About Us

The Rockwood Group specialises in the engineering and manufacture of complex composite structures for industries including aerospace, defence, cryogenics, automotive, industrial, and leisure. With in-house capabilities in bladder moulding, compression moulding, design for manufacture, CNC machining, and quality assurance, we deliver precision, reliability, and on-time performance. Our culture emphasizes innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainability, while we continuously strive to minimise waste and reduce environmental impact.

Role Summary

The Research & Development Manager is a hands-on technical innovator responsible for designing, machining, fabricating, and developing prototype components, tooling, and experimental solutions in both metallics and composites. This role blends practical manufacturing expertise with creative problem-solving and engineering intuition, supporting early-stage development across the Rockwood Group.

As an experienced machinist and programmer, the R&D Manager will drive the creation of functional prototypes, trial parts, bespoke fixtures, and proof‑of‑concept solutions, ensuring ideas can be tested, evaluated, and refined rapidly. Acting as a core problem‑solver within the business, they will contribute original ideas, troubleshoot complex development challenges, and provide insight into manufacturability, process development, and innovative approaches.

Working closely with Engineering, Production, Tooling, and senior leadership, the R&D Manager will lead small and large development projects and ensure the R&D workshop operates safely, efficiently, and with technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Problem‑Solving & Innovation

• Act as a key problem solver, diagnosing complex engineering issues and generating practical, creative solutions.
• Contribute ideas, concepts, and experimental approaches to support new products, processes, or technologies.
• Work collaboratively with Engineering to optimise prototype designs and fabrication processes.

Prototype Development & Fabrication

• Design, machine, and fabricate prototypes, trial components, and experimental tooling & equipment using metallics and composite materials, ensure tooling is functional for production use as required.
• Produce CNC programs, set up machining operations, and manufacture parts to tight tolerances.
• Create bespoke fixtures, jigs, and assembly aids to support development and production activities.
• Build, test, and refine prototypes through iterative development.
• Support prototype development by incorporating basic electrical systems, wiring, and control systems where required, applying sound electrical engineering principles.
• Troubleshoot electrical components within prototypes and experimental setups to ensure safe and reliable operation.

Machining & Workshop Management

• Lead machining activities in the R&D workshop, ensuring equipment is maintained, utilised effectively, and operated safely.
• Develop machining strategies for unique or complex components that fall outside standard production methods.
• Introduce new machining techniques, materials, or processes to enhance capability and efficiency.

Cross‑Department Collaboration

• Support Engineering with DFM input, prototype feedback, and early‑stage tooling considerations.
• Assist senior management by providing technical insight, feasibility assessments for new projects, and development recommendations.

Project & Process Support

• Lead small R&D projects from concept to prototype completion.
• Document prototype builds, experiments, and development findings for internal review and write customer reports on findings.
• Support continuous improvement activities by trialling new methods, materials, and machining approaches.

Production & Operation Support

• Support other business needs as required, such as display items for trade shows, troubleshooting problems with production equipment, controller wiring for RW presses etc.

Health, Safety & Quality

• Ensure all R&D machining and fabrication activities follow Rockwood’s safety, quality, and compliance requirements.
• Conduct risk assessments for experimental work, new setups, or modified equipment.
• Maintain high standards of workmanship, accuracy, and traceability.

Person Specification / Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Ability to think out of the box and generate ideas
• Proven experience as a machinist, toolmaker, prototype engineer, or similar hands‑on technical role.
• Strong CNC programming and machining skills
• Ability to fabricate, weld, assemble, and troubleshoot prototype components and mechanisms.
• Practical experience working with metallic and composite materials.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, models, and specifications.
• Electrical engineering knowledge with the ability to design, build, or troubleshoot simple electrical systems relevant to prototype development.
• Strong problem‑solving capability with creativity and engineering intuition.
• Proactive, hands‑on approach with the ability to work independently on tasks.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with multiple departments.
• Proficient in workshop operations, tooling selection, and safe manufacturing practices.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, tolerances, and material behaviour.

Desirable

• Experience working with electrical controls, sensors, wiring, or low‑voltage systems within R&D or prototyping environments.
• Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) for interpreting or proposing design changes.
• Background in R&D, prototyping, product development, or process engineering.
• Experience introducing new materials, machining techniques, or workshop processes.

Apply Now

If you have the skills, experience, and enthusiasm to excel as a Research & Development Manager, we would love to hear from you. Join The Rockwood Group and help us continue delivering excellence in composite manufacturing.