Process Engineer

ML Photonic is looking for a highly motivated, analytical, and detail-oriented Process Engineer to join our rapidly expanding team.

As a Process Engineer, you will be responsible for analysing, developing, and optimising manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, productivity, quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

You will be the capable person who can support the team in our Continuous Improvement journey. Your experience in precision optics (or comparable manufacturing industry) and engineering support will be invaluable in developing the workforce, enhancing skills, improving techniques, reducing waste and enhancing quality output.

You will work closely with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for improvement, troubleshoot process issues, implement new technologies and equipment, and support continuous improvement initiatives across the organisation.

Key Objectives

• Develop, optimise, and continuously improve manufacturing processes to enhance productivity, quality, safety, and reliability.
• Identify and implement process improvements that reduce costs, minimise waste, and increase operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, quality, and other cross-functional teams to successfully integrate new processes, technologies, and equipment.
• Monitor and analyse process performance data, identify trends, and develop data-driven solutions for continuous improvement.
• Ensure all process engineering activities comply with relevant health and safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse and evaluate existing manufacturing processes to identify inefficiencies, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Design and implement process optimisation strategies to improve efficiency, reduce cycle times, minimise waste, and support operational excellence.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, work instructions, and process documentation in collaboration with production and quality teams.
• Monitor key process performance indicators, including cycle time, yield, scrap rate, throughput, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting expertise for process-related issues, identifying root causes and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Lead or support process validation activities, including protocol development, execution, analysis, and documentation, in accordance with applicable regulatory and quality requirements.
• Participate in cross-functional root cause analysis, corrective action, and preventive action (CAPA) activities.
• Support the introduction and commissioning of new processes, equipment, and technologies.
• Provide training, technical guidance, and support to production teams on new and existing processes, procedures, and equipment.
• Identify opportunities for Continuous Improvement through process control, and monitoring systems.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and ensure process changes are appropriately controlled and communicated.
• Keep up to date with developments in process engineering technologies, methodologies, industry standards, and best practices.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience working as an Engineer within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong knowledge of process optimisation, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with process analysis, modelling, statistical analysis, and process simulation tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify root causes and develop practical, effective solutions.
• Working knowledge of process safety, risk assessment, and relevant regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Experience analysing process performance data and applying statistical techniques to support decision-making.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Process Engineering or a related discipline.
• Professional engineering certification or other relevant industry qualifications.
• Experience with process automation, instrumentation, and industrial control systems.
• Familiarity with process simulation software and computer-aided design (CAD) tools.
• Good understanding of Quality Management Systems (QMS), including relevant ISO standards.
• Experience supporting the commissioning, validation, or scale-up of new processes and equipment.
• Experience working in regulated manufacturing environments would be advantageous.

Hours

We enjoy working a 39-hour week over five days. The role is based in our Dunfermline factory and may require you to work a shift pattern as we grow.

Benefits

• Onsite Parking (inc. EV charging)
• Company pension scheme
• 28 days' annual leave
• Onsite gym and tennis courts
• Wellbeing initiatives

If you're looking for an exciting new challenge, in a varied Process Engineering role, within a growing business that genuinely values its employees, we'd love to hear from you.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate right to work in the UK. Direct applications only please, no agencies.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From £48,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Life insurance
• On-site gym
• On-site parking

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Dunfermline KY11: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Language:

• English (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person