Engineering Prototype Lab Manager Engineering, Production, Manufacture

Location: Yateley

From the Mariana Trench, the deepest point on earth, to surging shorelines and anywhere in-between, we make the impossible possible through our continuous passion for innovation.

Our people design, engineer and manufacture technologies that are enabling our customers to discover, navigate, measure, detect and communicate in the toughest environment on earth:
Our oceans.

We’ve been actively developing the technology to make the oceans accessible for over 50 years and we’re only just getting started…At Sonardyne, we value different ways of thinking. Whether you think in code, patterns, systems, or steps, your unique perspective is important to us.

Are you a hands-on engineering professional who enjoys turning innovative ideas into working prototypes?

At Sonardyne International, we’re looking for an experienced Engineering Prototype Lab Manager to lead our prototype laboratory and development workshop at our headquarters in Yateley, Hampshire.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who combines practical engineering expertise with strong organisational and leadership skills. You’ll play a key role in bringing new technologies to life, supporting our Engineering teams from initial concept and prototype development through to successful transfer into manufacture.

We’re looking for someone who is equally comfortable getting involved in a complex prototype build, coordinating materials and suppliers, or supporting and developing a team of talented technicians and apprentices.

If you enjoy solving technical challenges, improving processes and creating an environment where engineering innovation can thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

Your Role

As our Engineering Prototype Lab Manager, you’ll take responsibility for the day-to-day operation, safety and effectiveness of our engineering prototype laboratory and development workshop.

Working closely with our Engineering, Manufacturing and Supply Chain teams, you’ll ensure prototype builds are delivered to the required quality standards and project timescales, with the right people, components and equipment available when needed.

You’ll also take a hands-on approach to prototype assembly and integration, while leading the team, managing laboratory resources and driving continuous improvement.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the prototype laboratory: Managing the day-to-day activities, organisation, safety and efficient operation of our engineering laboratory and development workshop.
• Getting hands-on: Building and assembling prototype products, cable assemblies, wiring looms and harnesses using engineering drawings, schematics and controlled build documentation.
• Coordinating prototype builds: Planning and overseeing prototype activities, including small production runs of tens of units, ensuring project milestones and quality requirements are met.
• Managing materials and procurement: Sourcing and purchasing prototype components, materials, tooling, laboratory equipment and specialist services.
• Working with suppliers: Coordinating external manufacturing, specialist fabrication and subcontracted activities, ensuring components and services are available when required.
• Supporting our people: Managing, mentoring and developing laboratory staff and apprentices, allocating workloads and resources across multiple engineering projects.
• Maintaining our facilities: Ensuring laboratory equipment, tools, test assets and consumables are maintained and fit for purpose.
• Collaborating across the business: Acting as a key link between Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and external suppliers.
• Supporting product development: Contributing to engineering change control, configuration management, quality assurance and the successful transfer of new products…