Summary
The position of Apprentice R&D Engineer involves the development and improvement of new and existing masonry support systems while assisting the special project engineering team.
Key responsibilities for this role include designing and optimising prototypes, conducting physical tests in the shop floor R&D laboratory, gathering results, analysing and researching data. Perform structural load assessments, structural analysis, design reviews in accordance with both internal and external project-specific requirements. Additionally, there will be opportunities to learn basic concepts of Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
Candidates should have strong communication skills, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Teamwork skills and the ability to manage multiple projects at once.
Key Responsibilities
Support for the Project Engineering Team and Senior Structural Engineer
- Assist with the structural aspects of ongoing projects, focusing on understanding client needs.
- Help organize and keep track of multiple projects to ensure they are completed on time.
- Join site and design team meetings when needed to gather important information.
Participation in Design and Innovation
- Learn about current structural standards for products to support design work.
- Look for ways to improve products and suggest new ideas.
- Create basic sketches and drawings for masonry support and custom items using AutoCAD and Solidworks.
Financial Awareness
- Begin to consider cost factors in design decisions and report any financial concerns.
- Help manage project costs by reviewing proposed designs and suggesting alternative options.
Basic Structural Design and Compliance
- Assist with load assessments on various elements and learn about relevant standards like BS5977-1.
- Carry out some hand calculations according to standards such as Eurocode 1, 2, 3, 6.
- Get familiar with software calculations using programs like Solidworks Simulation and Tekla Tedds.
- Communicate any structural concerns clearly to the Senior Structural Engineer.
Structural Testing
- Assist in conducting testing of structural elements and materials to evaluate their performance.
- Assist in gathering and analysing results from tests, ensuring compliance with relevant standards.
- Assist in tabulating results and preparing draft reports summarising testing outcomes and recommendations.
Customer Service Focus
- Promote a customer-first attitude, keeping open communication with clients.
- Contribute to project updates and bring up areas of concern along with suggestions for improvements.
Adaptability and Compliance
- Work effectively within team agreements and adapt to the changing needs of the business.
- Be prepared to take on additional tasks as needed for the role.
Quality Control
- Assist with spot checks during manufacturing, design, testing to help ensure quality of products and processes.
Key Skills & Competencies
Engineering Degree Focus
- Pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.
Testing Skills
- Gaining experience in conducting tests on structural elements and materials to ensure compliance with design specifications.
- Familiar with different testing methods and eager to learn more about quality assurance processes in a shop floor environment.
- Committed to understanding material properties and performance assessments to enhance overall project quality.
Project Engineering Skills
- Eager to learn how to organize and prioritize multiple tasks effectively.
- Basic understanding of project timelines and milestones, with a desire to gain more experience.
Design Skills
- Willing to familiarize with design software like AutoCAD or Solidworks.
- Interested in learning about structural design principles and standards.
Analytical Skills
- Keen to develop skills in conducting load assessments and performing various calculations.
- Aiming to understand the cost implications involved in design.
Technical Support Skills
- Developing strong communication skills for interacting with clients and collaborating with team members.
- Motivated to learn how to prepare clear and concise technical reports.
Customer Service Skills
- Committed to providing excellent customer service and maintaining open lines of communication.
- Open to learning and responding to client needs effectively.
Compliance Awareness
- Seeking knowledge of relevant structural standards, including Eurocodes 1, 2, 3, 6, and British standards such as BS 5977-1, along with regulations from NHBC.
- Adaptable and willing to comply with project requirements and changes.
Quality Control Skills
- Focused on developing attention to detail for conducting quality checks during manufacturing and other areas of work.
- Eager to learn about maintaining structural integrity and quality standards.
Salary and Benefits
* Competitive Salary
* 33 holidays a year (pro-rata), inclusive of Bank Holidays which increases with service,(option to sell/carry over).
* Enhanced Company Maternity and Paternity pay.
* Westfield Health Cash Plan.
* Fitbit Care Programme.
* Long service awards.
* Staff rewards and discounts on our KeyStaff platform.
* Health Assured (Employee Assistance Program).
* Life Assurance.