Production Engineer

The Role

We are seeking a hands-on Production Engineer to play a central role in establishing and managing our pilot manufacturing capability.

This is a broad, high-impact role in a fast-growing startup. You will work across equipment, materials, and processes, and will need to be comfortable adapting as priorities evolve.

You will be directly involved in scaling a novel production process from laboratory to commercial readiness.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing the acquisition, commissioning, integration and maintenance of pilot-scale production equipment (e.g. hydraulic presses, powder processing systems)
• Support scale-up from lab to pilot and early commercial production
• Optimise processes using structured approaches (e.g. DoE)
• Improve process efficiency, consistency, and throughput
• Support automation and integration of production systems (conveyors, robotics, material handling)
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues with a hands-on approach
• Contribute broadly to technical and engineering activities across the company

Requirements

• 3+ years of relevant industry experience in manufacturing, process engineering, or materials production
• Experience working with industrial or pilot-scale equipment
• Strong practical problem-solving skills and a hands-on mindset
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment with changing priorities
• Willingness to take on a broad range of responsibilities beyond a narrowly defined role
• Organised and methodical in approach to work and documentation
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to Stoke-on-Trent

Desirable Experience

• Powder processing, ceramics, or related material systems
• Design of Experiments (DoE) or statistical process optimisation
• Scale-up experience from lab to pilot production
• Automation or production system integration
• Additional language skills (particularly Italian or Portuguese) for working with international partners and suppliers

What We Offer

• £45,000 – £60,000 salary (depending on experience)
• Equity through our options scheme
• Direct involvement in scaling a new low-carbon materials technology at a fast-paced startup
• Opportunity to attend and present at industry conferences and events
• Clear progression opportunities as the company grows

What Success Looks Like (6–12 months)

• Pre-pilot equipment running reliably at our Manchester facility
• Core process parameters defined and documented
• Measurable improvements in consistency and throughput
• Pilot plant planned, with equipment identified and procured
• Clear pathway toward scaled production beyond pilot scale established

Additional Information

• Fully onsite role (Manchester base)
• Travel required to Stoke-on-Trent pilot facility
• Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
• Application deadline: 17 May 2026

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