Development Manufacturing Engineer

I am searching for a Development Manufacturing Engineer for a very exciting manufacturing business based in Exeter.



You will be working within the R&D department and you will be responsible for the manufacturability and development of new product designs, ensuring that designs are technically robust, manufacturable, repeatable and cost-effective.

Please note, this is a hybrid role, and you can work from home 1 day per week after probation.

You will therefore need to live within a commutable distance of Exeter or be in a position to relocate to the area to be considered for the vacancy.

Reporting to the Technical Engineering Manager, you will provide manufacturing and assembly guidance throughout new product design and prototype iterations and improve design for manufacture initiatives throughout the R&D department.

Alongside new product development, you will be expected to lead R&D projects that provide cost reduction, manufacturing and quality improvements in addition to supporting the continuous improvement of existing production product ranges.

Main Duties: -

• Product design and development, including: -


• Accountable for ensuring designs throughout the new product development process are suitable for manufacture, adequately assessed and final prototypes are produced and signed off prior to pre-production builds,


• Influence component geometry, tolerance concerns and part standardisation throughout the product design and development process,


• Identify manufacturing, assembly, tooling and material challenges within early product development designs,


• Ensure product designs are practicable, repeatable and manufacturable using the intended manufacturing processes.


• Work alongside the Production Engineering department to ensure that designs conform to efficiency and optimisation driven initiatives within prototype development.


• Design for manufacture.


• Cross-functional collaboration.


• Engineering standards.


• Project support and delivery.

Main duties: -

• Challenge designs where appropriate and work closely with NPD design engineers by recommending practical solutions to improve part manufacturability and repeatability.


• Assess component and assembly tolerances, access, fastening methods, material selection and other design considerations that may affect manufacture.


• Lead and project manage prototype builds and provide feedback to project stakeholders.


• Support design reviews with project stakeholders.


• Lead and project manage R&D initiative projects.


• Lead and support DFMEA reviews.


• Provide guidance on manufacturing requirements to support design decisions throughout the product development process.


• Identify manufacturing risks and ensure appropriate actions are incorporated into the design prior to pre-production builds.


• Capture manufacturing lessons learned from previous development, ensuring that these are implemented in future product designs and product iterations.


• Ensure Production Engineering initiatives are implemented within designs, such as cost reduction and optimisation driven improvements.


• Provide support throughout pre-production builds.

Required qualifications and experience (Essential):

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, or a related Engineering discipline.


• Strong understanding of engineering design principles and experience in advising on design for manufacture.


• Ability to interpret and produce engineering drawings and specifications.


• Strong understanding of sheet metal manufacturing processes, assembly, materials and associated tolerances including their influence on product design.


• Experience within manufacturing environments.


• Ability to identify manufacturing risks within early design and product development phases.


• Proven experience of working with 3D CAD packages and generating 2D technical drawings.


• Capable of building good working relationships.


• Ability to prioritise work using own initiative.


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.


• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills


• Competent in problem solving, team building, planning and decision making.

Relevant Experience (Desirable):

• Formal training in FMEA, design verification and validation processes.


• Knowledge of domestic heating products.


• Folding simulation software experience.


• Solid Edge software experience.


• Experience using PDM/PLM and ERP systems.


• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.

The role comes with an excellent benefits package including, 32 days holiday, pension, free parking, staff discounts, free eye tests and training.

The role is offered on a full-time and permanent basis, and you MUST have the Right to Work in the UK long-term to be considered for the vacancy.

Please note that due to a high level of applications, we can only respond to applicants whose skills and qualifications are suitable for this position.



No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010.

Bowerford Associates Ltd is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.