Process Development Engineer in Southampton

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