At a Glance
- Tasks: Validate innovative materials and ensure they perform in real-world conditions.
- Company: Join Shellworks, a pioneering company creating eco-friendly materials.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and hands-on experience.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on sustainability while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in product validation and a degree in relevant engineering fields.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 55000 £ per year.
About Shellworks
Our vision is a world where the products around you don't damage our environment or our health. At Shellworks we're making that a reality by creating high performance plastic-free materials for everyday products. Our technology Vivomer makes the impossible possible. It's grown by bacteria using fermentation, creating a material that is stable in use but degrades in every environment. Its breakthrough is being dishwasher safe and home compostable at the same time. We've closed our Series A and are working with some of the world's most recognised brands to replace plastic at volume. We're at an inflection point: scaling from proof-of-concept to mass-market production.
The Role
This is a hands-on engineering role. You'll prove that Vivomer parts perform in the real world and that every part we ship meets spec, working across our materials, design and manufacturing teams and on factory floors with our partners. Vivomer is a new material going into products that have to perform like plastic: on shelf, in transit, in the dishwasher and in the hands of consumers. Our customers are some of the world's biggest brands, and they need to trust that it will.
We're looking for someone who has validated products at a high volume manufacturer and wants to build validation at Shellworks from the ground up. You design tests that reflect how products actually fail, and you have a pragmatic view of which checks really matter.
Where the focus is today
- Proving Vivomer parts perform, then making sure they keep performing at volume.
- Validation and test engineering
- Turn product requirements into validation plans, covering ingredient compatibility, impact, transit, sealing and aesthetics.
- Design and build test rigs, and correlate them to real world performance.
- Run DOEs on new tools and products to find the process window, and set specs with our design and manufacturing teams.
- Define in line testing and aesthetic standards with our partners so every part is validated before it ships.
- Run measurement system analysis, capability studies and SPC on new and running products.
- Review our checks regularly: cut the ones that don't add value and add the ones that are missing.
Manufacturing partners
- Run process validation for new tools and products at our partners.
- Support audits and qualification of new manufacturing partners.
- Track partner performance and drive corrective actions to closure.
Day to day
- Own incoming inspection and traceability.
- Raise NCRs when parts aren't up to standard, and decide on rework or rejection.
- Train and support the inspectors and technicians at our partners who run the checks we define.
- Lead root cause analysis on line issues and customer complaints, and fix them for good.
Beyond
- Work with our Founder to select and roll out our quality management system as we scale into production.
- Help build our validation procedures, documentation and change control, without the bureaucracy.
Who you are
- At least 3 years in product validation, test, reliability or quality engineering, ideally at a high volume consumer hardware or packaging manufacturer.
- A degree in materials, polymers, mechanical engineering or similar.
- You’ve taken a product from design validation through to mature production.
- You’ve designed tests and rigs that predict real world failures, and can show they do.
- Hands on with DOE, metrology, GD&T, SPC, MSA and capability studies.
- You’ve worked with suppliers on the factory floor and know what good looks like.
- A structured problem solver: 8D, 5 whys, fishbone.
- You understand how a material’s behaviour shows up in a finished part.
- Excited to build the frontier of how materials are made.
- High tolerance for ambiguity, low tolerance for bureaucracy.
What We Offer
- 28 days holiday + statutory holidays.
- 12 weeks maternity, 6 weeks paternity, both at full pay.
- Heka wellbeing allowance: gym, therapy, nutrition, fertility support and more.
- Virtual GP with same or next day appointments.
- Cycle to work scheme: save up to 42% via salary sacrifice.
- Daily catered lunch at the office.
Product Validation Engineer in London employer: Shellworks
At Shellworks, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to sustainability and innovation. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and growth, offering employees the chance to engage in meaningful projects that tackle pressing environmental challenges. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including enhanced parental leave and a wellbeing allowance, and opportunities for professional development, we empower our team to thrive both personally and professionally while making a positive impact on the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Validation Engineer in London
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Shellworks, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Validation Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Shellworks specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shellworks
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Shellworks, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Shellworks value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
