Technical & Product Development Engineer

Location: East Hampshire / Surrey borders (office based)

Salary: £35,000–£45,000 per annum, dependent on experience, plus company bonus.

Our client is a growing, independent UK manufacturer of fire-rated doorsets, supplying life-safety products to the construction industry.

With technical expertise, in-house manufacturing and product certification all under one roof, the business offers a unique opportunity to see products develop from initial CAD drawings and prototypes through to fire testing and final installation.

Working closely with an experienced Technical Director, you will receive comprehensive training and gain valuable experience in a specialist, safety-critical industry.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically minded individual who enjoys problem-solving, product development and practical engineering.

The Technical & Product Development Engineer will join the Technical Team, supporting technical enquiries, new product development, product improvements, certification and technical documentation.

You will develop a thorough understanding of the company's products, manufacturing processes and fire certification requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Support

• Provide technical support to internal departments, customers, architects and contractors.
• Investigate technical queries and develop practical solutions.
• Interpret technical drawings, specifications, standards and certification documents.
• Develop knowledge of product construction, manufacturing processes and certification limitations.

Product Development & Improvement

• Support and take ownership of new product development, from concept through to production.
• Produce and review technical drawings and product details.
• Assist with prototypes, trials and product evaluations.
• Identify opportunities to improve product performance, quality, materials, components, costs and installation.
• Work with Production to ensure products are practical and commercially viable to manufacture.

Technical Assurance & Certification

• Develop knowledge of product certification and relevant industry standards.
• Review certification documents, test reports and Field of Application reports.
• Support the Technical Director in assessing changes to standards, regulations and industry guidance.

Documentation & Manufacturing

• Produce and maintain technical manuals, drawings, product guides and literature.
• Work with Marketing to ensure technical information is accurate and consistent.
• Support trials involving new materials, products, components and manufacturing methods.
• Assist with introducing new products and improvements into production.
• Identify opportunities to improve quality, consistency, efficiency and manufacturability.

Essential

• Strong technical aptitude and a genuine interest in understanding how products and systems work.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and develop practical solutions.
• Experience using CAD and/or relevant engineering, design or manufacturing software.
• Excellent attention to detail and good written and verbal communication skills.
• Organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities.
• A practical, hands-on approach, including building, installing and trialling prototypes.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with other departments.

Desirable

• Experience in product development, product design, engineering or manufacturing.
• Background in construction, building products, doors, joinery or a related industry.
• Engineering, design or manufacturing qualification.
• Experience with technical standards, specifications, product certification or test documentation.
• Knowledge of fire doors and fire performance.

Previous fire-door experience is not essential. A willingness and ability to learn the products, certification requirements and manufacturing processes is more important.

The successful candidate will be naturally curious, technically minded and enjoy finding out how things work. You will be a proactive problem solver, comfortable tackling unfamiliar challenges, taking ownership of projects and communicating with colleagues across the business.

• Salary of £35,000–£45,000, depending on experience.
• Competitive company bonus scheme.
• Comprehensive training and structured on-the-job development.
• Opportunity to build a career in a growing, specialist industry.
• 31 days' annual leave, including bank holidays, increasing with long service.
• Wellbeing programme.
• Free parking.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• EV salary sacrifice scheme.
• Company events.
• Friendly and collaborative working environment.

For a confidential conversation, contact Tony Morris at SRS Recruitment Solutions.

The client's name and full details will be shared following an initial conversation.