Lead Development Technician

Lead Development Technician / Senior Development Technician

Department: Engineering

Reporting to: Senior Engineering Manager

Direct Reports: None

Overview

This role focuses on supporting the build and testing of prototype products across a range of next-generation mechanical and electrically driven systems. The position operates within a fast-paced development environment and requires strong collaboration across engineering functions to meet project deadlines, quality standards, and performance targets.

The successful candidate will take a hands-on approach while also providing leadership within a technical team setting.

Requirements

• Approximately 10+ years of relevant industry experience
• HNC (or equivalent practical experience) in a relevant engineering discipline

Key Responsibilities

• Lead prototype build and test activities
• Maintain effective organisation and control of workshop operations and inventory
• Support and mentor junior technicians
• Collaborate with engineering teams to deliver technical solutions during product development and validation
• Carry out safety inspections relating to plant and machinery
• Analyse test data and produce performance reports
• Ensure adherence to build control plans and verification processes
• Coordinate planned maintenance and shutdown activities
• Provide technical support or cover for engineering responsibilities when required

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience working in low-volume, prototype or development environments
• Background in research and development or new product introduction programmes
• Hands-on experience with mechanical systems and assemblies
• Strong analytical skills relating to both mechanical and electrical components
• Practical machining experience (e.g. drilling, grinding, fabrication)
• Experience with performance, durability, and environmental testing
• Familiarity with pumping or fluid handling systems
• Understanding of data acquisition and instrumentation principles
• Strong organisational and leadership capability

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge of CAN communication protocols (e.g. J1939, CANopen)
• Experience with CNC machining processes
• Familiarity with CAD tools (e.g. Creo, Windchill, or similar)
• Fabrication experience
• Awareness of product quality planning and validation processes
• Exposure to development verification and validation documentation

General Expectations

All employees are expected to:

Quality & Customer Focus

• Deliver work to a high standard in line with company procedures
• Maintain a strong focus on quality and customer outcomes

Health & Safety

• Follow safe working practices at all times
• Take responsibility for personal and team safety
• Maintain equipment and report defects

Environmental Responsibility

• Support initiatives to reduce waste and energy consumption
• Follow environmental policies and best practice

Professional Development

• Continue to develop technical skills and product knowledge
• Undertake training where required for new tasks or equipment