Process Engineer - NPI in Worthing

The Process Engineer - NPI is responsible for evaluating and improving manufacturing processes, implementing robust manufacturing systems, and developing best practices to optimise the manufacturing environment. Initially, the role will focus on ownership and development of the Hydrophobic manufacturing line. Responsible for leading New Product and Process Introduction (NPI) activities and supporting the development, validation, and transfer of new products and processes into manufacturing. The role combines hands‑on process engineering, continuous improvement, and project delivery to ensure reliable, capable, and compliant manufacturing systems. Please note that this is an on‑site position at our Global HQ in Worthing, West Sussex.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Initially own the Hydrophobic manufacturing process, ensuring it remains safe, capable, compliant, and fit for current and future production requirements.
• Lead Process Engineering activities associated with NPI projects from development through to production release.
• Use Root Cause Analysis and data‑driven problem‑solving techniques to develop new processes and products and improve existing process capability.
• Evaluate and improve Hydrophobic manufacturing processes to meet yield, efficiency, capacity, and product quality KPIs.
• Lead equipment specification, development, commissioning, and implementation activities.
• Maintain and develop process knowledge, documentation and engineering standards to ensure manufacturing processes remain well understood, controlled and transferable.
• Support and execute validation activities including FRA, IQ, OQ, and PQ as required.
• Develop and maintain process maps, process matrices, PFMEAs and other process control documentation, ensuring process changes are appropriately assessed, documented and implemented.
• Generate, maintain and hand over manufacturing documentation, including SOPs, validation protocols and work instructions.
• Work closely with R&D, Quality, Production, Facilities and Maintenance teams to support product transfer process development and manufacturing readiness activities.
• Provide Process Engineering leadership on NPD and process development projects.
• Plan, coordinate and execute pilot and end‑to‑end builds for new products and processes, ensuring successful transfer into production.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve process capability, robustness and efficiency.
• Support other Process Engineering activities where required and as directed by your line manager.

What Experience & Skills You Will Need:

Essential

• Degree qualified in Engineering, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, or related discipline.
• Experience within a process or manufacturing engineering role in a regulated industry.
• Strong knowledge of NPI, process validation, and equipment implementation activities.
• Knowledge of new equipment development and implementation (URS, FDS, FAT, RTM).
• Hands‑on experience with Root Cause Analysis (RCA), FMEA, and Lean / Six Sigma methodologies.
• Demonstrable experience leading and maintaining PFMEAs, Process Matrix & Process Flows.

Desirable

• Currently working in optical, ophthalmic, medical device, pharmaceutical or consumer healthcare manufacturing.
• Working in GMP environment.
• Experience of polymer-based manufacturing, curing or moulding processes.
• A working awareness of medical device regulations and the medical device directive (ISO13485, FDA QSR 21, CFR 820 etc.).

What We Can Offer You:

• On-site Restaurant for affordable, convenient meals.
• Private Healthcare (access to remote GP & Counselling) for peace of mind.
• Monthly Massages to relax and recharge.
• On-site Parking for convenience and cost efficiency.
• Annual Wellbeing Reimbursement to care for your mind and body.
• Pension Plan to secure your future.
• Cycle-to-work Scheme to stay active and eco-friendly.
• Enhanced Parental Pay to support new families.
• Referral Bonus to benefit from recommending talent.