An optical technology company based in Oxfordshire is seeking an experienced Process Engineer with a strong background in process development to join its growing R&D team. The successful candidate will apply their expertise to validate, characterise, and scale manufacturing processes for the production of complex ophthalmic systems.
This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on, creative Process Engineer to play a key role in the development of a next-generation adaptive lens technology set to transform the way we see the world.
About the Company
This company’s expertise sits at the intersection of ophthalmics and optics. They develop novel ophthalmic solutions for use across optical systems, AR/VR/XR, and machine vision applications. Recognised as trusted experts in adaptive lens technology, they partner with leading global consumer electronics and technology companies to develop new solutions that optimise how we see the world.
The company has developed a novel adaptive lens system that has the potential to transform visual performance in modern AR/VR/XR technologies. This breakthrough has generated significant interest across the consumer technology sector. As a result, the company is now entering the next phase of its R&D programme, scaling its technical capabilities and seeking talented engineers to join the team.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a fast-growing technology company, contribute to cutting-edge R&D, and play a key role in the development of a new technology with global impact. Above all, it is an outstanding place to work, combining innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.
The Role
This is an exciting period of investment and growth. The company is scaling its team and facilities to support ambitious R&D activities. A key investment is a brand-new cleanroom pilot manufacturing line, enabling the transition from laboratory-scale development to prototype production. This pilot line represents the first stage of the manufacturing strategy, with a clear roadmap toward high-volume manufacturing in the future.
As a Process Engineer, you will join a newly formed Production Team responsible for transferring processes from the R&D laboratory into the pilot manufacturing environment. You will characterise, optimise, scale, and validate the R&D team’s unique ophthalmic production processes, ensuring they are robust, repeatable, and scalable.
As this is a completely new optical system, the role requires a high degree of creativity, along with a proactive, hands-on engineering approach to developing novel and often complex production processes.
Key Responsibilities
The Process Engineer will:
* Test and characterise manufacturing processes
* Failure root cause analysis, solve reoccurring failures within manufacturing processes
* Write and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
* Validate SOPs and associated manufacturing equipment
* Design jigs and fixtures to support manufacturing processes
* Specify, scope, and/or design equipment for scaled manufacturing
Requirements
Education
* Degree in a STEM discipline, ideally one that enables effective collaboration with materials scientists, physicists, and chemists
Experience
Essential
* Experience developing novel assembly or production processes
* Experience in production process validation
* Proven ability to write clear, concise SOPs
* Experience in identifying and solving problems in reliability and repeatability of manufacturing processes.
* Knowledge of, and ability to work to, in a regulated industry), including documentation, standards adherence, and design-for-risk-management
Desirable
* Solid understanding of some of the following processes:
* Heat curing
* Optical-grade coating
* Volumetric and pressurised fluid dispensing
* Micro-moulding
* Knowledge of common polymer joining processes, including:
* Adhesive bonding
* Ultrasonic welding
* Radio-frequency welding
* Heat staking
* ISO 13485 (medical device compliance)
* Experience in optical testing (ISO 8980)
* Experience with automation of electro-pneumatic equipment and basic coding or control systems exposure