Industrial Process Engineer - Optical Supply Chain

Thales; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Buying or selling annual leave

Cycle to work schemes

Employee discounts

Paid volunteering day

Stocks and shares

Annual bonus

Job summary

Thales in Glasgow seeks an Industrial Process Engineer with experience in optical manufacturing to join the team and optimize supplier-based production. You will partner with suppliers producing lenses, prisms, mirrors and filters to ensure the highest quality and reliability.

You will lead audits, process qualification and continuous improvement, analyze data, and collaborate with Engineering, Procurement and Quality to resolve manufacturing challenges and enhance supplier performance.

Qualifications

• Degree in optics or engineering is desirable.
• Experience with optical components and supplier audits.
• Travel to supplier sites is required.
• Knowledge of APQP/PPAP and quality control principles.

Responsibilities

• Partner with suppliers to improve optical manufacturing processes and product quality.
• Conduct supplier audits, process assessments and First Article Inspections (FAI).
• Support process qualification, validation and continuous improvement activities.
• Analyze manufacturing and quality data to drive performance improvements.
• Lead APQP activities and manage PPAP submissions.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) projects and supplier readiness.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Procurement and Quality teams to resolve challenges.

Skills

Optical manufacturing

APQP knowledge

PPAP knowledge

Lean Six Sigma

Education

Optics/Mechanical Engineering degree

Job description

Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom

Industrial Process Engineer - Optical Manufacturing

Glasgow | Supplier Travel Required

At Thales, we're passionate about developing technology that helps make the world safer, more secure and more sustainable. We're looking for an Industrial Process Engineer with experience in optical manufacturing to join our team and help drive excellence across our supplier network.

In this role, you'll work closely with suppliers producing optical components such as lenses, prisms, mirrors and filters, ensuring manufacturing processes deliver the highest standards of quality, performance and reliability.

What you'll be doing

• Partnering with suppliers to improve optical manufacturing processes and product quality.
• Conducting supplier audits, process assessments and First Article Inspections (FAI).
• Supporting process qualification, validation and continuous improvement activities.
• Analysing manufacturing and quality data to drive performance improvements.
• Leading APQP activities and managing PPAP submissions.
• Supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) projects and supplier readiness.
• Collaborating with Engineering, Procurement and Quality teams to resolve manufacturing challenges and enhance supplier performance.

About You

• Experience within optical, precision, photonics or manufacturing engineering environments.
• Understanding of optical manufacturing processes and quality control principles.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong communication, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to travel to supplier sites as required.

Qualifications

A degree in Optics, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Product Design or a related discipline is desirable. We also welcome candidates with equivalent industry experience.

Why Thales?

We believe diverse teams drive innovation. If you're excited about this opportunity but don't meet every requirement, we'd still love to hear from you.

Think Big. Make it Happen. Together.

At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all.

The benefits we offer include:

• private medical insurance
• buying or selling annual leave
• cycle to work schemes
• employee discounts
• paid volunteering day
• stocks and shares
• annual bonus
• and much more depending on the role

Read more about our benefits here.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.

Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!