A growing engineering technology business is looking for a hands-on Prototype & Development Lab Manager to lead its engineering prototype lab and workshop. This is a rare chance to be at the heart of new product development, turning engineers' designs into working hardware, and to shape how a small, expanding team works. What you'll be doing as Prototype & Development Lab Manager * Building prototype products, cable assemblies, wiring looms and harnesses from drawings and schematics, and getting stuck in yourself * Planning and coordinating prototype builds, typically small runs of tens of units, against project milestones * Leading, developing and supporting a small team of technicians and apprentices * Sourcing and buying prototype components, materials, tooling and specialist services, and managing suppliers and subcontractors * Managing prototype bills of materials and component availability * Supporting change control, quality and the handover of new products into manufacturing * Keeping the lab safe, organised and well equipped, and constantly finding better ways of working What we're looking for - Prototype & Development Lab Manager * Experience in a prototype, R&D lab, development workshop or similar engineering environment * Strong practical skills in electrical wiring, soldering, cable assembly and electro-mechanical integration * Comfortable reading schematics, wiring diagrams and mechanical drawings * Experience leading technical staff and managing suppliers or procurement * An engineering apprenticeship, HNC/HND, degree or equivalent practical experience * A curious, inventive mindset. You enjoy solving build problems and trying new approaches Nice to have - Prototype & Development Lab Manager * Background in marine, defence, robotics, instrumentation or a similar high-tech sector * Experience of new product introduction and transfer to manufacture * IPC certification, CAD, 3D printing or rapid prototyping This is a site-based job with a well-established, growing technology company offering genuine career development. Ripple Recruitment is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. My client is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Due to high volumes of interest, we can only respond to shortlisted applicants