Assistant Product Design Engineer

Primary Purpose

This role supports the development of new Meccano-branded toys from concept through to production, working closely with the UK Product Design Engineer to help deliver products that are functional, high quality, and on schedule. The role involves visiting vendors to source parts and support Meccano build production, following the bill of materials (BOM) to assemble builds and create clear, accurate step-by-step instructions in Excel, and testing and rebuilding models to ensure instruction manuals are accurate, complete, and ready for launch.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development of new Meccano products from concept approval through to production.
• Work closely with the UK Product Development and Design teams to ensure builds are functional, commercially viable, and delivered to deadline.
• Visit vendors and factories to source new parts and tooling, review development progress, and support Meccano build production.
• Assemble builds by following provided or developing new bills of materials (BOMs), and create clear, accurate step‑by‑step build instructions in Excel for use in consumer-facing manuals.
• Adapt and refine Excel-based instruction manuals (IMs) as required, incorporating design changes, build improvements, or feedback during development and testing.
• Test, dismantle, and rebuild product models to validate construction methods, fit, build quality, BOM accuracy, and instruction clarity.
• Identify issues during model assembly and provide practical recommendations to improve product design, build sequence, and instruction clarity.
• Communicate progress, risks, and technical issues clearly, providing regular updates on development status and production readiness.

Skills and Experience

• A genuine passion for construction-based toys and a strong enthusiasm for the Meccano brand.
• Experience in product development, model making, engineering support, or a similar hands-on role within toys, consumer products, or manufacturing.
• Confidence in building, testing, and reviewing physical models with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to create, understand, and adapt BOM’s and Excel-based step-by-step build instructions.
• Strong technical, practical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues and suggest effective improvements.
• Good understanding of construction methods, product assembly, and manufacturing processes.
• Clear and effective communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across design, development, and supplier teams to meet project deadlines.
• A proactive desire to learn, improve, and develop technical skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Organised, adaptable, and able to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Willingness to travel when required to support supplier visits and product development activity.
• Relevant qualifications in Engineering, Product Design, Manufacturing, or a related discipline are desirable but not essential.