Coating Process Engineer

Notpla – a regenerative packaging company that creates natural alternatives to single‑use plastic packaging from seaweed and plants. We’re an innovative, scale‑up manufacturing‑oriented team focused on turning material science into commercial packaging solutions. The Coating Process Engineer will sit at the intersection of research and pilot‑scale implementation, designing and executing coating trials, troubleshooting process challenges, and building technical knowledge across multiple concurrent projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Material & Process Development
  • Drive new natural material development projects through material and process development into scalable solutions.
  • Design, organise, execute and analyse coating trials both in‑house and at partner facilities, developing and optimising processes for natural material applications.
  • Lead and coordinate coating trials across multiple projects, bringing process engineering expertise while learning the nuances of each technology.
  • Develop coating processes for packaging applications, focusing on extrusion coating, water‑based systems and other paper coating technologies (flexo, gravure, curtain coating, etc.).
  • Troubleshoot coating defects and process challenges through root‑cause analysis and corrective actions.
  • Scale coating processes from laboratory to pilot stage, anticipating and addressing scale‑up challenges.
  • Build deep technical understanding of how natural materials behave in coating processes, including rheology, adhesion, film formation and drying characteristics.
  • Characterise coating performance through systematic testing of barrier properties, adhesion and mechanical properties.
  • Mentor team members from various disciplines on coating process fundamentals.
  • Plan and manage your own work effectively, balancing multiple concurrent projects.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration & External Partnerships
  • Work shoulder‑to‑shoulder and collaborate closely with material designers, material scientists, business development managers, product designers, seaweed specialists and more, to solve complex challenges.
  • Blur disciplinary boundaries when needed to drive integrated problem‑solving.
  • Successfully create and manage external relationships and represent Notpla.
  • Liaise with academic institutions, commercial labs and equipment suppliers to organise third‑party testing and explore technology partnerships.
  • Provide technical support for grant proposals and client projects.
• Feasibility & Strategic Technical Planning
  • Conduct rapid feasibility studies and path‑finding projects to evaluate coating process options for emerging material solutions.
  • Set out technical strategies and approaches to solve coating process problems.
  • Stay current with coating technology advancements and industry trends, integrating new knowledge into ongoing projects.
  • Identify novel coating technologies and equipment partnerships that could unlock new capabilities for natural materials.
• Data Analysis, Documentation & Communication
  • Design experiments, analyse coating trial data and present findings with clear recommendations to drive decision‑making.
  • Document coating processes and learnings systematically to build institutional knowledge.
  • Communicate complex process engineering concepts effectively to diverse audiences through written, visual and verbal formats.
  • Contribute technical content to patent applications and intellectual‑property development.

Qualifications & Experience

• Diverse experience with paper coating processes for packaging (extrusion coating, flexo, gravure, etc.).
• Proven track record of spearheading complex R&D projects and delivering technical breakthroughs.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong relationship management and cross‑functional collaboration experience.
• Experience coordinating with external partners and managing trial logistics.
• Comfortable working in ambiguity, with agile methodologies in a fast‑paced environment and adept at collaborating across various disciplines.
• Willingness to travel frequently for partner collaborations, trials and consortium meetings.
• Relevant degree in Material Science, Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Packaging Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in paper coating material and process development.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills, with the ability to think creatively and critically.
• Strong make‑it‑happen attitude.

About us

Notpla is a family of regenerative packaging materials that harness seaweed and plants to create scalable alternatives to plastic. Winner of the prestigious Earthshot Prize, Notpla’s portfolio includes edible liquid bubbles – Ooho, seaweed‑coated food containers, single‑use films and rigid materials. To date, our solutions have removed 16 million pieces of single‑use plastic from entering the environment. Notpla Limited takes inclusion and diversity seriously. We work by our values and policies, encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Management and Manufacturing
Industries: Packaging and Containers Manufacturing
Location: London, England, United Kingdom