Job title: International Prototype Design Engineer (Mechanical)
Reports to: Design Manager
Vehicle Integration & Build
Location: He‑Man HQ + Regular international travel
Role Type: Full time | Hands‑on | Travel intensive
Please only apply if you
- Qualify to work in the UK already without VISA or Sponsorship
- Currently Live a commutable distance from Southampton (1hour)
NO AGENCIES PLEASE
This role is an opportunity to join a successful UK company with a strong brand, at a time of international growth. The company designs dual control pedal systems which have been the UK Industry Standard for many years.
Caring for our staff is as important as supporting our customers, as a result He-Man has achieved Investors in People (IIP) at GOLD level. A career at He-Man is not only about you giving your best to the company, it's also about He-Man supporting you to develop into the best you can be.
THE ROLE
We’re looking for a hands‑on Mechanical Prototyping Engineer to join our team and support the build, installation, and refinement of mechanical prototype systems within vehicles.
This is a highly practical, travel‑focused role. You will regularly travel internationally to integration and development sites, working directly inside vehicles, often in tight and physically demanding spaces such as driver and passenger footwells.
You will be involved throughout the prototype lifecycle — from early dual‑control builds through to final‑stage prototypes — taking designs from concept to real, working hardware under real‑world conditions.
This role suits someone who enjoys building, travelling, problem‑solving, and being physically involved in turning designs into functioning prototypes.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Regular international travel to external integration and development sites
- Hands‑on mechanical installation, modification, and refinement of prototypes inside vehicles
- Extensive work in confined vehicle spaces, particularly footwells and lower interior areas
- Building and refining dual‑control and final‑stage mechanical prototypes
- Solving real‑world fitment, clearance, tolerance, and usability issues
- Preparing and assembling prototype kits at He‑Man HQ prior to travel
- Updating mechanical CAD and engineering drawings based on on‑site build feedback
- Supporting ERP and internal documentation relating to prototype builds
- Acting as the link between design intent and practical vehicle integration
Travel & Working Pattern
This role involves frequent international travel, often on a multi‑day basis, typically following patterns such as:
- Travel to international site at the start of the week
- Days on‑site carrying out hands‑on mechanical prototype builds
- Return travel later in the week
When not travelling, you will be based at He‑Man HQ, supporting prototype preparation, CAD updates, and documentation work.
Flexibility is essential, as prototype schedules and locations can change at short notice.
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- Strong hands‑on mechanical prototyping or build experience
- Confident working inside vehicle interiors, including tight and awkward spaces
- Ability to read mechanical drawings and translate them into physical builds
- Practical, solutions‑focused mindset with strong problem‑solving skills
- Willing and able to travel internationally on a regular basis
- Comfortable working independently and representing the company on-site
Desirable:
- Automotive interior or vehicle integration experience
- Mechanical CAD experience informed by real build feedback
- Prototype, low‑volume, or pre‑production background
- Experience with ERP or engineering documentation systems
Pay & Company Perks
Pay:
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience - £31,000 - £45,000
- Additional compensation or allowances linked to international travel
- You have the chance to work for an inspirational engineering company making revolutionary products that really can make a difference to people’s lives.
You will also receive:
- 26 days holiday + bank holidays
- Christmas shutdown
- Enrolment in the company Pension Scheme.
- Enrolment in the company health cash back scheme (£1300 cash back per year).
- Yearly performance related bonus.
- Free onsite parking.
- Active rewards and recognition programme
Company Perks:
- International travel opportunities as part of the role
- Travel expenses covered (flights, accommodation, subsistence, overnight allowance)
- Hands‑on involvement in real vehicle prototype programmes
- Opportunity to see designs progress from concept to installed prototype
- Supportive engineering environment with real ownership and accountability
Why Join Us?
- Genuine hands‑on mechanical engineering, not a desk‑only role
- Work directly on vehicles in real integration environments
- International exposure to prototype programmes
- Ownership of builds from first install through to final prototype
- Contributing to solutions that support safer roads for everyone
Independence level/Reports to / succession / Training
- A combination of team-based and individual design activities
- Reports to the Design Manager
- Likely succession for this role would be
· Senior Design Engineer
· Production Cell Leader
· Design Manager
Potential training in this role
- All training required to operate all machines
- Cad training
- Vault training
- 123 ERP systems
- He-Man bespoke systems training
Hours of work when in the office.
Monday – Thursday: 07:30 to 16:00, Friday: 07:30 to 15:00 (39 hrs per week)
CORE CHARACTERISTICS OF A SUCCESFUL CANDIDATE
Attitude
- Demonstrates a positive, proactive and helpful attitude towards the team and the business.
- Tackles assigned tasks with a can do and right first time approach.
- Actively promotes the company core values.
Reliability
- A self-starter that can be trusted to complete assigned tasks within the agreed timeframe without direct supervision once trained to defined procedures.
Achieving Results
- Likes to be judged on performance.
- Results orientated against standards and goals.
- Passionate about achieving objectives and targets and will help drive others to achieve them.
Punctuality
- Demonstrates a good timekeeping record, ready to start work at the allocated time, through until the allocated finish time.
Ownership and Personal Responsibility
- Ability to demonstrate the ownership and personal responsibility for delivering required tasks and team goals and not seek to blame others.
Communication
- Ability to convey information clearly and concisely to groups or individuals to ensure that they understand the information and the message.
Professionalism
- Presents the company in a positive manner at all times.
- Treats colleagues with respect.
- Uses language appropriate for the situation and workplace.
- Treats company property and equipment as if it were their own.
Willingness to learn
- Exhibits a desire to learn new skills and tasks as and when the opportunities arise within the Company.
Teamwork
- Actively works as part of a team in supporting colleagues where required to ensure all the departmental and Company goals are successfully met.
Flexibility
- Willing to rotate around tasks within department and move to other departments as required to support.
- Willing to work additional hours where required to ensure targets are met.
Organisation
- Ability to organise and prioritise assigned tasks to ensure they are all fulfilled in line with the Company expectations and KPIs.
Problem Solving
- Ability to identify issues, obtain relevant information, identify root cause and determine solutions whilst actively working with others to resolve the issues.
Decision making
- Ability to take action consistent with available facts and constraints and anticipated consequences.
- Attention to detail always seeks to achieve thoroughness and accuracy when carrying out a task.
Excellence
- Persistent drive to improve processes and eliminate waste from the Company.
- Actively engages and participates in improvement activities.
Compliance
- Works within all company rules and procedures (Health and Safety, Environmental, Quality/ISO, Company Procedures, Employee Handbook etc).
Core Literacy
- Competent at the use of English (verbal, written & reading) and Maths.
- Able to use provided IT equipment to efficiently complete tasks where required through the appropriate systems.
- Competent in the use of Microsoft packages (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £30,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
