JOB OVERVIEW

Product Development Engineer – Military Systems
We are seeking a skilled, creative and hands-on Product Development Engineer to join our team. This role will focus on both the modification of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products, and the design, build and refinement of new concepts / prototypes for use in R&D, prior to taking products through to production for military, defence and security applications. You will leverage your technical expertise to solve complex engineering problems and ensure that our products meet the highest standards of quality and performance in demanding environments. This is very much a practical role in a very dynamic small company where everyone wears quite a few hats.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS / EXPERIENCE

· Proof of concept design & build experience
· Prototype engineering & systems integration
· Product development
· 3D printing
· Modifying COTS devices for alternative purposes (MOTS/Hacking)
· Basic Electronics
· General understanding of diverse materials suitability / compatibility
· Problem solving & analytical skills
· Eligibility to obtain security clearance if required (e.g. UK NATIONAL).

NON-ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

· Electronics
· Embedded computing (codewriting, hardware interfacing)
· Software engineering
· Systems engineering
· Experience working in the defence sector (e.g. ruggedised product design)
· Proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and/or electrical design software
· Knowledge of materials engineering (lightweight structures, corrosion resistance, blast resistance).
· Experience supporting field deployment and in-service product modifications.
· Knowledge of regulatory compliance and export control frameworks (ITAR, EAR, etc.).

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or related relevant discipline (or equivalent experience).

• Modify and adapt existing COTS products for defence-specific requirements.
• Conduct research, prototyping, and testing of modified COTS or newly designed products.
• Perform system integration, including mechanical, electrical, and software modifications.
• Engage with cross-functional disciplines (scientific, mechanical, electrical, software, compliance, and supply chain).
• Ensure compliance with military standards if required (e.g. MIL-STD, DEF-STAN, or equivalent).
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, drawings, user guides and other records.
• Support lab and field trials, testing, validation and training with your products.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design processes and lifecycle management.
• Design products being mindful of sourcing and supply chains, while thinking ahead to future production/assembly, either in-house or outsourced.
• Communicate simply, concisely and effectively your designs to other team members and customers with diverse alternative backgrounds and skill sets.
• Interact and contribute patiently and efficiently with other projects being run by other team members.