Development and Prototyping Engineer | Leiria

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Development and Prototyping Engineer

Company: Tekever

Location: Leiria, Portugal

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Technology Operations

Date Posted: January 09, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for the end-to-end product development lifecycle, focusing on the tangible creation and refinement of innovative technologies.

• It requires a blend of technical design, hands-on prototyping, and material science expertise to bring complex engineering concepts to fruition.

• The position is situated within a company at the forefront of unmanned technology, contributing to advancements in digital, defense, security, and space sectors.

• Success in this role will directly impact the company's ability to deliver cutting-edge surveillance solutions and enhance global security operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title "Development and Prototyping Engineer" suggests a hands-on technical role, the company's focus on "unmanned technology," "artificial intelligence," "data science," and "aerospace technology" implies that this role operates within a broader GTM and product development ecosystem. The operations aspect will involve ensuring the efficient and effective creation of prototypes and production-ready designs that align with strategic business objectives and market demands within defense and security.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and refine product designs through the creation of detailed 3D/2D drawings, ensuring manufacturability and adherence to specifications.

• Oversee and manage the entire production process from initial design to final output, ensuring quality and efficiency.

• Conduct hands-on prototyping of components and systems, validating their performance against design requirements and user needs.

• Select appropriate materials, components, and manufacturing methods to optimize product performance, cost, and reliability.

• Analyze product performance and requirements to identify areas for improvement and implement design enhancements.

• Generate comprehensive technical documentation to support production, assembly, testing, and maintenance activities.

• Provide direct technical support to various product development teams within the company, troubleshooting issues and proposing solutions.

• Interpret and create technical drawings using CAD software, ensuring accuracy and clarity for manufacturing and engineering teams.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure seamless product development.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of product development processes and prototyping methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong connection to product development and manufacturing operations. The emphasis on "accompanying the production process," "prototyping and validation," "selection of materials, components and manufacturing methods," and "elaboration of documentation for production support" are key indicators of operations-focused activities within an engineering context. This role bridges the gap between conceptual design and operational readiness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in creating detailed 3D/2D drawings for product development and manufacturing.

• Demonstrated experience in prototyping and validating engineering components and systems.

• Strong understanding of material selection principles and their impact on product performance.

• Expertise in various manufacturing methods, including subtractive, additive, and lamination processes.

• Ability to read, interpret, and create technical drawings using CAD software.

• Proven problem-solving capabilities and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing technical challenges.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

• High adaptability to a constantly evolving and innovative work environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional experience with Solidworks for 3D design and modeling.

• Familiarity with subtractive manufacturing, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and lamination techniques.

• Knowledge of artificial intelligence, data science, or aerospace technology principles.

• Experience in the defense, security, or space industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific language proficiencies (Portuguese C2, English B2) is crucial for effective communication within a global company and for understanding technical documentation. The preference for Solidworks, along with knowledge of various manufacturing methods, indicates a need for practical, hands-on skills directly applicable to the prototyping and production aspects of the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of product development projects, detailing the design process from concept to prototype.

• Include case studies demonstrating the selection of materials, components, and manufacturing methods, explaining the rationale behind choices.

• Present prototypes developed, highlighting challenges encountered and solutions implemented during the validation phase.

• Provide examples of technical documentation created to support production, such as assembly instructions or manufacturing guides.

Process Documentation:

• Document the workflow for translating design requirements into manufacturable drawings.

• Outline the process for prototyping, including testing procedures and validation criteria.

• Detail methods used for material and component selection, including sourcing and qualification.

• Explain the process for creating and managing technical documentation for production.

• Illustrate how product improvement analyses are conducted and implemented.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an engineering role with a prototyping focus, a portfolio is essential. It should not only display technical outputs but also demonstrate the candidate's understanding of process and problem-solving. This includes showing the rationale behind design decisions, material choices, and manufacturing methods, as well as the ability to document these processes effectively for production.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Excellent Work Environment: Access to a dynamic and innovative company culture fostering professional growth.

• Daily Shuttle Service: Convenient daily shuttle service provided from Leiria and Lisbon, reducing commute stress and costs.

• Competitive Salary: Salary compatible with proven experience and the scope of responsibilities.

• Professional Development: Opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology and contribute to impactful projects.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and team agreements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar engineering roles in Portugal, adjusted for experience level and the specialized nature of Tekever's industry. The benefits mentioned are directly from the job description, with additional context provided for operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace, Defense, Security, Technology, Digital, Space. Tekever is positioned as Europe's leading player in unmanned technology, leveraging AI, data science, and aerospace engineering to address global challenges.

