Engineering Prototype Lab Manager

An opportunity for an experienced engineering professional to take responsibility for a prototype engineering laboratory and workshop. This is a varied, hands-on management role combining technical oversight, team leadership and the coordination of prototype development.

You will oversee the day-to-day running of the facility, manage resources and suppliers, and ensure prototype builds are delivered safely, efficiently and to the required quality standards.

• Manage the daily operation, safety and organisation of the engineering laboratory and workshop.

• Lead, support and develop technical staff and apprentices, allocating work and managing priorities.

• Plan and coordinate prototype builds, including small production batches, ensuring projects meet agreed timescales.

• Oversee the manufacture and assembly of prototype equipment, cable assemblies, wiring looms and electro-mechanical components.

• Interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics and build documentation.

• Manage procurement of components, materials, tooling and specialist equipment.

• Maintain prototype bills of materials, monitor component availability and coordinate outsourced manufacturing.

• Maintain workshop equipment, tools, test facilities, stock levels and build records.

• Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain teams and external suppliers.

• Ensure appropriate quality standards, risk assessments, health and safety procedures and configuration records are maintained.

• Support the transition of completed prototypes into manufacturing.

• Experience managing or working within an engineering workshop, prototype laboratory, R&D or product development environment.

• Practical experience of electrical wiring, soldering, cable assembly or electro-mechanical integration.

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams and technical documentation.

• Experience coordinating technical teams, resources, suppliers and procurement.

• Strong planning, organisational and problem-solving skills.

• Good communication skills and the ability to work across different engineering functions.

• Relevant engineering qualification, apprenticeship or equivalent practical experience.

• Prototype development and new product introduction.

• Experience with in marine, defence, robotics, instrumentation or other complex engineering environments.

• Knowledge of quality systems, document control and configuration management.

• Experience supporting products through development and into manufacture.

The opportunity to take ownership of a specialist engineering facility, lead a technical team and play an important part in bringing new engineering products from prototype development through to manufacture.