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- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in plastic tube extrusion from concept to launch.
- Company: Join an industry leader in manufacturing, focused on cutting-edge R&D.
- Benefits: Collaborative environment with opportunities for hands-on experimentation and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-performance products in medical and industrial applications.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's in relevant engineering fields with 3 years of extrusion experience.
- Other info: Work with advanced materials and technologies in a dynamic team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An industry-leading manufacturer is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking R&D / Innovation Engineer to spearhead the development and optimization of small bore plastic tube extrusion processes. This is a unique opportunity to drive innovation in a dynamic R&D environment, contributing to the design and launch of high-performance tubing solutions for medical, pharmaceutical, industrial, and food applications.
Your Role: As a key member of the R&D team, you'll lead projects from concept to commercialization, combining hands-on experimentation with strategic process improvements. Your work will directly impact product performance, manufacturability, and compliance across a wide array of applications.
Key Responsibilities:- Product Development: Design and prototype innovative tubing products using advanced extrusion technologies. Translate customer needs into technical specifications and scalable solutions. Select suitable materials (PVC, TPU, PE, PA, etc.) based on application requirements.
- Process Innovation & Optimization: Lead extrusion trials and process development (screw design, die geometry, thermal profiling, etc.). Drive efficiency improvements to reduce scrap and improve product quality. Collaborate with production teams to scale lab processes for manufacturing.
- Technical Documentation & Compliance: Develop and maintain detailed process documentation, material specs, and reports. Ensure product and process compliance with standards such as ISO, FDA, REACH, and RoHS.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with sales, operations, and quality teams to support new product introductions. Provide technical expertise during customer engagements and project reviews.
- Innovation & Technology Scouting: Stay current on emerging materials, manufacturing methods, and equipment technologies. Identify and propose new approaches to maintain a competitive edge.
Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Polymer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline. Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in plastic extrusion, ideally with small bore tubing.
Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of extrusion processes and polymer behaviour. Experience in single- and multi-layer extrusion, tooling design, CAD, and process control (DOE/SPC). Understanding of regulatory and quality systems relevant to tubing products.
Key Competencies: Analytical thinker with a hands-on, problem-solving approach. Strong project management and multitasking capabilities. Clear communicator with excellent documentation and collaboration skills.
Desirable Skills: Experience in cleanroom or medical device manufacturing environments. Knowledge of advanced or specialty polymers (fluoropolymers, silicone blends, bioresorbables). Familiarity with extrusion simulation tools (e.g., POLYFLOW, ANSYS).
This role offers the chance to shape high-impact products in a collaborative and innovation-focused environment. You'll work on cutting-edge materials and technologies, supported by a team that values initiative, precision, and continuous improvement.
R&D / Innovation Engineer Plastic Extrusion employer: O'Kane Resourcing
Contact Detail:
O'Kane Resourcing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D / Innovation Engineer Plastic Extrusion
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in plastic extrusion technologies. Being knowledgeable about emerging materials and manufacturing methods will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your passion for innovation during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of polymer engineering and extrusion. Attend industry conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends, which can give you an edge when discussing your insights in interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects where you've successfully led product development or process optimisation. Highlighting your hands-on experience with small bore tubing and your problem-solving skills will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to collaborate across functions by preparing examples of how you've worked with sales, operations, or quality teams in the past. This will illustrate your teamwork skills and your understanding of the broader impact of R&D on the business.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D / Innovation Engineer Plastic Extrusion
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in plastic extrusion and R&D. Emphasise any hands-on projects you've led, particularly those involving small bore tubing or similar applications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for innovation in extrusion processes. Mention specific projects or technologies you’ve worked with that align with the company's focus on high-performance tubing solutions.
Showcase Technical Expertise: Detail your knowledge of extrusion processes, polymer behaviour, and any relevant regulatory standards in your application. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role and your understanding of the industry.
Highlight Collaboration Skills: Since the role involves cross-functional collaboration, provide examples of how you've successfully worked with teams in previous positions. This could include working with sales, operations, or quality teams to launch new products.
How to prepare for a job interview at O'Kane Resourcing
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with plastic extrusion processes in detail. Highlight specific projects where you successfully designed or optimised tubing products, and be ready to explain the technical challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
As an R&D Engineer, you'll need to think analytically and creatively. Prepare examples of how you've approached complex problems in past roles, particularly in relation to extrusion trials or process improvements. This will show your potential employer that you can tackle challenges effectively.
✨Understand Regulatory Standards
Familiarise yourself with relevant compliance standards such as ISO, FDA, REACH, and RoHS. Be ready to discuss how you have ensured product and process compliance in previous roles, as this knowledge is crucial for the position.
✨Highlight Collaboration Experience
This role requires cross-functional collaboration, so be prepared to share experiences where you've worked closely with sales, operations, or quality teams. Emphasise your communication skills and how you contributed to successful project outcomes through teamwork.
