Senior Technical Applications Engineer – Metrology & Smart Manufacturing

This is a senior, hands-on Technical Applications Engineer role within a smart manufacturing and metrology environment, supporting complex customer applications, technical sales activity, and development projects across precision engineering sectors. The brief is deliberately broad. The priority is capability. The ideal hire is someone who has been there, done it, is technically credible in front of customers, and can operate with a high degree of autonomy. Longer term, this role will form part of the succession plan for team leadership, coaching, and technical direction. The role You will work closely with sales, customers, and internal technical teams, acting as the technical authority on applications, feasibility, and solution development. While the role broadly spans the areas below, the split is flexible and will evolve with the individual. Key responsibilities Technical Applications & Sales Support Providing high-level technical support to sales and client development activities Carrying out demonstrations, feasibility studies, and application trials using metrology and measurement equipment Supporting customer visits, installations, and solution definition on-site Acting as a trusted technical advisor to customers and internal stakeholders Delivering technical training and knowledge transfer where appropriate Technical Development & Projects Contributing to bespoke technical solutions beyond standard equipment resale Working on projects involving equipment, fixturing, software, logic, enclosures, and machine programming Supporting the delivery of technically robust, commercially viable solutions Subcontract Measurement & Technical Capability Undertaking subcontract measurement work for key customers and partners Maintaining hands-on expertise with existing equipment and developing capability on new technologies Ensuring the technical team remains grounded in real-world application work Future leadership and succession Supporting and mentoring less experienced engineers as the team evolves Contributing to technical standards, best practices, and process improvement Over time, taking on elements of team leadership, coordination, and development What they are looking for This is not a box-ticking exercise. The focus is on depth, credibility, and attitude. Engineering qualification or equivalent practical experience Strong background in manufacturing, precision engineering, quality, metrology, and or machine vision Proven hands-on capability, comfortable rolling sleeves up when required Confident working directly with customers in technical and commercial settings Ability to quickly understand application requirements and propose solutions High attention to detail with clear, structured technical reporting Comfortable balancing customer needs, sales priorities, and internal project demands Leadership potential, whether already demonstrated or clearly evident Salary and progression £45,000 – £50,000 base salary Non-contractual bonus equivalent to 1 month’s salary, based on company revenue and margin performance For the right individual, there is flexibility on package and scope Clear opportunity to grow into a senior technical leadership role over time About Us At Thomas Lee Recruitment, we specialise in connecting engineers and technical salespeople with leading companies in the engineering sector. We pride ourselves on offering a personalised, professional, and transparent recruitment service. Our focus is on understanding both client and candidate needs to ensure the best possible match. How to Apply All applications will be responded to. Please ensure you have the right to work in the UK before applying. By applying for this role, you accept our Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers, which can be found on our website.