Senior Development Engineer

Senior Development Engineer

Location: Burgess Hill, West Sussex

Working Pattern: Hybrid (typically 3 days on-site, 2 days from home)

Salary: £55,000-£65,000 + 7% bonus

Type: Permanent

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Development Engineer to join a highly innovative research and development team focused on the creation, development, testing, and validation of advanced engineering technologies.

This role offers the chance to work across the full development lifecycle, taking concepts from early-stage feasibility through to practical implementation. The successful candidate will play a key role in designing, building, modelling, testing, and evaluating new products, systems, and technologies within a complex technical environment.

Working closely with engineers, technicians, and multidisciplinary teams, you will contribute to cutting‑edge development projects while applying strong engineering fundamentals, analytical thinking, and hands‑on problem‑solving skills.

• Design, develop, and validate innovative engineering concepts within an R&D environment.
• Build and evaluate prototypes, experimental systems, and test rigs.
• Carry out modelling, simulation, analysis, and performance assessments.
• Develop and execute testing methodologies to verify product and system performance.
• Support the progression of concepts from feasibility studies through to implementation.
• Investigate technical challenges, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Collaborate closely with technicians and engineers from multiple disciplines.
• Participate in design reviews and technical discussions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and innovation activities.
• Document development activities, test results, and technical findings.
• Apply engineering principles, mathematics, and physics to solve complex technical problems.
• Support the development of new products, technologies, processes, and systems.

• Degree qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Electromechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Hands‑on development engineering experience within an R&D, product development, or advanced engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals, physics, and mathematics.
• Experience designing, modelling, building, testing, and validating engineering solutions.
• Practical problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Ability to manage multiple technical challenges and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Self‑motivated, proactive, and eager to learn new technologies and methodologies.

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous:

• Semiconductor technologies
• Vacuum systems and technology
• Scientific instrumentation or laboratory equipment
• Automotive engineering
• Aerospace engineering
• Energy systems
• Defence technology
• Medical device development
• Advanced manufacturing environments
• Mechanical engineering
• Electromechanical systems
• Thermal engineering
• Fluid systems
• Process engineering
• Materials engineering
• Chemical engineering principles
• Experimental testing and validation
  
  Prototype development
• Modelling and simulation tools

The ideal candidate will be a curious, hands‑on engineer who enjoys developing new technologies, testing ideas, and solving complex technical challenges. You will be comfortable working in a fast‑paced R&D environment and motivated by the opportunity to turn innovative concepts into practical engineering solutions.

Candidates may come from a range of engineering backgrounds, including mechanical, electromechanical, scientific, semiconductor, aerospace, automotive, defence, energy, or advanced manufacturing sectors. Strong technical fundamentals and the right attitude are considered more important than specific industry experience.

• Competitive salary of £55,000-£65,000
• 7% annual bonus
• Hybrid working arrangement
• Relocation assistance available
• Cashback plan
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression

The recruitment process is expected to include:

Flexible interview scheduling may be available to accommodate candidates currently in employment.