Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the introduction of innovative foam products and optimise manufacturing processes.
- Company: Join Zotefoams, a leader in cellular material technology with a global presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment, professional growth, and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by bringing new products to life in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and experience in NPI or Process Engineering required.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Zotefoams plc is a world leader in cellular material technology, with facilities in Croydon, UK; Kentucky and Oklahoma, USA; Brzeg, Poland; and Jiangsu Province, China (T-FIT). We produce lightweight foams for a wide range of markets including sports and leisure, aviation, automotive, and healthcare. Zotefoams also owns and licenses patented technology and supplies advanced insulation systems. The Company is on a strong growth trajectory, with significant revenue and profitability increases in recent years and ambitious plans for the future.
About the Role
We are seeking an NPI Engineer to join our team in Croydon. This role will focus on introducing new foam products and manufacturing processes from development through to full scale production. The successful candidate will ensure that new foam formulations, tooling, and production processes are robust, repeatable, cost effective, and meet quality, performance, and safety requirements. Working closely with cross functional teams, the NPI Engineer will play a key role in supporting successful product launches and ensuring manufacturing readiness.
Role Responsibilities
- New Product and Process Introduction: Lead NPI activities for new foam products including trials, pilot runs, and production ramp up. Manage project timelines, risks, and deliverables for new product launches. Coordinate scale up from laboratory or prototype foam trials into full production.
- Process Development: Develop and optimise foam manufacturing processes and any required subprocesses. Define and validate key process parameters such as mix ratios, temperatures, pressures, cure times, densities, and cycle times. Support formulation changes to meet performance, cost, and sustainability targets.
- Manufacturing Readiness: Specify and validate any equipment requirements. Create new process flows, work instructions, and standard operating procedures where required. Conduct PFMEA, process capability studies, and line trials. Ensure product master data is accurate and ready for launch.
- Quality and Performance: Work closely with the Quality team to define inspection methods and acceptance criteria. Investigate defects through root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
- Cross Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with internal teams, supply chain partners, and external customers to deliver successful product launch plans. Support customer trials, approvals, and technical documentation where required.
What you’ll need:
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Materials Engineering, or equivalent experience.
- Experience in NPI, Process Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering within the foam or polymer industry.
- Hands on experience with foam manufacturing processes.
- Strong understanding of process control, troubleshooting, and production scale up.
- Experience using PFMEA, SPC, and root cause analysis tools.
What we’re looking for:
A proactive and collaborative engineer who enjoys working across teams to bring new products successfully into production. Someone who takes ownership of projects, demonstrates strong problem solving skills, and is comfortable working in a dynamic manufacturing environment. A team player who can balance technical rigour with practical delivery and who is motivated to support continuous improvement and innovation.
Why Join Us
At Zotefoams, we believe in fostering a supportive and innovative environment where everybody can thrive. By joining us, you will be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and opportunities for professional growth and development.
Our Values
- Courage: The courage to take bold action to ensure that we succeed in tackling our challenges and opportunities.
- Impact: Dedicated to making a significant and positive impact in everything we do.
- Respect: Cultivate a respectful and inclusive environment where everyone is valued and collaboration is encouraged.
Zotefoams is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
NPI Engineer employer: Zotefoams
Contact Detail:
Zotefoams Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NPI Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Zotefoams on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding Zotefoams' products and processes. Dive into their foam technology and think about how your skills in NPI and process engineering can add value. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Be ready to tackle hypothetical scenarios related to foam manufacturing and NPI challenges during the interview. This will show that you can think on your feet and are ready for the dynamic environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Zotefoams team.
We think you need these skills to ace NPI Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the NPI Engineer role. Highlight your experience in foam manufacturing processes and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about joining Zotefoams and how you can contribute to our innovative environment. Be sure to mention specific experiences that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to highlight your problem-solving abilities. Share examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in NPI or process engineering. We love seeing candidates who take ownership of their projects!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zotefoams
✨Know Your Foam
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of foam manufacturing processes and the specific technologies used by Zotefoams. Being able to discuss the nuances of foam formulations and production techniques will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and understand the industry.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully tackled challenges in NPI or process engineering. Highlight how you approached the problem, the tools you used (like PFMEA or root cause analysis), and the positive outcomes. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and proactive mindset.
✨Collaboration is Key
Zotefoams values teamwork, so be ready to discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Share specific instances where your collaboration led to successful product launches or improvements in manufacturing processes. This will show that you can thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Understand Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Zotefoams' core values: Courage, Impact, and Respect. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be prepared to discuss this during the interview. Showing that you resonate with their culture can set you apart as a candidate who fits well within their team.