Product Development Engineer
Elevation Recruitments Design & Projects team are looking for a forward-thinking, commercially aware Product Development Engineer to lead innovation in specialist products across new markets, materials, and manufacturing methodologies. This is a fast-paced, hands-on role that focuses on driving new product development (NPD) and improving time-to-market by closely linking design and commercial teams.
This opportunity sits within a well-established facility with over 100 years of manufacturing heritage, now operating as part of a larger international group. The role offers genuine career progression, with access to wider group-level innovation resources and leadership pathways.
Product Development Engineer - Team Structure & Product Focus
The engineering function is organised into three value streams, each aligned to one of the business’s major product families. This role is embedded within a high-impact team that supports agile design cycles, continuous improvement, and commercial responsiveness.
Product Development Engineer Key Responsibilities:
- Lead or support cross-functional NPD projects, from concept through to production and market launch
- Take initiative on researching and introducing new materials, processes, and technologies that support product innovation
- Translate customer needs into technical specifications and commercially viable solutions
- Prepare detailed documentation including technical reports, cost models, and test protocols
- Collaborate with Sales and Manufacturing to ensure designs align with cost, quality, and market expectations
- Conduct lab and field testing, analyse data, and iterate on product performance
- Engage with suppliers and customers directly—travel may be required for product trials or technical reviews
- Support the industrialisation of new products and contribute to scale-up strategies
- Contribute to ISO9001 QMS processes, continuous improvement efforts, and project reviews
- Take part in R&D-focused brainstorming and cross-functional development sessions
Product Development Engineer - Profile
We are seeking a go-getter—someone who is naturally curious, technically strong, and commercially astute, with the ability to move quickly between innovation and execution. You thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy solving complex challenges with both analytical thinking and creative engineering.
Qualifications & Experience
- Foundation Degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field
- Ideally 5+ years of experience in product development with experience developing new materials
- Solid understanding of engineering drawings, statistical analysis, and mechanical testing methodologies
- Confident communicator, highly organised, and capable of driving cross-functional alignment