Company Size: Tekever is a significant player in its field, though specific employee numbers aren't provided in the raw data. Its operations span multiple strategic areas, suggesting a robust organizational structure.

Founded: While the founding date is not provided, the company's description points to a history of innovation and leadership in the European unmanned technology sector.

Team Structure:

• The company likely operates with multidisciplinary, mission-oriented teams, emphasizing collaboration across specialized areas such as AI, systems engineering, data science, and aerospace.

• Reporting structures are expected to be hierarchical but with a strong emphasis on cross-functional project teams to drive innovation in defense, security, and space applications.

Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are fundamental, especially given the company's focus on data science and AI for real-time intelligence.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are crucial for efficient product development and manufacturing, particularly in prototyping and production.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed across engineering and operational processes to maintain a competitive edge in advanced technology sectors.

Company Website: https://careers.tekever.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Tekever's positioning as a leader in unmanned technology, with a broad scope across defense, security, and space, indicates a high-paced, innovation-driven environment. Operations roles here will be integral to ensuring that the complex technological solutions are developed, prototyped, and eventually deployed efficiently and effectively, aligning with the company's mission-driven approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level, suitable for engineers with 2-5 years of experience. It offers a blend of technical execution and developmental responsibility, serving as a stepping stone for more senior engineering or operations management roles.

Reporting Structure: The Development and Prototyping Engineer will likely report to an Engineering Manager or Head of Prototyping/Development, with close collaboration with project leads and senior engineers.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the company's ability to innovate and deliver on its strategic goals by enabling the rapid development and validation of new technologies. Efficient prototyping and robust product development processes are key to maintaining Tekever's competitive edge in the advanced unmanned systems market, influencing their GTM strategies for new products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like advanced materials, additive manufacturing techniques, or complex CAD modeling, potentially leading to Principal Engineer or Subject Matter Expert roles.

• Operations Management: Transition into roles focused on production management, manufacturing efficiency, or supply chain coordination within the engineering division.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Move into project management or team leadership positions, overseeing development cycles and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.

• Continuous Learning: Opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technologies, attend industry conferences, and potentially pursue further certifications relevant to aerospace and defense engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role likely involves deepening technical expertise within engineering and potentially expanding into operational oversight of the development and manufacturing processes. The company's focus on innovation suggests a strong emphasis on continuous learning and adaptation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site, indicating a collaborative office and workshop environment. Tekever emphasizes innovation, suggesting a modern workspace designed to foster creativity and teamwork.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Leiria, Portugal, with a mention of a daily shuttle service from both Leiria and Lisbon, suggesting potential operations or administrative hubs in both cities. The specific address is Vale Gracioso (R. das Pereiras), Azoia, Leiria.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely include both office areas for design work, documentation, and collaboration, as well as workshop or lab spaces for hands-on prototyping and testing.

• Access to advanced CAD software and potentially 3D printers, CNC machines, and other prototyping equipment will be integral to the role.

Work Schedule:

• A standard full-time schedule (approximately 40 hours per week) is expected. While the environment is innovative, adherence to project timelines and deadlines will be crucial, potentially requiring some flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and the provision of shuttle services highlight the company's commitment to providing a structured and supportive work environment for its employees, especially those commuting from different areas. The blend of office and workshop spaces is typical for engineering roles involving prototyping.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess technical qualifications, experience, and alignment with role requirements.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on engineering principles, CAD skills, prototyping experience, material science, and manufacturing methods. Candidates may be asked to explain specific projects from their portfolio.

• Practical/Case Study: A potential hands-on test or a case study involving a design challenge, problem-solving scenario, or a review of a complex technical drawing. This assesses practical application of skills and analytical thinking.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with potential team members and management to evaluate collaboration skills, adaptability, and fit with Tekever's innovative and mission-driven culture.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Design Process: Clearly illustrate the evolution of a design from concept to a functional prototype, detailing your specific contributions.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: For each project, explain the challenges encountered (technical, material, manufacturing) and how you overcame them.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Include examples of complex 3D models, detailed 2D drawings, and technical documentation you've created.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to show the success of your prototypes or design improvements (e.g., reduced weight, improved performance, cost savings).

• Tailor to Role: Emphasize projects that align with Tekever's focus on aerospace, defense, and unmanned systems.

• Explain Tool Usage: Be prepared to discuss your experience with CAD software like Solidworks and other relevant prototyping tools.

Challenge Preparation:

• CAD Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate your ability to create and modify complex 3D models and 2D technical drawings.

• Material & Manufacturing Knowledge: Prepare to discuss the properties of various engineering materials and the advantages/disadvantages of different manufacturing processes (subtractive, additive, lamination).

