Process Development Engineer

Outside IR35

The company is in the process of relocating their production to other business sites so requires a contract Process Development Engineer to support both the transition and current production projects to the end of 2026.

Key responsibilities:

Process Development Engineer

* Maintain day‑to‑day production output by ensuring materials, tooling and equipment remain available and meet quality standards

* Troubleshoot production issues related to lasers, optics, assemblies and supporting processes

* Conducting thorough root cause analyses to identify issues within the production line

* Champion Lean 6 sigma and 8D methodologies to understand problems and implement corrective actions either within production or design

* Ownership and accountability for resolving issues to ensure quality of products and services across the business

* Coordinate material flows to prevent shortages, delays or quality risks during the transition

* Offer support to production teams to ensure manufacturing equipment and processes continue to run smoothly until final hand over

Skills required:

Process Development Engineer

* The role requires a positive and proactive approach to problem-solving and a keen eye for detail, ensuring that any faults are resolved prior to transfer

* This role is ideal for those with a PhD, MSc, MPhys or MEng in optics, photonics, lasers or advanced product manufacturing, who have experience solving real world issues

* Candidates should possess a robust background in either optics, lasers, photonics or high precision electromechanical manufacturing, with a proven track record of applying lean principles and problem-solving techniques to ensure operational efficiency

* Experience with equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) and process validation

* Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies

* Excellent communication skills both verbal and written

This contract will be 9 – 12 months based onsite near Southampton, commutable from Fareham, Portsmouth, Winchester, Bournemouth etc