Product Development Engineer

Reference
1106476

Branch
University of Warwick

Start date
16/02/2026

Duration
Other - See Job

Hours and days
Hours: 36.5 hours/week Days; Monday-Friday

Dress code
Smart Casual

Rate of pay
£12.83

Holiday rate
£1.55

Role

About the role:

This is a paid internship opportunity with ORAPI MAINTENANCE UK LIMITED, as part of the WMG Internship Programme. This internship will contribute to optimizing the design and manufacturing of Orapi’s flagship "Takmat" dust absorbent product, focusing on process efficiency and product lifespan improvements.

The internship is based at a company site in Wednesbury, and you will be working closely with the Orapi team, gaining first-hand experience. As part of the Programme, you will also benefit from weekly supervision and support by WMG experts throughout the duration of the project.

This internship will benefit/improve your skills in:

• Product Design and Development optimization
• Manufacturing process analysis and bottleneck identification
• Ergonomic assessment and RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) reduction
• Ability to work with key stakeholders, Directors and operators

About the company:

Orapi Group was founded in 1968 and has since embarked on a remarkable industrial journey. Our four research and development centres and seven production facilities around the world have enabled us to remain at the forefront of industrial advances and ensure that our customers always benefit from the latest technological breakthroughs. Over the years, the Orapi Group has grown in harmony with its customers and has devoted itself to providing the highest levels of service and quality.

Duties and responsibilities

1. You will lead this project, which will focus on improving the functionality of the Takmat product and refining its manufacturing assembly to reduce physical strain. Main activities will include:
2. Review current design, manufacture, and assembly routes of the product to understand where issues lie and identify bottlenecks.
3. Recommend improvements to the Takmat design to resolve layer separation issues while retaining its non-trip hazard status and original functionality.
4. Map and refine the manufacturing assembly process to reduce RSI strain injuries to the wrist caused by the repetitive nature of production.
5. Explore design parameters to optimize the product for a longer lifespan.
6. Develop and implement improvements to the existing manufacturing assembly line to increase the quantity of product made per shift.
7. Review the functionality of new design concepts/prototypes in comparison to the previous generation.
8. Produce a comprehensive report on the potential pathways for product and process improvement.

Skills and experience

Essential:          

• Graduate in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a similar field.
• Understanding of manufacturing assembly processes and production workflows.
• Basic knowledge of CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for design visualization.
• Strong analytical skills to identify root causes of mechanical or process failures.
• Able to effectively communicate with staff at all levels, from shop-floor operators to directors.
• Ability to learn effectively without constant supervision or direct instruction. 

Location
Orapi Maintenance UK Ltd, Britannia Point, Patent Drive, Wednesbury, WS10 7XD – United Kingdom

Additional information

• Start and end date: Mid Feb 2026 – May 2026
• Deadline to apply: Sunday 4th January 26

Please provide a CV and cover letter with your application.

Please note upon applying for this role you are consenting to your contact details being shared directly with the hiring manager.

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