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Practice analyzing technical problems, proposing design solutions, and justifying your choices based on engineering principles and constraints.

• Communication: Practice articulating technical concepts clearly and concisely, as you will need to explain your work to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential practical challenges underscores the hands-on nature of this role. Candidates should be prepared to not only discuss their experience but also demonstrate their skills and problem-solving approach.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Essential for 2D/3D design. Proficiency in Solidworks is preferred. Other relevant CAD packages may also be used.

• Prototyping Equipment: Experience with 3D printers (additive manufacturing), CNC machines (subtractive manufacturing), and potentially equipment for lamination and other fabrication processes.

• Technical Documentation Software: Tools for creating manuals, assembly guides, and specification sheets.

• Simulation Software: Potentially used for component validation and performance analysis (e.g., FEA, CFD).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core engineering tasks, but understanding how product specifications feed into broader company systems might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Solidworks and various manufacturing methods highlights the core technical tools and processes a candidate must be proficient in. This role is deeply embedded in the practical application of engineering design and fabrication technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A strong drive for continuous improvement and the development of cutting-edge solutions in unmanned technology.

• Excellence: Commitment to high-quality standards in design, prototyping, and manufacturing.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional cooperation to achieve complex project goals.

• Mission-Driven: A focus on contributing to impactful projects in defense, security, and space sectors, aligning with the company's overarching mission.

• Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving technological landscape.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close working relationships with other engineering disciplines, production teams, and potentially R&D.

• Process-Oriented: A structured approach to development and prototyping, with a culture of documentation and review.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to constructive feedback on designs and prototypes to drive iterative improvements.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices and lessons learned within project teams and the wider engineering department.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tekever's culture appears to be geared towards high-achieving, innovative individuals who can work effectively in teams to tackle complex technological challenges. The values align with a company pushing boundaries in advanced engineering sectors.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in unmanned systems, AI, and materials science requires continuous learning.

• Complex Project Requirements: Working on cutting-edge defense and security projects often involves stringent specifications and challenging performance targets.

• Balancing Innovation and Production: Effectively translating novel designs into producible and reliable systems within project timelines and budgets.

• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Ensuring clear understanding and alignment between design, prototyping, manufacturing, and end-user requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Skills: Opportunities to gain expertise in specialized manufacturing techniques, advanced materials, and complex CAD/simulation software.

• Industry Exposure: Working on projects at the forefront of aerospace, defense, and security technologies, providing unique insights into these critical sectors.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced engineers and project leaders within a company known for its innovation.

• Career Progression: Potential to move into senior engineering roles, R&D, project management, or operations leadership positions within Tekever.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to working in a cutting-edge technology company. The growth opportunities emphasize both deepening technical expertise and expanding into leadership or specialized operational roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex product you prototyped. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your process, material choices, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you approach selecting materials and manufacturing methods for a new component? Walk me through your decision-making process." (Demonstrate your technical knowledge and systematic approach.)

• "Imagine a design you created is proving difficult to prototype. What steps would you take to diagnose and resolve the issue?" (Highlight your analytical and troubleshooting skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Tekever, and what specifically about our work in unmanned technology excites you?" (Research Tekever's projects, mission, and values.)

• "How do you adapt to new technologies and evolving project requirements in a fast-paced environment?" (Emphasize your adaptability and continuous learning mindset.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or chronological order. For each project, include a brief overview, your role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final outcome.

• Visuals: Use high-quality images, CAD renderings, and short videos of prototypes in action.

• Technical Detail: Be prepared to discuss the technical specifications, materials used, manufacturing processes, and any performance data.

• Impact: Quantify your contributions whenever possible (e.g., "reduced assembly time by 15%," "improved material strength by 20%").

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as mini-case studies, highlighting the problem, your approach, and the successful resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating both deep technical expertise and strong problem-solving and communication skills. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design and prototyping process in detail, using their portfolio as concrete evidence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Development and Prototyping Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Tekever careers website.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that showcase your experience with 3D/2D drawing, prototyping, material selection, and various manufacturing methods. Include specific examples relevant to aerospace, defense, or similar advanced technology sectors if possible.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience in product development, prototyping, and CAD software (especially Solidworks). Use keywords from the job description and quantify your achievements with specific metrics where applicable.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your portfolio projects in detail, focusing on your problem-solving approach, technical decisions, and collaborative experiences. Be ready to answer technical questions related to engineering principles and manufacturing processes.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Tekever’s mission, its technological focus (unmanned systems, AI, defense, space), and its recent achievements. Understand how your role contributes to the company's strategic objectives.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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