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THE OPPORTUNITY

Development Engineer (Mechanical)

We are currently recruiting for a Development Engineer to join our team here at Swift Group at a very exciting time in our industry! The ideal candidate would be highly driven self-starter with a collaborative attitude who are not afraid to challenge the status quo to drive forward change against accepted industry norms.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious early-career engineer within a market leading business that has significant opportunities for career development.

The successful candidate will work within the Product Development team leading research and development activities for future engineering projects and packages of work to support business development plans. Projects will generally, but not exclusively, be outside of the annual change process. Development activities will be across all product streams (caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes) with a focus on producing innovative solutions to underlying issues such as functionality weight, cost and complexity. Thereby enhancing the company’s reputation for technological leadership.

The Development Engineer will define, plan and deliver innovative technical solutions to the project teams to an appropriate state of technical readiness. This will be achieved via internal cross-functional projects and the management of external projects. It will be done in conjunction with key strategic partners, suppliers, consultancies and academic institutions.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• 
  Deliver specific research and development packages of work to support new and future products
• Project manage the work packages, ensuring the time, cost and quality aspects are agreed, monitored and controlled
• Where appropriate, form & lead cross-functional teams to undertake and deliver research and development projects. Negotiate the resources for such teams with other departmental heads. Ensure the most efficient use of personnel and facilities
• Liaise closely with suppliers to manage joint engineering projects and visit supplier’s facilities as and when necessary
• Work with test house(s) and research establishments to ensure new materials and technologies are tested and validated to an appropriate standard, writing and agreeing suitable test standards where none exist. Visit and witness testing as and when required
• Ensuring that new concepts and engineered solutions are; practical, durable, reliable and fully compliant with the internal and external requirements placed on the products
• Prepare and deliver the monthly update on development activities
• Contribute to patent application paperwork as and when required
• Support delivery of technical work, through application of the NPI process, reviews and the supporting operational processes. Ensure process disciplines are maintained
• Develop metrics for monitoring progress and impact of research and development activities. Agree measures with HoE and monitor
• Contribute to the annual budget in relation to research and development activities
• Promote the business and be ambassador for the company
• Encourage creativity and innovation, modifying operational practices, if required, to do so
• Support and educate others in the development of their engineering knowledge and understanding

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• 
  Degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred) or a high standard of further education (i.e. HNC)
• Additional qualifications (i.e. MSc or PhD) or evidence of training in engineering methods, disciplines or theories would be an advantage
• Ability to demonstrate some relevant experience of product engineering, research or development in the caravan, automotive or related industry. Graduates able to demonstrate relevant experience through work placements or similar will also be considered
• Engineering background, mechanical biased however electrical knowledge would be an advantage
• A willingness to learn and a genuine interest in the development of engineering technologies
• Awareness of technical advances in relevant areas, including new materials developments and weight saving techniques
• Comprehensive and diverse understanding of differing materials and their application, knowledge of composites would be an advantage
• Experience of best practice engineering tools and techniques and being able to demonstrate skills and capabilities
• Conversant with latest and up to date engineering terms and practices
• Experience of writing test specifications & supervising test work is desirable
• Knowledge of Creo, or similar 3D CAD package and finite element analysis, an advantage
• Ability to work under pressure, to project deadlines, whilst maintaining adherence to process disciplines
• Strong verbal, written communication and reporting skills. Self-starter with a record of achievement against objectives
• Flexible, adaptable, enthusiastic, with ability to motivate staff & build effective teams