Manufacturing Technician

Job title: Manufacturing Technician

Reporting to: Principal Engineer

Kelpi is a world-leading sustainable materials innovation company, using seaweed and natural plant-based oils to create a unique coating material that provides the sort of barrier to moisture that could previously only be achieved by fossil fuel plastics. This renewably sourced coating is then applied to paper and card to create recyclable packaging which is bio-degradable. Even if it ends up at sea, Kelpi-coated paper and card will break down naturally, leaving no toxins nor microplastics behind.

Kelpi is looking for a Manufacturing Technician to join our small but rapidly growing team comprising world-class scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs, initially on a 6-month fixed term contract, with the potential of becoming a permanent position.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a self-motivated, creative team player who is passionate about sustainability and wants to make a positive impact in the world. Each member of our team helps shape the growth and culture of Kelpi, so we hope that you will take an active role in how we develop our strategy, our products, and how we work together.

You’ll have autonomy to perform your role and will have a key position at the heart of a purpose-driven business. You therefore should be organised, have a strong work ethic, and show an innovative and methodical approach to problem solving.

You should have:

• Demonstrable laboratory, manufacturing, or production experience.
• An understanding of manufacturing and process techniques and equipment commonly used in chemical manufacturing.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience in a production and operational environment OR a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Engineering, Materials Science, or a related scientific field (we don’t mind!).
• Demonstrable interest in sustainable materials, coatings, packaging, or related fields, with a proven focus on sustainability and innovation.
• Excellent communication skills (and we will empower you to have the confidence to share your thoughts and ideas!).
• The collaboration skills to work with mixed projects teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Eagerness to learn and contribute within a dynamic and agile team setting, bringing new ideas to life.

Your role

As a Manufacturing Technician, you will play a crucial role in our agile and collaborative R&D environment. Your primary responsibilities will revolve around hands-on operation of process equipment, lab-based tasks, and assisting in the development of innovative materials. Your work will contribute directly to our mission of advancing sustainable solutions for coatings and packaging.

Tasks involve:

• Preparing and handling production batches, following established protocols and procedures for manufacturing and quality testing.
• Collaborating closely with senior lab personnel to assist in the formulation, synthesis, and characterization of naturally derived materials.
• Supporting the execution of experiments and tests under the guidance of experienced researchers.
• Performing basic material testing, such as physical, chemical, and mechanical assessments, and recording accurate data.
• Operating and maintaining laboratory and production equipment, ensuring cleanliness, accuracy, and safety compliance.
• Assisting in the organisation and maintenance of an orderly laboratory environment, including inventory management and waste disposal.
• Aiding in the compilation and analysis of experimental results, generating reports and summaries as required.
• Contributing to brainstorming sessions and team discussions by sharing insights and observations.
• Learning and applying appropriate safety protocols and procedures, ensuring the well-being of yourself and others in the lab.

Why Kelpi?

• In addition to a competitive compensation package and growth opportunities within a startup environment, the Manufacturing Technician will participate in our Employee Share Ownership Programme (if the role is made permanent).
• We offer additional benefits, such as a health cashback scheme, cycle scheme, and enhanced family-related leave and pay.
• You will have access to a generous budget for personal and professional development.
• A work life balance is important to us – we offer 25 days annual leave (in addition to the 8 bank holidays), additional ‘Kelpi’ days, charity days and social events.
• Opportunities to contribute to meaningful work that is addressing the world’s biggest sustainability challenges.

Where you will be based

This is a full-time position based at our modern lab and office space in central Bristol. This role may involve irregular shift patterns.

We are dedicated to providing an equal, supportive and inclusive culture and embrace a diverse range of talent to contribute to that. Therefore, we welcome all applications – regardless of gender (including gender reassignment), sex or sexual orientation, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origin), religion/belief, disability or age.