Process Engineer

Torbay Pharmaceuticals; Paignton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days holiday

Pension

Group life assurance

Job summary

Torbay Pharmaceuticals is seeking an experienced Process Engineer to join our new Process and Optimisation department in the UK. You will drive end-to-end process optimisation from receipt to delivery, implementing DoE, Cp/CpK, and PDCA-driven improvements across GMP-like environments.

You'll work cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Capital Projects, and Quality to deliver scalable, compliant processes and support NPI, validation, and cost modelling initiatives.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering or related field.
• Experience in regulated pharma/biotech/manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of process capability and performance metrics (Cp, Cpk, Pp, Ppk).
• Familiarity with lean and Six Sigma (Green Belt/Black Belt).
• Ability to analyse data and apply practical improvements using Minitab/Power BI.

Responsibilities

• Lead process characterisation, optimisation, and troubleshooting across unit operations.
• Define and maintain CPPs and CQAs; apply DoE and capability metrics to improve control.
• Maximise yield, throughput, and quality while maintaining compliance.
• Support NPI, ensuring robust, scalable processes and inputs to cost models.

Skills

Process engineering

Problem solving

Continuous improvement

Cross-functional

Regulated environment

DoE

Cp/Cpk

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Minitab

Power BI

Poka-yoke

Education

Chemical Engineering

Process Engineering

Tools

Minitab

Power BI

MES

ERP systems

SCADA

PLC

Job description

Torbay Pharma are currently seeking an experienced Process Engineer to join our newly created Process and Optimisation department. This is a new role in which the successful candidate will be responsible for the end-to-end optimisation and characterisation of processes, from goods receipt through to final customer shipment.

This role would suit someone with strong process engineering, problem solving and continuous improvement skill, ideally from a highly regulated environment. You will have the ability to work cross functionally to drive process optimisation and implement sustainable improvements.

About Torbay Pharmaceuticals

At TP we have our own special kind of chemistry. Our heritage spans over 50 years with a track record of manufacturing essential medicines across the UK and beyond. With backing from an investment partner are now forging a new path in the private sector.

We are a growing and ambitious business and with this comes opportunities for our people. At TP, we are going places. A career with us means a career helping save lives. We bring skills of all levels and experiences together; not all our people begin their working lives in pharma. Together we can make lives better.

About the Role

Reporting into the Head of Process Engineering and Optimisation, you will ensure all processes operate efficiently, reliably, and in compliance with relevant regulations. Working closely with the Manufacturing team, and Capital Project Lead you will deliver improvements through continuous improvement methodologies and operational excellence whilst supporting the onboarding of new products and providing input to RFP / RFQ processes and cost models

What you can expect in a Process Engineer role at TP:

• Lead process characterisation, optimisation, and troubleshooting across all unit operations to ensure stable, capable, and efficient performance.
• Define and maintain critical process parameters (CPPs) and critical quality attributes (CQAs), applying DoE, statistical analysis, and capability metrics (Cp, Cpk, Pp, Ppk) to enhance process understanding and control.
• Optimise equipment and process performance to maximise yield, throughput, and quality while ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Support New Process Introduction (NPI), ensuring processes and equipment are robust, scalable, and maintain required performance levels.
• Own and continuously improve risk management and control systems, including pFMEA, control plans, and reaction plans.
• Identify and eliminate process bottlenecks, collaborating cross-functionally (e.g., Industrial Engineering) to deliver world-class efficiency using tools such as VSM, time studies, 5S, and poka-yoke.
• Accountable and responsible for ensuring all waste reduction and efficiency gains are reflected in the standards (update BoMs, routings, materials, procedures and work instructions etc.) to quantify improvements following the PDCA cycle.
• Support manufacturing operations and quality systems, including validation, deviations, CAPAs, and change control activities.
• Promote and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence across the organisation.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to peer group and junior team members to support their professional development.

What are we looking for:

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or a related scientific/engineering discipline or demonstratable relevant experience will also be considered
• Experience working within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or other regulated manufacturing environment within a process improvement role.
• Knowlegde, and application of process capability and statistical performance metrics (Cp, Cpk, Pp & Ppk).
• Understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement techniques and methodologies, including being well versed in Six Sigma Green Belt / Black Belt certification.
• Ability to analyse manufacturing data, identify process inefficiencies and trends, and implement practical solutions to improve performance, quality, and efficiency using tools such as Minitab, Power BI, Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Experience using Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), ERP systems and SCADA, PLC, or automated manufacturing systems.
• Experience with process validation and qualification activities.
• Experience preparing and reviewing technical documentation, SOPs, protocols, and reports.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills. Structured approach to problem solving using recognised methodologies such as: Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, DMAIC, Root Cause Analysis.
• Knowledge of Operational Excellence programmes
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Experience with technology transfer activities.
• Understanding of process safety principles and risk management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across the business, including presenting technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive and solution-focused mindset.
• High attention to detail.
• Strong commitment to quality and compliance.
• Organised and methodical approach to work.
• Accountability and ownership of tasks.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers or technicians.

What we offer in return

At the heart of Torbay, we offer roles and career opportunities on your doorstep that you won't find elsewhere. With defined career pathways, and the chance to move between roles and different departments, we support your career journey at every stage. TP is going places. International expansion means growth and new opportunities.

Our benefits set us apart. With 27 days holiday plus Bank Holidays - with the chance to buy more, group life assurance, pension and more - we reward our people for getting the job done.