Lead Manufacturing & Process Engineer

Some problems don’t have ready-made solutions. That’s where you come in. A specialist Optical Technology company based in Oxfordshire is seeking an experienced Manufacturing and Process Engineer to join their expanding team. In this role, you’ll take the lead on a new and strategically important project: establishing a pilot manufacturing line and developing the processes needed to bring an innovative optical technology into production.

This is a rare opportunity for a hands-on, creative manufacturing professional to play a central role in the development of a novel lens technology—one with the potential to transform the ophthalmic systems space.

About the company: This organisation brings deep expertise in both optics and ophthalmics to tackle the most technically ambitious product development challenges in their field. They support clients across the full development lifecycle, from early research to production, working with start-ups, technical consultancies, and global tech brands. Project areas include lens systems, ophthalmic devices, AR/VR hardware, machine vision, and advanced consumer technologies. They’re small, focused, and well-regarded—trusted by some of the biggest names in tech for their deep specialist knowledge. Alongside client work, they also invest significantly in internal R&D, driving innovation in next-gen technology. And above all, they are an exceptional place to work.

The role: The company are expanding their services both for external client projects and to support internal R&D projects. They are looking to build a pilot manufacturing facility to support forthcoming fluid lens development projects. The Manufacturing and Process Engineer will work with the other disciplines within the development team (optical and mechanical design, Modelling, and materials science) to determine their requirements, conceptualise approaches together and develop an appropriate process line/module that can deliver.

The process challenge will require working with precision components and processes, to tight tolerances, in a clean room environment. The Lead Engineer will be expected to manage (ultimately) a small team of engineers and to lead manufacturing and process characterisation in parallel with engineering concept design, and then to specify, procure and modify process equipment. The candidate will also be required to participate in and ultimately lead prototyping activities on the line to execute samples for internal and external evaluation.

This is precision manufacturing; developing a technology that will revolutionise the lens technology marketplace. It’s new and exciting; the Manufacturing and Process Engineer will need a flair for innovation and creativity; someone who enjoys being technically challenged and creating novel solutions.

To be considered for the role of Lead Manufacturing & Process Engineer you need the following experience:

• Essential:

• A degree (or equivalent) in an engineering or science related discipline.
• 7+ years in high-tech multidisciplinary working environments.
• Leadership, management and mentoring of a small team.
• Sourcing and management of production tooling and equipment suppliers.
• Experience in the production of high tolerance (~10s of microns) precision devices e.g. medical devices, consumer electronics, optical systems or small electro-mechanical devices.
• Working practices associated with clean room environment and/or optical component handling.

• Adhesive bonding (knowledge of different types of adhesives, surface preparation requirements, curing methods).
• Ultrasonic welding and heat staking (plastic to plastic & plastic to metal).
• Coating familiarity with coating processes, e.g. PVD, Spin, Spray, CVD.
• Small scale intricate component assembly.
• Forming, specifically: Thermoforming (vacuum forming and pressure forming), Injection moulding (ideally), with experience in 'coining' and compression injection moulding, Extrusion (ideally).
• Laser cutting, familiarisation with small scale laser cutting process.
• Knowledge of workspace requirements (to ensure safe and efficient operation), design software (programs to import or create cutting files), materials (preparation of and understanding of limitations of what can be cut).
• Fluid dispensing, handling and degassing, sealing.

• Material processing & handling, specifically: Polymer post processing and solvent handling.
• Machining, knowledge and experience of: Machining processes used to manufacture fixturing and tooling.
• Optical assembly and alignment.