Structural R&D Manager – Offsite Construction

About the job

Job Title: Structural R&D Manager – Offsite Construction
Location: Glenrothes, Scotland (Hybrid)
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive + Benefits

About the Role

We’re working with a market-leading manufacturer of structural building components to hire a Structural R&D Manager for their Offsite product division. This role would be ideal for a Structural Engineer looking to move into product innovation, testing, and development of structural systems such as truss connectors, timber/steel load-bearing components, and offsite construction products.

You’ll be responsible for the design validation, structural testing, and product optimisation of both new and existing connector products — taking full ownership of the on-site test rig, prototypes, calculations, and technical documentation.

In addition, you'll work closely with the Product and Marketing teams to bring new products from concept through to launch, ensuring they meet all structural and regulatory requirements. This is a fantastic role for a structural engineer who wants to stay technical but move into a bigger innovation leadership role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead structural testing, validation and certification of roof truss connectors and structural building products
• Oversee the on-site test rig and mentor a junior technician/engineering apprentice
• Carry out structural load calculations, data analysis, and failure testing
• Work on prototyping and design-for-manufacture alongside operations and production teams
• Create test plans, technical documentation and compliance reports in line with British Standards, Eurocodes and CE/UKCA requirements
• Contribute to new product introduction (NPI) projects – taking ideas through concept, analysis, testing, and launch
• Support Product Managers with structural technical content for marketing, installation guides, technical sales literature, etc.
• Stay up to date with structural codes, regulatory updates and product trends in the construction/offsite market
• Promote a culture of innovation, safety and collaboration within the R&D function

Key Skills and Experience

• Degree in Structural Engineering or Civil Engineering (or equivalent experience)
• Strong understanding of structural design principles, steel/timber structural components, and load calculation
• Experience in product development or structural testing (either in a structural design environment or manufacturing setting)
• Familiarity with structural testing standards, Eurocodes or British Standards
• Hands-on experience with AutoCAD, Inventor or other CAD tools would be an advantage
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to drive design improvements
• Confident communicator who can work with internal and external stakeholders

What Our Client Offers

• Opportunity to lead structural innovation for industry-leading products
• Real ownership over R&D testing, development, and product roadmap
• Chance to mentor and develop junior team members
• Collaborative and forward-thinking engineering environment
• Competitive salary, full benefits, and a role with real technical impact

Working Hours

Monday to Friday – Full-time (On-site)

If you’re a Structural Engineer looking to step into a more innovative, product-focused role — where your calculations and testing experience can directly shape the next generation of offsite structural products — we’d love to speak with you.