Product Development Engineer

Product Development Engineer

Elevation Recruitments Design & Projects team are looking for a forward-thinking, commercially aware Product Development Engineer to lead innovation in specialist products across new markets, materials, and manufacturing methodologies. This is a fast-paced, hands-on role that focuses on driving new product development (NPD) and improving time-to-market by closely linking design and commercial teams.

This opportunity sits within a well-established facility with over 100 years of manufacturing heritage, now operating as part of a larger international group. The role offers genuine career progression, with access to wider group-level innovation resources and leadership pathways.

Product Development Engineer - Team Structure & Product Focus

The engineering function is organised into three value streams, each aligned to one of the business’s major product families. This role is embedded within a high-impact team that supports agile design cycles, continuous improvement, and commercial responsiveness.

Product Development Engineer Key Responsibilities:

• Lead or support cross-functional NPD projects, from concept through to production and market launch
• Take initiative on researching and introducing new materials, processes, and technologies that support product innovation
• Translate customer needs into technical specifications and commercially viable solutions
• Prepare detailed documentation including technical reports, cost models, and test protocols
• Collaborate with Sales and Manufacturing to ensure designs align with cost, quality, and market expectations
• Conduct lab and field testing, analyse data, and iterate on product performance
• Engage with suppliers and customers directly—travel may be required for product trials or technical reviews
• Support the industrialisation of new products and contribute to scale-up strategies
• Contribute to ISO9001 QMS processes, continuous improvement efforts, and project reviews
• Take part in R&D-focused brainstorming and cross-functional development sessions

Product Development Engineer - Profile

We are seeking a go-getter—someone who is naturally curious, technically strong, and commercially astute, with the ability to move quickly between innovation and execution. You thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy solving complex challenges with both analytical thinking and creative engineering.

Qualifications & Experience

• Foundation Degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field
• Ideally 5+ years of experience in product development with experience developing new materials
• Solid understanding of engineering drawings, statistical analysis, and mechanical testing methodologies
• Confident communicator, highly organised, and capable of driving cross-functional alignment