Hybrid R&D & Process Innovation Specialist

Tecna; Farnborough; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Bank Holidays

Job summary

Tecna is seeking a hands-on Research and Development Specialist in Farnborough with hybrid options. The role focuses on researching, developing and implementing new products, materials and processes to drive quality, sustainability and commercial value.

You will work across Operations, Procurement, Design, Production and Leadership to deliver measurable improvements. The successful candidate will lead trials, evaluate methods, and develop SOPs while identifying opportunities for grants and

Qualifications

• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing development projects from concept to implementation.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to evaluate business cases.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively across technical and non-technical teams.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical and commercial problems across any industry.
• Understanding of Manufacturing processes
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data analysis tools.
• Enhanced holiday of 25 days + Bank Holidays

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to improve operational products, components, materials and production processes to increase efficiency, quality and profitability.
• Work alongside Operations, Procurement and Production teams to understand operational challenges and develop practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Evaluate existing products, materials and manufacturing methods, recommending improvements that enhance performance, durability and sustainability.
• Lead trials, prototyping and testing of new products, materials and operational processes before full implementation.
• Support supplier evaluations and material selection, ensuring quality, availability, cost-effectiveness and long-term commercial viability.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), technical specifications and implementation documentation for new products and processes.
• Monitor the performance of implemented improvements, using data and feedback to drive continuous improvement.
• Support the successful introduction of new products, equipment and manufacturing techniques into day-to-day operations.
• Support the successful introduction of new systems and integrations.
• Ensure new solutions comply with relevant quality, health & safety and environmental standards.
• Act as the link between Operations, Procurement, Design and the wider business to ensure innovation is practical, scalable and commercially viable.
• Continuously research emerging materials, products, manufacturing methods and technologies that could provide a competitive advantage.
• Identify opportunities for R&D tax relief, Innovate UK funding, government grants and other financial support available for innovation projects.
• Prepare and maintain the technical documentation and supporting evidence required for R&D claims, grant applications and investment proposals.
• Evaluate the commercial viability and return on investment of new products, materials and process improvements.
• Build relationships with universities, research institutions, suppliers and industry partners to identify collaborative innovation opportunities.
• Monitor market trends, competitor developments and new technologies to ensure Tecna remains at the forefront of innovation.
• Develop business cases and recommendations to support investment in new products, equipment and manufacturing capabilities.

Skills

Research skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Project management

Communication

Manufacturing

Data analysis

Presentation skills

MS Office

Job description

Tecna is seeking a hands-on Research and Development Specialist in Farnborough with hybrid options. The role focuses on researching, developing and implementing new products, materials and processes to drive quality, sustainability and commercial value.

You will work across Operations, Procurement, Design, Production and Leadership to deliver measurable improvements. The successful candidate will lead trials, evaluate methods, and develop SOPs while identifying opportunities for grants and