Manufacturing Process Engineer

Shellworks; London; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an innovative team dedicated to eliminating plastic pollution as a Manufacturing Process Engineer. This role offers the chance to work on groundbreaking materials inspired by nature, contributing to the development and scaling of sustainable solutions. Collaborate with experts across various fields, tackle manufacturing challenges, and help ensure high-quality production. With a competitive salary and equity options, along with a commitment to growth and sustainability, this opportunity is perfect for those eager to make a meaningful impact in the fight against plastic waste. Be part of a mission-driven team that values creativity and initiative in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

25 Days Holiday

Growth and Development Opportunities

Access to On-Site Lab

Competitive Salary and Equity Options

Regular Social Events

Fully Stocked Office Kitchen

Qualifications

• 2+ years in industrial manufacturing, ideally with polymers.
• Degree in materials science or mechanical engineering required.

Responsibilities

• Support scaling and production processes with partners.
• Assist in production and process development projects.

Skills

Industrial Manufacturing Experience

Polymer Processing

Problem-Solving Skills

Team Collaboration

Communication Skills

Education

Degree in Materials Science

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Injection Moulding Equipment

Extrusion Equipment

Bioreactors

Job description

About the Job

Manufacturing Process Engineer

London, N4

️4 days in our office, 1 day working from home

£35k-45k per annum (depending on experience) + equity

Join Shellworks as a Manufacturing Process Engineer and help us materialise a better future by eliminating plastic pollution.

About Shellworks

Developed for a throwaway culture, plastics have caused significant pollution to our natural environments with 90% of all plastics ever created never being recycled. More so, recent studies have identified that plastics impact goes beyond pollution to chemicals and micro-plastics that impact human and environmental health.

We believe there must be a better way and our first innovation Vivomer does just that, if nature made a plastic this would be it. Vivomer, a polymer made by microorganisms, behaves just like plastic in use, but degrades upon disposal in any natural environment. Developed through cutting-edge material science, mechanical engineering, design, and operations, Vivomer represents a groundbreaking step towards a pollution-free future.

The nature of our work is frequently described as impossible, but if like us, you’re driven by the challenge to prove that there is a better way to do things, join us. You will play a critical role in developing the future of materials, how products are created and directly contribute to reducing plastic pollution.

The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to work on scaling the future of materials inspired by nature. When you join us you’ll get to:

1. Support the scaling and productionisation processes with our manufacturing partners, helping ensure products meet cost, quality, and timeline expectations.
2. Assist in production and process development projects for new products, working alongside production partners to resolve manufacturing challenges.
3. Act as a key technical and project liaison between design, engineering, supply chain, operations, suppliers, and customers.
4. Learn and apply best practices, contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, and assist in developing quality programmes to maintain high standards of production quality and on-time delivery.
5. Collaborate on pioneering projects across molecular biology, mechanical engineering, product design, and operations teams.

Our Ideal Candidate

1. You have at least 2 years of experience in a relevant industrial manufacturing environment, ideally with exposure to polymers and associated manufacturing processes, such as injection moulding, blow moulding, compounding, or extrusion for plastic packaging. (Experience with scaling production from prototype to higher-volume manufacturing is a plus).
2. A degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant engineering discipline, such as materials science or mechanical engineering.
3. Motivated and eager to learn, you work well in a team and show initiative in a dynamic environment, such as an early-stage start-up.
4. Strong written and verbal communication skills allow you to collaborate effectively with production partners and internal teams.
5. You bring a hands-on approach to problem-solving, demonstrate a willingness to learn new processes and contribute to improvements in production efficiency, material usage, and cycle time reduction.

Our Benefits

25 days holiday in addition to all statutory and public holidays
Opportunities for growth and development as we expand and scale our impact
Access to a fully kitted out on-site lab (incubators, autoclaves, bioreactors, etc.) and pilot line workshop (machine tools, injection moulder, extruders, blow moulders, etc.)
Competitive salary and equity options
Regular social events and fully stocked office kitchen
Part of a tightly knit team aiming to make a meaningful social impact.

Join Our Mission

Becoming a part of Shellworks means being part of a team that’s passionate about sustainability and innovation. Our world-class team includes experts in materials science and visionary entrepreneurs dedicated to creating a better future. Together, we’re redefining what’s possible.