Senior Prototyping Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Prototyping Engineer

Company: SubSea Craft

Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Engineering - R&D / Prototyping

Date Posted: 19 August 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Mid to Senior Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead rapid prototyping initiatives from conceptualization through to fully functional prototypes, driving innovation in maritime technology.

• Integrate embedded systems, PCB development, and RF expertise into cutting-edge watercraft and unmanned systems.

• Combine hands-on workshop skills with office-based design for comprehensive prototype development and assembly.

• Foster a collaborative R&D environment, mentoring junior engineers and supporting cross-functional team objectives.

• Execute rigorous test and validation activities, both internally and at external test locations, ensuring prototype performance and reliability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Prototyping Engineer, indicating a need for significant experience in hands-on development and a capacity for independent work and leadership within the R&D team. The emphasis on "fail fast, learn faster" and supporting multiple domains (Diver Delivery, USV, UAV) suggests a dynamic, iterative development environment common in advanced engineering and technology sectors. The requirement for security clearance highlights the sensitive nature of the technology being developed.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Take a leading role in the rapid prototyping of complex systems, from initial concept generation to the creation of fully functioning prototypes, with broad scope and minimal direct supervision.

• Facilitate the seamless transition of validated and successful prototypes to the formal Engineering development phases.

• Execute a blend of office-based design tasks (conceptual and detailed) and practical, hands-on workshop activities, including mechanical and electrical assembly.

• Actively assist and mentor other team members within a collaborative R&D setting to achieve collective project goals and foster knowledge sharing.

• Support the planning and execution of comprehensive test and validation activities, utilizing internal test rigs and participating in off-site system testing at external venues.

• Serve as a key liaison between the R&D team and other business units, including the trials team, procurement, commercial, and manufacturing departments, ensuring alignment and efficient communication.

• Undertake occasional international travel as required to support project objectives, external partnerships, or testing activities.

• Collaborate effectively with external partners for component procurement, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project timelines.

• Work closely with external partners to navigate and ensure compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements for prototype systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on, end-to-end approach to prototyping, requiring individuals who are comfortable bridging the gap between design and practical implementation. The mentorship aspect suggests the need for strong communication and leadership potential, while the cross-functional liaison responsibilities highlight the importance of stakeholder management and understanding broader business operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electronics, Robotics, or another relevant STEM discipline.

• Significant applicable professional experience is required; relevant hobbyist experience will be considered as supplementary. Required Skills:

• Proven ability to lead rapid prototyping efforts from concept to functional prototype, demonstrating initiative and independent problem-solving.

• Strong practical experience in mechanical and electrical assembly, with meticulous attention to detail.

• Proficiency in conceptual and detailed design methodologies relevant to complex engineering systems.

• Demonstrated experience in supporting and executing test and validation activities for prototype systems.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to mentor and collaborate effectively within a team environment.

• Willingness and ability to travel abroad occasionally for project-related activities.

• Ability to obtain and maintain UK security clearance, including meeting BPSS requirements and potentially undergoing further national security clearance. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in prototype PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design and embedded systems development to facilitate rapid iteration.

• Solid understanding and practical experience with RF (Radio Frequency) systems.

• Experience with the development and integration of unmanned systems (e.g., USVs, UAVs).

• Knowledge of design principles for Radar Cross Section (RCS) reduction.

• Experience in composite materials and their application in system design.

• Demonstrated willingness to work outside of comfort zones to ensure the successful delivery of entire projects.

• Experienced in embedded electronics programming and microcontroller applications.

• Knowledge of communication and networking protocols relevant to embedded systems and unmanned platforms.

• Practical experience with embedded electronics, microcontrollers, robotics, FPV (First Person View) drones, or related technologies, gained through professional or personal projects.

• Proven experience in rapid prototyping, proof-of-concept development, iterative testing, and refinement processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications blend formal education with significant practical experience. The "desirable skills" list is extensive, suggesting that candidates with a broad range of engineering competencies, particularly in electronics, RF, and unmanned systems, will be highly valued. The emphasis on "hobbyist experience considered" indicates a pragmatic approach to assessing capability, valuing hands-on application over purely academic achievement for certain aspects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a history of successful rapid prototyping projects, showcasing the full lifecycle from initial concept to functional prototype.

