Process Engineer

Role Purpose

The Process Engineer is responsible for defining, optimising and sustaining safe, capable and efficient manufacturing processes across SHD’s production operations. The role acts as a technical authority and quality leader, embedding a culture where quality is everyone’s responsibility, while also leading the process engineering aspects of commissioning new production lines and capital equipment.

Key Responsibilities

Process Development & Optimisation

•         Develop, document and maintain robust manufacturing processes and work instructions for composite materials.

•         Optimise existing processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste and improve first-time-right quality.

•         Conduct process capability studies and implement corrective actions.

Quality Leadership

•         Act as a Quality Champion within production, promoting a culture where quality, safety and consistency are owned by everyone.

•         Drive continuous improvement by analysing scrap, MCR/NCRs, complaints, and run performance data.

•         Support and mature the Quality Management System including ISO standards.

•         Lead or support RCA, FMEA, SPC and corrective action activities alongside QA.

•         Define, monitor and communicate key quality KPIs.

•         Train and coach operators and technicians in quality awareness and best practice.

Commissioning & Capital Equipment

•         Lead process engineering activities during commissioning of new equipment and production lines.

•         Define process requirements, acceptance criteria and validation plans.

•         Execute and support pre-commissioning, installation verification, functional testing and performance validation.

•         Ensure compliance with Machine Directive, internal safety standards and documentation requirements.

•         Create commissioning checklists, validation records and handover documentation.

•         Ensure operators and maintenance teams are trained prior to full production release.

Production & Technical Support

•         Provide day-to-day engineering support to manufacturing operations.

•         Resolve process issues using structured problem-solving techniques.

•         Support New Product Introduction from development through production.

Continuous Improvement

•         Lead Lean and continuous improvement initiatives.

•         Identify opportunities for cost reduction, efficiency improvement and energy optimisation.

•         Support automation, equipment upgrades and technology introduction.

Collaboration & Communication

•         Work closely with Production, Quality, R&D, Maintenance and Supply Chain teams.

•         Act as liaison between leadership and shopfloor teams, translating strategic goals into practical execution.

•         Communicate clearly on process risks, performance and improvement actions.

Skills & Experience

Essential

•         Experience in a Process Engineer or Manufacturing Engineering role.

•         Strong understanding of process control and continuous improvement.

•         Confident working on the shopfloor with cross-functional teams.

•         Strong documentation and communication skills.

Desirable

•         Composites manufacturing experience.

•         Knowledge of ISO 9001 / AS9100.

•         Experience with commissioning or capital projects.

•         Lean / Six Sigma knowledge.

Personal Attributes

•         Proactive, quality-driven and improvement-focused.

•         Methodical, data-led and safety conscious.

•         Comfortable challenging and improving existing processes.

What We Offer

•         Competitive salary and benefits.

•         Exposure to advanced composite technologies.

•         Strong continuous improvement culture.

•         Career development within a growing UK manufacturing business.

Our employees are very important to us, and job satisfaction is of paramount importance.

SHD Composites is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.  SHD Composites is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.