R&D Manager

Up to £45k DOE | Onsite | South Devon

Our client is a well-established and highly respected engineering and manufacturing business specialising in advanced composite structures. Serving a diverse range of high-performance industries, they combine technical expertise with craftsmanship to deliver precision-engineered solutions. With strong in-house capabilities across machining, tooling and quality assurance, they are committed to innovation, continuous improvement and sustainable manufacturing practices.

As Research and Development Manager
, you will play a pivotal hands‑on role in driving technical innovation and early‑stage product development. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced machinist or prototype engineer who thrives on solving complex engineering challenges and turning ideas into functional, testable solutions. You will lead R&D activity within a dedicated workshop environment, developing prototypes, tooling and experimental solutions in both metallic and composite materials while collaborating closely with engineering and production teams.

• Lead the design, machining and fabrication of prototype components, tooling and bespoke fixtures using CNC and manual methods
• Drive technical problem‑solving, generating innovative solutions to support new products, processes and development challenges
• Manage R&D workshop operations, ensuring safe working practices, equipment maintenance and technical excellence
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to provide design for manufacture input, feasibility assessments and prototype feedback

• Proven experience as a machinist, toolmaker, prototype engineer or in a similar hands‑on technical role
• Strong CNC programming and machining capability, producing parts to tight tolerances
• Practical experience working with both metallic and composite materials
• Electrical engineering knowledge with the ability to build or troubleshoot simple control and wiring systems

• Competitive salary up to £45,000 depending on experience
• Opportunity to shape innovation within a growing engineering business
• Varied, technically challenging projects across multiple industries
• Collaborative, skilled and supportive team environment
• Investment in equipment, development and continuous improvement
• Stable, well‑established South Devon employer

If you are a practical problem‑solver with a passion for engineering innovation and prototype development, we would love to hear from you.

We regret to inform that at this time, we are unable to offer sponsorship for work authorisation for this role. Therefore, candidates must possess valid authorisation to work in the UK without requiring visa sponsorship.