Lead Design Engineer (Robotics / Bespoke Machinery / Innovation)Midlands £50,000 £60,000 On siteSome engineering roles are about maintaining systems, this isnt one of them.This is a business designing and building complex robotic and electro-mechanical systems, the kind of projects where there isnt a textbook answer, and figuring it out is part of the job.Theyre now at a turning point.Up until now, its been heavily R&D-led, fast, creative, problem-solving focused. Now, theyre starting to scale and move towards production, and they need someone who can sit in the middle of that shift.The RoleYoull be the technical lead across a small, multidisciplinary development team (mechanical, robotics, electronics, software).Not a corporate manager. Not a box-ticker.More like the person who keeps multiple development projects moving, decides what gets worked on next and why, and still gets hands-on with robotic and electro-mechanical systems when needed. Youll act as the bridge between concept-stage robotics and real, buildable products.Its a first among equals role guiding, coordinating, and driving progress without heavy hierarchy.What Youll Be DoingLeading and coordinating robotics and R&D projects simultaneouslyWorking across mechanical design, motion systems, and control challengesSupporting engineers to solve complex, open-ended technical problemsDriving development from concept through to prototype and production-ready systemsBringing structure and prioritisation to a fast-moving innovation environmentWorking closely with leadership on technical direction and product evolutionWhat Theyre Looking ForYoull likely come from robotics, automation, special purpose machinery, or advanced product development environments involving electro-mechanical systems.Strong mechanical or electro-mechanical grounding with exposure to roboticsExperience working with motion systems, automation, or robotic applicationsComfortable operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environmentsAble to coordinate and prioritise technical work across a teamHands-on mindset with a willingness to get involved in builds, testing, and problem solvingPragmatic approach with an understanding of delivery vs perfectionThe EnvironmentSmall, highly capable team working on real-world robotic systemsNon-hierarchical, low ego cultureStrong mix of R&D, prototyping, and physical build and testingFast-moving environment where ideas turn into working systems quicklyFully on-site due to the hands-on nature of the workWhy Its Worth a ConversationIf you enjoy working on robotic systems that dont already exist, solving complex multidisciplinary engineering problems, having real technical influence without layers of management, and being part of a company moving from R&D into production, this is a genuinely interesting opportunity.JBRP1_UKTJ