Research & Development Engineer (811)

Join a leading UK-based bespoke steel door manufacturer in a pivotal R&D Engineer role, where you'll contribute to designing, developing, and enhancing high-quality steel door products. Work in a state-of-the-art facility in Newcastle under Lyme, collaborating with cross-functional teams to innovate and optimise manufacturing processes while ensuring industry compliance. This is an excellent opportunity to grow within a family-focused, professional environment that values employee contributions and encourages continuous development.

Overview of the Company
With rigid core Company Values and a strong Group Vision, we are the UK's foremost bespoke steel door manufacturer. With our roots firmly planted in a family plot, we've worked hard to maintain close-knit working relationships throughout the business
The client maintains a friendly, fun working environment whilst aiming to be more corporate and professional. Within our new £6m facility in Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, we have the best in hi-tech systems designed to minimise any manual lifting, make our processes flow seamlessly and enable us to produce the highest quality door products. As part of that growth project, we are growing the number of our employees. We believe in the value of our people; be they colleagues of longstanding or new recruits. Everyone has the opportunity to make a valid contribution to our success.

Main Purpose of the Role
As an R&D Engineer, you will play a key role in designing, developing, and improving our product portfolio, ensuring they meet quality, safety, and performance standards. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product innovation, optimize manufacturing processes, and address customer requirements

Scope of the Role
The Research & Development department focuses on ensuring all products meet the current standards and legislations. Identifying future testing requirements and seeing them through to completion. Maintaining and updating all certification.

Primary Objectives

• Design and develop new steel door products and improve existing designs using Solidworks.
• Conduct product testing and performance analysis.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and sales teams to ensure seamless product integration.
• Research new materials, technologies, and manufacturing techniques.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Prepare technical documentation, including design specifications and checking of test reports.
• Participate in prototype development and testing.
• Identify and resolve technical challenges throughout the product lifecycle.
• Technical support to internal and external sales teams.

Secondary Objectives

• Continuous Learning - Stay Updated on industry trends, emerging technologies and competitor products.
• Documentation Best Practices - Maintain detailed design records, test results and project documentation for future reference.
• Support Production - Assist in troubleshooting design related manufacturing issues.
• Contingency Planning - Develop alternative design solutions to mitigate production disruptions.
• Component Standardisation - Identify opportunities to standardise components
• across different product lines

Qualifications, Skills and Experience Required for Role
• Proven experience in product design and development, preferably in steel or
construction products.
• Good written and verbal communication
• Proficient in SolidWorks. CWSP certifies ideally.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, material properties, and quality standards.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• A good understanding of sheet metal fabrication machinery and production
• Ability to report back to senior management
• Able to plan and prioritise own workload
• Experience of product design using sheet metal or other CNC production methods.
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel where required.
• Flexible approach