• Provide examples of iterative design processes, highlighting how feedback loops and "fail fast" methodologies were incorporated to refine solutions.

• Showcase projects involving the integration of embedded systems, including PCB design and microcontroller programming, with clear explanations of their function and impact.

• Present case studies that illustrate problem-solving skills in mechanical and electrical assembly, demonstrating practical workshop capabilities.

• Include evidence of experience with test and validation activities, detailing methodologies used and results achieved. Process Documentation:

• Clearly document the workflow for a typical rapid prototyping project, from requirements gathering to final handover.

• Illustrate how you approach the selection and integration of components, particularly for embedded systems and RF applications.

• Detail your methods for testing and validating prototypes, including the development of test plans and analysis of results.

• Show examples of how you collaborate with other engineering disciplines and business units during the prototyping phase.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, the nature of a Senior Prototyping Engineer role implies that candidates should be prepared to discuss and potentially showcase examples of their past work. This section outlines what such a portfolio or discussion should ideally cover, focusing on demonstrating practical application, iterative development, and cross-disciplinary skills.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Up to £65,000 per annum, dependent on experience (DOE).

• Estimated Base Salary Range: £50,000 - £65,000 per annum.

Benefits:

• Pension Contribution: Eligible for the company's pension scheme, with the option to contribute via salary sacrifice.

• Annual Bonus Scheme: Participation in a discretionary annual bonus scheme, tied to individual and company performance.

• Life Assurance & Critical Illness Cover: Comprehensive protection including Life Assurance (4x salary) and Critical Illness Cover.

• Annual Leave: 25 days of annual leave entitlement, in addition to bank holidays.

• Christmas Leave: The company typically observes a Christmas shutdown period.

• Wellbeing Day: One additional Wellbeing Day granted annually for personal health and wellness.

• Family Leave: Enhanced maternity and paternity pay provisions.

• Private Healthcare: Access to a comprehensive private healthcare plan.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing learning and career advancement, supported by training programs and access to LinkedIn Learning.

• Flexible Working: Potential for flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are assumed to be approximately 40 hours per week.

• Opportunities for flexible working arrangements are available.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on the stated maximum of £65,000 and typical mid-point values for senior engineering roles in the UK. The benefits package is extensive and competitive, reflecting a commitment to employee wellbeing and professional growth. The mention of flexible working aligns with modern employment practices, though the role is primarily on-site.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Maritime Technology / Advanced Engineering / Defence & Commercial Applications. SubSea Craft operates at the forefront of innovative maritime technology, developing high-performance watercraft and systems for diverse applications.

Company Size: Fast-growing, privately-funded UK-based company. This suggests a dynamic, potentially agile environment where individual contributions can have a significant impact.

Founded: Information not directly provided, but described as "fast growing," indicating a relatively established yet expanding organization.

Team Structure:

• The role is within a fast-paced R&D team, indicating a focus on innovation and rapid development.

• Collaboration is a key aspect, with expectations to assist and mentor others.

• Cross-functional interaction is essential, requiring liaison with trials, commercial, procurement, and manufacturing teams. Methodology:

• Iterative Development: The role emphasizes a pragmatic approach using an iterative development process with a "fail fast, learn faster" mindset.

• Agile Professional Workforce: The company values agility, adaptability, and continuous development among its employees.

• Data-Driven Approach: While not explicitly stated for this role, the company's focus on advanced engineering implies a reliance on data for design, testing, and validation.

Company Website: https://subseacraft.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as valuing teamwork, respect, initiative, integrity, commercial awareness, and continuous development. The "agile professional workforce" and "trusted, inclusive and commercially-adept" description point towards a forward-thinking and collaborative work environment. The company's focus on innovative maritime technology suggests an exciting and technically challenging space to work in.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Prototyping Engineer role, signifying a mid-to-senior level position. It requires substantial applicable experience and the capacity to work with broad scope and limited guidance, suggesting responsibility for leading aspects of prototype development and mentoring junior staff.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, a Senior Engineer typically reports to an Engineering Manager or Head of R&D. The role involves close collaboration with peers and other departments.

Operations Impact: As a Senior Prototyping Engineer, the impact is directly on the speed and quality of R&D output. Successful prototypes are critical for validating new technologies and designs, directly influencing the product development pipeline and the company's ability to bring innovative maritime solutions to market efficiently.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like embedded systems, RF, composite design, or unmanned systems through project work and professional development.

