Process & Innovation Engineer

�� Lead Process Engineer – R&D & Advanced Manufacturing
�� Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne
  
Are you passionate about advanced manufacturing and driving innovation in materials engineering? We’re looking for a Lead Process Engineer to lead the development and optimisation of cutting-edge processing techniques that improve product quality, yield, and efficiency in high-performance materials.
  
This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll combine deep technical expertise with strategic project management, working at the intersection of thermal processing, automation, and materials innovation.
  
�� What You’ll Do
  

• Innovate & Optimise: Develop and refine high-temperature processes to improve efficiency, purity, and reliability.
• Lead Projects: Manage R&D and scale-up programs from concept to production, using Six Sigma, Stage-Gate, or Agile methods.
• Solve Problems: Provide rapid, practical solutions to live production challenges.
• Advance Technology: Introduce automation, real-time monitoring, and AI/ML for predictive process control.
• Ensure Quality: Drive compliance with industry standards and customer requirements through robust validation and testing.
• Collaborate & Influence: Work cross-functionally with operations, engineering, procurement, and commercial teams, while partnering with external research and technology providers.
• Champion Safety & Knowledge: Promote safety in high-voltage, gas, and thermal environments while documenting and sharing best practices.

• Shorter innovation cycles and time-to-market
• Higher adoption of new processes & technologies
• Reduced energy and material usage
• Improved yield, consistency, and quality
• Successful transfer of R&D innovations to production
• Tangible cost savings and ROI from innovation initiatives

• Strong background in complex process environments
• Must have innovated processes from concept, not only followed or tweaked existing processes.
• Experience in process optimisation, scale-up, and SPC
• Familiarity with automation, PLC/SCADA/DCS systems, and digital controls
• Proven project management and stakeholder engagement skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Physical Sciences (Master’s/PhD preferred)
• 7+ years in process engineering or R&D within advanced manufacturing, high-purity, or high-performance materials sectors

• Be at the forefront of advanced materials and manufacturing innovation
• Lead projects with real impact on efficiency, scalability, and sustainability
• Collaborate with world-class engineers, researchers, and industry partners
• Shape the future of high-performance products used in critical industries