Consumer Product Lab and Workshop Manager

Working for our prestigious global animal health client based in Cambourne, Cambridgeshire, we have an opportunity for an experienced Consumer Lab and Workshop Manager to join their busy team. The role is a full-time onsite position working 37.5 hours per week Monday - Friday and the role would suit candidates with physical consumer product development (for example modems, IT equipment, consumer electronics, industrial equipment) experience. Our client is initially recruiting on a 6 month temporary contract basis with a possible extension and the role offers an hourly rate of up to £32.33 depending on experience.

The role is to manage the R&D laboratory, workshop and stores area for a small team engineers in the development of new and existing physical consumer products. These products are technology focused, domestic products that monitor the wellbeing of companion animals in unobtrusive ways. Helping pet owners better understand the wellbeing of their pets. Working with a technician and in a team of Product Designers, Mechanical Engineers and Electronic Engineers, the role will have a major role in improving and maintaining this support facility, and in the testing products, creating test jigs, assembling prototypes (PCBs, sensors and mechanical assemblies), and reporting results. This offers the opportunity to manage and maintain a broad range of model making equipment, the latest measurement and mechanical test equipment, and prototype PCBA assembly equipment to deliver an efficient resource for product development.

Duties include:

Laboratory, Workshop and Stores:

• Responsible for the efficient running of the R&D laboratory, workshop and stores area.
• Implementing improved ways of working in the maintenance, calibration, risk assessments, asset management, stores catalogue, consumables management, operating procedures, COSHH assessments, PPE, Cleanliness, training records, Waste management, and EHS.
• Ensuring safe working practices (COSHH/Risk Assessments) are kept up to date and followed in the laboratory, workshop, and stores for all users of the lab.
• Calibration and service/inspection of all laboratory and workshop equipment
• Purchase of materials, fixings and fastenings, consumables, capital equipment and tools
• Developing & improving the laboratory and test capability to meet future project needs
• Resource planning and managing external test houses where required

Testing:

• Planning and sequencing workloads to meet project demands.
• Lead contractors or other technicians, as required.
• Collaborating with the engineers on test related project work.
• Design detailed product test plans.
• Assembling test product/assemblies - Soldering wires and SMD to PCBs, mechanical assembly, programming, calibration, test and monitoring
• Designing and developing test rigs.
• Using PowerPoint, Word, and Excel to document test findings in formal test reports and in presentations

Health & safety:

• Ensuring H&S is being adhered to within the laboratory, workshop & stores area, and meets our company’s standards.
• Ensuring risk assessments have been completed.
• Procedure documents are in place, current and signed.
• Control of COSHH substances & appropriate documentation and controls are in place.
• Guards and PPE are in place and available.
• Participate in health and safety meetings & training for improvements and compliance.
• Manage the safe storage and disposal of materials and waste products that are generated in the laboratory and workshop.

Skills and Experience:

• Experience as a test or development technician for electro-mechanical products

Qualifications and Education

• Higher National Diploma in engineering or equivalent preferred.