R&D Development Engineer

Overall

Purpose:

As our R&D Development engineer, you'll be the technical architect behind innovative roofing solutions that solve real-world construction challenges. Your expertise in CAD technology will drive product innovation, ensuring every design not only meets the highest industry standards but also advances Nicholson's reputation as the go-to specialist for complex roofing system solutions. You'll be instrumental in our continued growth, working closely with Tier 1 contractors and architects to deliver bespoke engineering solutions that make the impossible, possible.

We are looking for an adaptable, hands‑on Development Engineer to join our Research & Development team, working on the development of bespoke construction products.

This role requires a strong engineering foundation, practical problem‑solving ability, and the confidence to take responsibility for progressing R&D work packages through relevant stages of our product development process. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the R&D Manager and wider business, contributing to design, prototyping, testing and documentation activities that support robust, evidence‑led product development.

This is a practical engineering role suited to someone who enjoys turning partially defined problems into well‑considered, testable solutions, and who is comfortable working across CAD, workshop, and testing environments.

• 80% of Scorecard achieved
• Able to confidently handle an R&D project all the way from Ideation to manufacture

31 holidays (including bank holidays)

• 5 sick days on full pay
• Free lunches
• Buy or sell holiday scheme
• Birthday voucher
• Free On‑Site Parking
• NEST Pension scheme
• Health insurance scheme, including discounted gym membership and appointment paybacks

Due to the collaborative nature of this position, this is primarily an office‑based role, with the occasional WFH day is possible with manager approval.

Monday to Friday. 40‑Hour Week. Flexible Start and Finish between 7am-5pm

R&D Manager

• Contribute engineering insight to early‑stage idea generation and feasibility discussions
• Review proposed concepts and solutions from a range of sources, including internal idea submissions
• Evaluate solution options using technical, practical and performance‑based considerations
• Translate approved concepts into clear development objectives and draft briefs for further review
• Ensure sufficient information is available to support informed project decisions

• Design the concept on CAD - both 2D and 3D
• Develop the performance criteria
• Conduct desktop testing in a virtual environment, e.g. stress analysis
• Create a technical specification
• Create the Specification Summary Report

• Extract part files from CAD models and raise procurement requests for prototype components
• Fabricate or modify parts as required to support prototyping activities
• Assemble physical prototypes to assess functionality, buildability and performance
• Coordinate external testing activities where required to support compliance or validation
• Finalise prototype builds and ensure all relevant information is documented
• Prepare Prototype Summary Reports and share outcomes with stakeholders

• Develop and execute testing methodologies in line with agreed R&D and compliance requirements
• Prepare test rigs and equipment for internal testing activities
• Conduct internal testing for functionality, structural performance and weathering integrity
• Collect test data from sensors, measurements and observations
• Record, analyse and present test data in clear and meaningful formats
• Draft test reports in line with agreed internal standards

• Work closely with design, marketing, and sales teams to bring products through the R&D process, to market
• Facilitate communication and collaboration between different departments to ensure product success
• Coordinate with quality assurance team to ensure product quality and reliability

There may be additional duties to the above.

• Throughput of…