Job Overview

The Compounding Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for providing technical expertise in material science and polymer processing to support the manufacturing of the TE Swindon product range. Working within the Manufacturing Engineering Team, this role acts as the subject matter expert for compounding processes, driving product quality, process capability, yield improvement, and operational excellence across the manufacturing environment.

The successful candidate will support new product introductions, process validations, material changes, troubleshooting activities, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and customer requirements.

Your new role:

Provide day-to-day technical support for compounding operations through specialist knowledge of polymer materials, formulations, and processing techniques.

· Work closely with Design, Quality, and Operations teams to support Change Management, New Product Introduction (NPI), and technical problem-solving activities.

· Lead and support product and process validation activities, including equipment qualification, raw material changes, and the safe launch of new equipment.

· Investigate manufacturing issues and customer complaints, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to improve product quality and process performance.

· Develop and implement process improvements to enhance product reliability, repeatability, yield, and manufacturing efficiency.

· Manage and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), manufacturing routings, product specifications, and associated documentation to ensure traceability and accurate costing.

· Conduct material and product testing, analyse results, and update quality inspection requirements where necessary.

· Support continuous improvement initiatives using structured problem-solving methodologies.

· Communicate project plans, progress, risks, and recommendations to Technical, Planning, Production, and Management teams.

· Ensure all activities are conducted in compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality standards.

Your ideal background:

Degree qualified in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

· Experience working within a manufacturing, process engineering, materials engineering, or compounding environment.

· Strong understanding of polymer science, materials engineering, and compounding processes.

· Proven experience supporting engineering change management, process validation, and New Product Introduction (NPI) activities.

· Demonstrated ability to drive improvements in product quality, process capability, yield, reliability, and manufacturing efficiency.

· Experience conducting material investigations, product testing, and technical problem-solving in a manufacturing environment.

· Experience maintaining Bills of Materials (BOMs), manufacturing routings, and associated engineering documentation.

· Strong project management and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

· Good understanding of manufacturing systems, process controls, and engineering data management.

· Excellent analytical, problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills.

· High attention to detail and a proactive, self-motivated approach to continuous improvement.

Desirable

· Hands-on experience with polymer compounding equipment, including Batch Mixers, Twin Screw Extruders, and Z-Blade Mixers.

· Experience with polymer formulation development, material qualification, and product validation.

· Knowledge of structured problem-solving methodologies, including 8D and Root Cause Analysis.

· Experience investigating customer complaints from both product performance and formulation perspectives.

· Experience leading equipment qualification and process validation projects.

· Familiarity with statistical process control, continuous improvement tools, and quality management systems.

· Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, or similar product launch and quality planning methodologies.

· Experience working within a regulated manufacturing environment with a strong focus on product traceability and compliance