• Leadership Development: Progress into roles with greater team leadership responsibilities, potentially managing small teams or leading specific R&D workstreams.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain broader understanding and experience across different engineering disciplines and business functions (e.g., manufacturing, procurement, trials).

• Continuous Learning: Utilize provided resources like LinkedIn Learning and training programs to stay abreast of the latest technologies and engineering practices in the maritime and advanced technology sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant growth potential for engineers looking to advance their careers in a specialized and innovative field. The blend of hands-on technical work and potential for leadership development makes it attractive for ambitious engineers. The company's commitment to professional development is a key factor in long-term career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site, with a significant portion involving hands-on workshop tasks. This suggests a hybrid environment encompassing both office spaces for design and engineering work, and dedicated workshop facilities for physical prototyping.

Office Location(s): Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2JJ, United Kingdom. This location is likely a hub for the company's R&D and manufacturing operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role explicitly mentions assisting and mentoring others, indicating a collaborative workspace designed to encourage interaction and knowledge sharing.

• Tools and Technology: Access to workshop facilities with necessary tools for mechanical and electrical assembly, as well as office-based design software and potentially specialized R&D equipment.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with R&D team members, as well as other departments, fostering a dynamic and communicative work atmosphere.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time position, likely around 40 hours per week.

• Opportunities for flexible working arrangements are mentioned, suggesting some degree of adaptability in scheduling, though the hands-on nature of the role may necessitate core on-site hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is geared towards practical engineering and innovation. Candidates should be comfortable with a blend of desk-based design work and hands-on, physical prototyping in a workshop setting. The collaborative nature of the team is a key characteristic.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and qualifications to assess suitability against the required and desirable skills.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves in-depth discussions about past projects, engineering challenges faced, problem-solving approaches, and technical expertise, particularly in areas like embedded systems, PCB design, and RF. Candidates may be asked to walk through specific examples from their experience.

• Practical/Workshop Assessment (Potential): Depending on the candidate's stated experience, a practical assessment or a detailed discussion about workshop capabilities might be included.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of collaboration style, initiative, adaptability, and alignment with company values (teamwork, respect, integrity, commercial awareness, continuous development).

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior management, focusing on strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit for the Senior Prototyping Engineer role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Key Projects: Select 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your skills in rapid prototyping, embedded systems, PCB design, and mechanical/electrical assembly.

• Focus on Process: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the engineering challenges, the iterative process used (including "fail fast" examples), the solutions implemented, and the final outcomes/impact.

• Showcase Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical details of your designs, component selections, programming logic, and testing methodologies.

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your prototypes (e.g., performance improvements, cost reductions, development time savings).

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Include examples of how you worked with others, mentored junior colleagues, or liaised with different departments.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to discuss hypothetical engineering challenges related to maritime technology, unmanned systems, or embedded electronics.

• Design Thinking: Prepare to articulate your thought process for designing a new system or improving an existing one under tight constraints.

• Technical Q&A: Brush up on core concepts in mechanical design, electronics, embedded systems, RF, and potentially composite materials.

• Company Research: Understand SubSea Craft's products, mission, and values to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process likely emphasizes practical application and problem-solving. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their technical experience in detail and demonstrate how they align with the company's innovative and agile culture. A strong understanding of the iterative prototyping process will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: For mechanical and potentially electrical design (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Altium Designer for PCB layout).

• Embedded Development Environments: IDEs (Integrated Development Environments) for programming microcontrollers (e.g., Keil, MPLAB, Arduino IDE, PlatformIO).

• Programming Languages: C/C++, Python for embedded systems and scripting.

• Simulation Software: Potentially for circuit simulation or mechanical stress analysis.

• Workshop Equipment: Hand tools, power tools, soldering stations, oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, potentially 3D printers or CNC machines for rapid fabrication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: For interpreting test results and performance data (e.g., MATLAB, Python libraries like NumPy/Pandas, Excel).

• Documentation Tools: For recording design decisions, test procedures, and project progress (e.g., Confluence, Microsoft Office Suite).

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this R&D role, but familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana) may be beneficial for tracking prototype development tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role's responsibilities clearly indicate a need for proficiency in standard engineering design software (CAD), embedded development tools, and common workshop equipment. Experience with simulation and data analysis tools is also likely to be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Teamwork, Mutual Respect, and Collaboration: Essential for working effectively in a fast-paced R&D team and mentoring colleagues.

