Product Innovation Engineer (Whitstable, UK)

Do you want to be part of an organisation that truly changes lives? At BraunAbility and Q’Straint, we work every day to give people the freedom to live independently. We develop and supply products that enable individuals with limited mobility to drive or travel safely as passengers. Together, we are committed to helping people experience independent mobility in an inclusive society.

BraunAbility and Q’STRAINT offer mobility products in more than 60 countries, with operations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Sweden.

 

About the role

As a Product Innovation Engineer, you will be supporting the development of next generation mobility access and securement systems and vehicle adaptions for people with limited mobility. The role will focus on the design, prototyping, testing and development of advanced accessibility and safety solutions used within adapted vehicles, including wheelchair securements systems, automated vehicle access solutions, lifting solutions, and vehicle integration technologies. Working closely with engineering and product development teams in the UK, US and Sweden to transform concepts into robust, manufacturable, and compliant products that improve passenger safety and independence.

You will be passionate about developing solutions that enhance accessibility for users, while also contributing to the success of a performance-driven business.

The position is based at Q’Straint’s European headquarters in Whitstable, Kent, UK. Find out more about the Q’Straint brand and portfolio here.

 

Key responsibilities

  • Design and develop prototype systems for mobility securement and vehicle adaptation applications, meeting and/or exceeding industry safety standards.
  • Create and evaluate concepts using CAD modelling, rapid prototyping, and physical testing methods.
  • Collaborate with UK, US and Swedish engineering and product management teams to align product development activities, technical standards, and innovation roadmaps.
  • Support the development of products from initial concept through to validation and production release.
  • Conduct engineering investigations, feasibility studies, and root cause analysis related to prototype performance and product improvements.
  • Work closely with production, quality, purchasing, and service teams to ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and serviceable.
  • Develop and maintain engineering documentation including drawings, specifications, DFMEA, PFMEA, test reports, and validation plans.
  • Participate in vehicle integration assessments and support installation development for adapted vehicle applications.
  • Ensure products are designed in accordance with relevant industry regulations and safety standards.
  • Designing, machining and fabricating prototype components and bespoke assemblies for trials and testing.
  • Support physical testing activities including dynamic crash testing, load testing, durability, and validation trials.
  • Liaise with external suppliers, testing bodies, and vehicle manufacturers where required.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement and innovation initiatives within the engineering function.

 

Key skills and experience

  • Degree or HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Product Design engineering, or related discipline
  • Experience in prototype engineering, product innovation and development, or R&D
  • Strong ‘hands on’ practical engineering and problem-solving capability
  • Understanding of engineering validation and structured development processes
  • Passion for developing products that improve quality of life and accessibility
  • Hands-on approach with strong attention to detail
  • Dynamic and self-motivated with a proactive attitude towards continuous improvement
  • Results driven mindset

 

We offer

Competitive salary and benefits and the opportunity to be part of a global team, playing a key role in the provision of exceptional quality products and service to our customers.

 

Does this sound like your next step? We look forward to receiving your application, including a cover letter and your CV, to: recruitment@qstraint.co.uk.

 

We believe in an inclusive working environment where differences are encouraged and valued. We therefore welcome applications from all backgrounds.

 

We look forward to receiving your application!