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.

• 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 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
• Finalize 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

• Throughput of projects in accordance with the weekly department plan - target zero discrepancy

• Previous experience (6 months or more) in R&D for a construction product, in a large organisation
• Good understanding of built environment and building envelope and construction principles
• Understands and is qualified in engineering, such as mechanical engineering degree
• Strong practical problem-solving skills, with the ability to progress defined work packages independently
• Well organised, with the ability to manage tasks across multiple development activities
• Practical, hands on candidate, with exposure to metalwork and engineering e.g. welding, drilling, folding, test rigs etc.
• Fluent in Autocad 2D and 3D design (ideally Inventor)
• Demonstrable experience of ability to provide tangible solutions
• Strong Project management skills,…