Research And Development Engineer

Research And Development EngineerKidderminster (1 day p/w hybrid)£45,000 - £55,000 + excellent bensAdvanced Propulsion | Research & Development | Defence TechnologyIf you're the type of engineer who sees a better way of doing things and has the technical credibility to make it happen, this could be the role you've been looking for.We're seeking a Research And Development Engineer to join an advanced engineering organisation developing next-generation propulsion technologies for highly demanding applications.This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of innovation projects from concept through to implementation—identifying opportunities, developing new technologies, building prototypes, validating designs, and delivering real-world engineering solutions that shape future products and manufacturing capabilities.You'll enjoy significant autonomy, influence technical direction, and work alongside specialists across design, materials, manufacturing, testing and applied science disciplines.What you'll be doingLeading research and technology projects from initial concept through to implementationIdentifying opportunities to improve product performance, manufacturing capability, cost and lead timeDeveloping business cases for new technologies and securing stakeholder buy-inDesigning, building and validating prototypes, tooling and specialised test equipmentManaging project budgets, schedules and technical deliverablesProducing and approving engineering designs, drawings and 3D modelsConducting trade studies, technical investigations and feasibility assessmentsWorking closely with suppliers, manufacturing partners and multidisciplinary engineering teamsOwning verification and validation activities to ensure robust technical solutionsMonitoring emerging technologies and identifying opportunities to enhance future capabilityLeadership & InfluenceAs a senior member of the team, you'll also:Mentor and develop graduate and junior engineersProvide technical leadership across innovation programmesReview and approve engineering work packagesInfluence technology strategy and future development roadmapsAct as a key technical interface for internal and external stakeholdersWhat we're looking forSignificant experience within research, development, advanced engineering or product innovation environmentsA proven track record of taking concepts from idea through to implemented solutionStrong mechanical design and development expertiseHands-on experience with prototyping, machining and experimental developmentExcellent understanding of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA)Strong knowledge of engineering drawings, GD&T, limits and fitsExperience managing technical projects, budgets and schedulesAbility to work independently and make sound engineering decisionsStrong communication and stakeholder management skillsYou'll stand out if you have experience in:Aerospace, defence, propulsion, automotive, energy or other high-performance engineering sectorsNew product introduction (NPI)Research and development programmesPrototype development and testingMaterials engineering and manufacturing processesAdvanced mechanical systems and precision engineeringWhy apply?Work on genuinely cutting-edge technology development programmesOwn projects from concept to deliveryInfluence the future direction of advanced engineering capabilityCombine hands-on engineering with strategic innovationMentor the next generation of engineersJoin a highly skilled team solving complex technical challengesThis is an opportunity for an engineer who enjoys creating, improving and delivering—not simply maintaining what's already there.If you thrive on innovation, technical leadership and turning ambitious ideas into reality, we'd love to hear from you.