Position: Product Designer (R&D)
Location: South West England (On-site)
Salary Range: £34,000 – £42,000 per annum
Job Type: Permanent
Category: Product Design / Research & Development
Role Overview
A well-established UK manufacturer is seeking a Product Designer to join its dynamic Research & Development team. You’ll play a key role in designing new products and enhancing existing ones—supporting innovation from concept through to production.
This is a hands-on, technical role involving collaboration across engineering, production, and external partners. You'll contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, represent the department in cross-functional meetings, and ensure high standards in both design quality and cost-effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities
*
Deliver high-quality design and engineering input across product development projects within your area of expertise.
*
Create detailed CAD designs and engineering drawings for both new products and improvements to existing lines.
*
Drive continuous improvement within the R&D team—organisationally and technically.
*
Represent the department in internal and external meetings, advocating for best practices and company interests.
*
Ensure new processes, methodologies, and practices are implemented effectively and positively.
*
Maintain a focus on accuracy, cost control, and error reduction throughout the design process.
About You
You should be a capable and motivated designer with a passion for engineering excellence and cross-functional collaboration. Ideal candidates will bring:
Essential Skills & Experience
*
Industry experience in a similar design or manufacturing environment.
*
Degree or equivalent qualification in product design, industrial design, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
*
Strong CAD modelling skills, including knowledge of document control systems.
*
Understanding of mechanical loads, forces, and component interaction within assemblies.
*
End-to-end product development experience—from concept generation to production launch.
*
Experience in modifying existing components or systems.
*
Practical knowledge of manufacturing techniques such as:
*
Plastic injection moulding
*
Sheet metal fabrication
*
Rotational moulding
*
Proficient in creating detailed engineering drawings and design documentation.
*
Experience designing for both low-cost, high-volume manufacture and low-volume, high-value production.
*
Manual prototyping/modelmaking abilities to build proof-of-principle prototypes.
*
Comfortable working across departments and liaising with external suppliers.
*
Key attributes: creativity, teamwork, communication, attention to detail.
Desirable Skills
*
Basic stress analysis knowledge
*
Computer-Aided Styling (CAS) or surface modelling expertise