Process Engineer

Responsible to:
Production / Business Unit Manager Main purpose:
To support the continuous improvement, development and optimisation of manufacturing processes across the Plumbing & Drainage business, with a particular focus on plastics processing, injection moulding, sheet extrusion and associated manufacturing technologies. The role will focus on improving productivity, quality, safety, reliability and operational performance through the application of engineering principles, process improvement techniques, automation technologies, artificial intelligence and data-driven decision making.

About

The Role Main

Duties & Responsibilities Process Improvement & Manufacturing Excellence Work with Engineering, Maintenance and external suppliers on automation projects and equipment upgrades. Assist with the development of long-term automation roadmaps aligned with business growth requirements. Contribute to improvements in manufacturing reliability through modern control and monitoring technologies. Support the implementation of robotics, machine vision, automated material handling and advanced manufacturing technologies where appropriate.

Evaluate opportunities to improve process control through advanced sensors, intelligent monitoring systems and automation solutions. Digital Manufacturing & AI-Enabled Improvement Identify AI opportunities to improve manufacturing performance, process control and decision-making. Develop AI solutions for optimisation, quality, predictive maintenance, planning and energy reduction. Evaluate digital technologies and assess applicability to the business. Use manufacturing data to generate insights, predictive models and automated reporting.

Build data-driven monitoring for moulding and extrusion to improve stability and quality. Support digital capability growth including real-time monitoring, analytics and automation. Collaborate cross-functionally to improve data collection and utilisation. Promote AI tools for engineering problem-solving and documentation. Drive Industry 4.0 innovation and digital transformation initiatives. New Product & Process Introduction Support industrialisation and launch of new products and processes.

Develop robust processing to meet quality, throughput and cost targets. Support NPI across platforms including moulding and extrusion. Establish process windows, control plans and operating standards. Plan and run trials and improvement activities. Lead manufacturing trials for materials, tooling, dies, automation and processes. Assist commissioning and validation of new equipment. Ensure process capability and documentation before handover. Support capacity expansion and new technology implementation.

Engineering Projects Participate in capital projects and engineering developments. Prepare technical justifications, plans and business cases. Support equipment upgrades and process improvements. Liaise with suppliers and technical specialists. Ensure safe, effective delivery of project objectives. Support project reviews to confirm operational and financial benefits. Data Analysis & Performance Reporting Analyse production data to identify trends, risks and opportunities. Develop dashboards and reports for data-driven decisions.

Support KPI systems and performance measurement tools. Use statistical techniques to improve process understanding. Provide management updates on progress and performance. Create visual management tools for operational visibility. Training & Knowledge Development Support operator training and capability development. Maintain documentation, work instructions and standards. Promote best practice in plastics processing and CI. Share technical knowledge across teams. Encourage new technologies and digital tools.

Champion continuous improvement and automation initiatives. Health, Safety & Compliance Ensure safe engineering activities aligned with legislation and procedures. Support risk assessments and change management. Promote safe working and housekeeping. Implement equipment changes safely including automation and digital systems. Comply with policies and quality management requirements. Required Criteria Educated to degree level in an Engineering discipline or plastic-related subject 3-5 years experience in similar role Desired Criteria Experience in a manufacturing background Results focused with ability to work on own initiative Ability to work under pressure and as part of a team Have good organisational skills and the ability to plan and…