• Initiative and Independent Working: Crucial for a Senior Engineer who is expected to take a leading role with limited guidance.

• Honesty and Integrity: Foundational for all professional roles, especially in engineering where accuracy and transparency are paramount.

• Business and Commercial Awareness: Important for understanding the context of prototype development and its impact on project timelines and company goals.

• Agility, Adaptability, and Continuous Development: Core to the company's ethos, requiring engineers to be flexible and committed to ongoing learning.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Proactive engagement with other business units (trials, commercial, procurement, manufacturing) is expected to ensure seamless project progression.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages mentoring and assisting others, fostering a learning environment.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in prototypes and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company strongly emphasizes a positive and productive work culture centered on collaboration, individual initiative, and continuous improvement. Candidates who thrive in dynamic, team-oriented environments with a focus on shared success will be a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration Under Pressure: Balancing speed of development with the need for robust, reliable prototypes in a fast-paced environment.

• Multi-Domain Complexity: Supporting diverse systems (Diver Delivery, USV, UAV) requires adaptability and a broad engineering skillset.

• Security Clearance Requirements: Meeting and maintaining the necessary security clearances for sensitive projects.

• Bridging Design and Workshop: Effectively translating theoretical designs into practical, functional hardware.

• Continuous Learning Curve: Staying current with rapidly evolving technologies in maritime, robotics, and embedded systems.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like advanced RF, composite materials, or specific microcontroller architectures.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Potential to attend relevant industry events to stay updated on trends and network.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal opportunities to be mentored by senior engineers or to mentor junior team members.

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology: Working on next-generation maritime systems provides invaluable hands-on experience with advanced engineering concepts.

• Career Progression: Clear pathways to more senior technical roles, team leadership, or specialized engineering positions within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents exciting challenges for engineers who enjoy problem-solving and pushing technological boundaries. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for those seeking to specialize or move into leadership within the innovative maritime technology sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Prototyping Philosophy: "Describe your approach to rapid prototyping. How do you balance speed with reliability, and how do you incorporate 'fail fast' principles into your workflow?" (Prepare to discuss specific methodologies and examples).

• System Integration: "Imagine you need to integrate a new sensor suite into an existing unmanned system. What are the key steps you would take, and what potential challenges do you foresee?" (Focus on your process, risk assessment, and testing strategy).

• Problem Solving: "Describe a time you encountered a significant technical challenge during a prototyping project. How did you diagnose the issue, what solutions did you explore, and what was the outcome?" (Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Alignment: "Why are you interested in SubSea Craft and this specific role? What excites you about our work in maritime technology?" (Research the company's products and mission).

• Teamwork & Mentorship: "How do you approach collaboration within an engineering team? Describe your experience mentoring junior engineers or sharing technical knowledge." (Provide specific examples of positive collaboration and mentorship).

• Adaptability: "This role requires working across multiple engineering domains. How do you approach learning new technologies or unfamiliar areas of engineering?" (Highlight your learning strategies and willingness to step outside your comfort zone).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Relevant Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your skills in rapid prototyping, embedded systems, PCB design, and mechanical/electrical assembly.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly explain the problem, your role, the iterative process, the technical solutions, and the results. Use visual aids if possible.

• Quantify Your Impact: Highlight any metrics or tangible outcomes that demonstrate the success of your prototypes (e.g., performance improvements, time savings, cost efficiencies).

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed technical questions about your design choices, component selection, and testing methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both technical prowess and an understanding of the company's innovative and collaborative culture. Being able to articulate your prototyping process and showcase past successes with specific examples will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Prototyping Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SubSea Craft careers page.

• Tailor Your CV: Highlight experience in rapid prototyping, embedded systems, PCB design, RF systems, and mechanical/electrical assembly. Use keywords from the job description. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Discussion: Be ready to discuss specific projects that demonstrate your end-to-end prototyping capabilities, problem-solving skills, and collaborative approach.

• Research SubSea Craft: Understand their mission, product lines (Diver Delivery, USVs, UAVs), and company values to tailor your responses and show genuine interest.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare for technical questions, behavioral questions, and scenario-based questions related to engineering challenges and prototyping methodologies.

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