Materials Science & Manufacturing Development Manager
Resides - Chippenham
Permanent | Full-Time
Salary £45-55K DOE plus benefits
We are pleased to be partnering with an innovative and highly specialised manufacturing business based in Calne, who are seeking a Materials Science & Manufacturing Development Manager to join their Technical Services team.
This is a key role for a technically capable scientist or engineer who enjoys working in a hands-on manufacturing environment and is motivated by driving research, development, process optimisation, and continuous improvement across complex manufacturing operations.
The Role
You will play a central role in developing, optimising, and supporting a range of advanced manufacturing processes within the business.
Taking ownership of development and improvement initiatives, you will work closely with Production, Quality, and Operations teams to ensure manufacturing processes are robust, scalable, and aligned with business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Develop, optimise, and improve manufacturing processes across multiple production areas
Lead R&D and process development projects from initial concept through to implementation
Support capital investment projects, including equipment selection, layout planning, configuration, and performance definition
Define quality control criteria, design experiments, and develop analytical or testing methods as required
Investigate and resolve process and quality issues using structured root cause analysis
Apply materials science and metallurgical principles to support manufacturing performance
Support New Product Development (NPD) activities and assist with product launches
Provide technical guidance, coaching, and training to operational teams
Work closely with Quality to define, track, and report performance metrics
Champion a proactive culture of continuous improvement, including lean and best-practice methodologiesAbout You
Essential:
Degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline
At least 2 years' experience in a manufacturing, R&D, or process development environment
Strong process-focused mindset with experience working to documented procedures
High level of analytical capability, scientific rigor, and attention to detail
Confident communicator with a collaborative approach
Proficient in Microsoft Office applicationsDesirable:
Experience in a regulated, high-precision, or technology-driven manufacturing environment
Understanding of applied chemistry or materials processing
Basic familiarity with CAD software or technical drawingsWhy Join?
Join a technically advanced and forward-thinking manufacturing organisation
High-impact role with genuine ownership of development and improvement projects
Collaborative working environment with strong cross-functional engagement