Engineering Prototype & Lab Manager

Engineering Prototype & Lab Manager

We're looking for an experienced Engineering Prototype Lab Manager to lead a busy engineering prototype laboratory and development workshop, supporting innovative products from initial concept through prototype build and into manufacture.

This is a genuinely hands-on technical leadership position, combining prototype engineering, laboratory management, team leadership, procurement and supplier coordination. You'll manage the day-to-day operation of the lab while remaining close to the practical engineering work.

The role

You'll be responsible for:

• Leading the day-to-day operation, safety and organisation of the prototype laboratory and workshop
• Planning and coordinating prototype builds, including small production runs in the tens of units
• Building and supporting prototype products, cable assemblies, wiring looms and harnesses
• Managing and developing laboratory staff and apprentices
• Sourcing components, materials, tooling, equipment and specialist services
• Managing prototype BOMs, component availability and outsourced manufacturing
• Working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing and Supply Chain
• Supporting engineering change, configuration control and transfer into manufacture
• Driving improvements in lab capability, efficiency, quality, cost and lead times

What we're looking for

You'll ideally come from a prototype development, R&D, engineering laboratory or technical workshop environment and be comfortable combining leadership responsibilities with hands-on engineering.

Key experience includes:

• Electrical wiring, soldering, cable assembly and electromechanical integration
• Reading schematics, wiring diagrams and mechanical/assembly drawings
• Managing technical staff and engineering resources
• Prototype procurement and supplier management
• Strong planning and organisation across multiple engineering projects
• Relevant engineering apprenticeship, training, HNC/HND, degree or equivalent practical experience

Experience within marine technology, sonar, underwater acoustics, defence, robotics or instrumentation would be particularly valuable, as would knowledge of IPC standards, NPI, CAD, 3D printing or rapid prototyping.

This role offers an opportunity to join a growing business who are a leader in their field - please get in touch for further info.