Process Engineer

As high-level graduate (BSc, MSc or PhD) of Chemistry as a Process Chemist or Chemical Engineer, or Materials Engineering Scientist with (preferably) industrial experience, the challenge will be taking product prototypes from the R&D and develop robust manufacturing production processes ensuring product specification supporting quality and technical development.

This role is tailored for a process engineer with practical excellence and experience transferring process from lab to (pilot) then to plant scale supporting operations.

Reporting to the manufacturing manager but working in the manufacturing technology excellence to deliver projects in strategic areas such as new polymers, process improvement & consistency, product quality and supply robustness.

Main Role and Activities

• You will need a minimum of 3 years manufacturing experience on key processing equipment that includes the main production compounders and experience of blown film technology.
• Design new product solutions and develop existing products within the framework of on-site development activities.
• Provide expertise in thermoplastic extrusion, promoting the technology and managing specific processing responsibilities.
• Lead trials, mainly in compounding, to support internal customers and development, supporting product evolution, data analysis, documenting results and creating a robust processing procedure.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate innovation initiatives and product development processes.
• Manage new product development projects from concept to production release.
• Stay updated with material technology advancements and industry trends, integrating new technologies into the production process.
• Organise process update meetings, define deliverables, monitor timelines and resources, and report on deviations.
• Validate new products, processes, and materials through testing and evaluation.
• Conduct product functional analysis and translate to ensure customer specifications into product meets performance criteria.
• Produce reports and presentations and support needed for cross functional teams.

Key Duties

• Contribute to the high safety standard at all times
• Taking the product prototype from the R&D and developing a robust manufacturing production process and product specification and lead initial commercial production.
• Lead the New Product Development aspects for the relevant stage gate process.
• Contribute to the adoption of a digitalized approach in the way we perform technical work, embedding and growing our capabilities through SCADA interfaces and data capture.
• Contribute to the fundamental understanding of existing products and processes, e.g. cost structure, bill of materials.
• Co-ordinate activities to support NPI and current state trials in conjunction with operations and quality.
• Manage external relationships with suppliers, equipment manufacturers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, while being the interface with Technology and the plants to achieve functional technology implementations and process improvements.
• Ensure the scalability of the processes, supporting plant trials at third parties and providing technical input for agile identification of root cause analysis.

Education level and/or relevant experience(s)

• BSc or MSc or PhD in Chemistry, Process chemistry, Industrial chemistry, Chemical Engineering, process or Synthetic chemistry or Materials Science or polymer science.

• Good process and chemistry background (preferably), but not exclusively in the organic and polymer fields). Willingness to take ownership and accountability to progress projects independently.

Knowledge and skills

• Understanding of extrusion/compounding/blow film equipment would be beneficial.
• Experience in an industrial setting – manufacturing or production or pilot plant setting to ensure repeatability is maintained
• Critical thinking with a problem-solving attitude, approaching challenges in a solution-focused way.
• Energetic, Inquisitive mindset & willingness to learn and develop skills within the business.
• Attention to detail is key and accurate recording of experiences will be required.
• Teamwork and communication skills – including report writing and feedback.
• IT capability Microsoft office.

Other requirements

Analysis of material flow characteristics (mould-flow) and compounder screw design would be beneficial.