical Development Manager

An established manufacturing business specialising in technical textiles and advanced composite materials is looking for a mechanically minded engineer to support the continued development of its products, manufacturing processes and technical capability.

This position could suit somene doing something similar however we but we are equally interested in an ambitious engineer with  relevant experience who is ready to step up, take greater ownership and make the role their own.This is a broad, hands-on position covering product engineering, manufacturing improvement, new equipment, technical problem-solving and project delivery. It is not a purely research and development role. You will spend time within the manufacturing plant, working alongside production teams, understanding how products are made and perform in practice, and turning technical ideas into practical and commercially viable solutions.

A key part of the position will involve developing a detailed understanding of pipe rehabilitation liners and reinforced composite materials. This will include the mechanical principles and calculations associated with pressure, structural performance and product application.

You will also help shape how the company’s engineering and technical-development capability should evolve as the business grows. For someone with the right ability and ambition, there will be genuine freedom to develop with the position.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Becoming a technical point of contact for the existing product portfolio and its applications

• Understanding the mechanics and performance of pipe-lining products, including the forces and pressures acting within a pipe

• Supporting engineering calculations, product design, testing and technical validation

• Applying mechanical engineering principles and, where appropriate, FEA to assess product performance

• Investigating product or process issues and implementing practical, lasting improvements

• Working with customers to understand their applications, technical challenges and future requirements

• Managing technical and manufacturing projects from initial concept through trials and implementation

• Identifying, specifying and supporting the introduction of new machinery and manufacturing equipment

• Supporting the development and launch of new products and manufacturing processes

• Improving existing materials, processes, product performance, cost and sustainability

• Working closely with Operations, Production, Quality, Commercial and Procurement

• Helping shape the future direction of the company’s engineering and technical-development function

About you

You may already hold a technical management position, or you could be an experienced Mechanical, Product, Project, Development or Manufacturing Engineer looking for the opportunity to take on greater responsibility.

You are likely to offer:

• A degree or equivalent experience in mechanical engineering or a related discipline

• A sound understanding of engineering calculations, mechanics and structural or pressure-related applications

• Experience taking technical projects from concept through design, trials and implementation

• An interest in manufacturing machinery, production processes and the introduction of new equipment

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to turn engineering theory into practical solutions

• The confidence to work directly with production teams, suppliers and customers

• The curiosity to understand how products work, how they are manufactured and how they could be improved

• The ambition and potential to develop into a broader technical leadership position

Experience involving technical textiles, composite materials, polymers, pipe systems, structural analysis, FEA or process development would be advantageous. However, direct experience in every area is not essential if you possess strong mechanical-engineering fundamentals and the ability to learn.

This is an excellent opportunity to join an established and progressive manufacturing business while still having the freedom to influence what comes next.

Rather than stepping into a narrowly defined position, you will have the opportunity to introduce ideas, develop your technical knowledge and shape the role around the future needs of the business.

If you are a capable and inquisitive engineer who feels ready for greater responsibility and the freedom to make an impact, this could be an excellent next step.

This role offers a fantastic benefits package including share incentive plan, Bonus, 33 days holiday, 4 x death in service and working 35.5 hours per week.