Lead Design Engineer (Robotics / Bespoke Machinery / Innovation)
Midlands £50,000 – £60,000 On site
Some engineering roles are about maintaining systems, this isn’t one of them.
This is a business designing and building complex robotic and electro-mechanical systems, the kind of projects where there isn’t a textbook answer, and “figuring it out” is part of the job.
They’re now at a turning point.
Up until now, it’s been heavily R&D-led, fast, creative, problem-solving focused. Now, they’re starting to scale and move towards production, and they need someone who can sit in the middle of that shift.
The Role
You’ll be the technical lead across a small, multidisciplinary development team (mechanical, robotics, electronics, software).
Not a corporate manager. Not a box-ticker.
More like the person who keeps multiple development projects moving, decides what gets worked on next and why, and still gets hands-on with robotic and electro-mechanical systems when needed. You’ll act as the bridge between concept-stage robotics and real, buildable products.
It’s a “first among equals” role guiding, coordinating, and driving progress without heavy hierarchy.
What You’ll Be Doing
Leading and coordinating robotics and R&D projects simultaneously
Working across mechanical design, motion systems, and control challenges
Supporting engineers to solve complex, open-ended technical problems
Driving development from concept through to prototype and production-ready systems
Bringing structure and prioritisation to a fast-moving innovation environment
Working closely with leadership on technical direction and product evolutionWhat They’re Looking For
You’ll likely come from robotics, automation, special purpose machinery, or advanced product development environments involving electro-mechanical systems.
Strong mechanical or electro-mechanical grounding with exposure to robotics
Experience working with motion systems, automation, or robotic applications
Comfortable operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
Able to coordinate and prioritise technical work across a team
Hands-on mindset with a willingness to get involved in builds, testing, and problem solving
Pragmatic approach with an understanding of delivery vs perfectionThe Environment
Small, highly capable team working on real-world robotic systems
Non-hierarchical, low ego culture
Strong mix of R&D, prototyping, and physical build and testing
Fast-moving environment where ideas turn into working systems quickly
Fully on-site due to the hands-on nature of the workWhy It’s Worth a Conversation
If you enjoy working on robotic systems that don’t already exist, solving complex multidisciplinary engineering problems, having real technical influence without layers of management, and being part of a company moving from R&D into production, this is a genuinely interesting opportunity
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