Engineering Prototype Lab Manager

Permanent | Full-time

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.

DCS Recruitment and all associated companies are committed to creating a working environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly, regardless of gender, gender identity, disability, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or transgender status, age, or nationality