Process Technologist (Acid Etch - Superalloys)

Reed Specialist Recruitment Ltd; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed Engineering & Manufacturing are partnering with a metals-focused business to recruit a Process Technologist. You will own process optimisation, product development, and quality management, working with production teams, NDT and inspection to improve capabilities and meet standards.

The role includes designing trials, documenting outcomes, and collaborating with customers and research partners to drive new manufacturing processes and accreditation readiness.

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering, materials science, metallurgy, manufacturing, or chemistry.
• Experience in process development and quality engineering.
• NDT knowledge and experience with regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimisation of manufacturing and inspection processes.
• Design and evaluate process trials, document outcomes and drive improvements.
• Maintain a structured trials database to capture development activities.
• Collaborate with production to understand variables and implement gains.
• Support new products and processes aligned with market demand.
• Assess market trends and sales data for product viability.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop value-adding opportunities.
• Support accreditation requirements and expand inspection capabilities.
• Build relationships with customers, suppliers, universities and research centres.

Skills

Engineering degree

Metallurgy

Process development

NDT knowledge

Regulated environments

Analytical problem-solving

Stakeholder management

Project prioritization

Education

Engineering degree

Materials Science degree

Metallurgy degree

Job description

Reed Engineering & Manufacturing are proud to be partnering with a specialist metals manufacturing business to recruit a Process Technologist. This is a unique opportunity to join a growing organisation operating within highly regulated and rapidly expanding sectors including Nuclear, Aerospace and Defence etc. This hands‑on role combines technical process development, oversight, quality management, and strategic business support. You will play a key role in developing new manufacturing capabilities, improving existing processes, supporting accreditation requirements, and helping drive the future growth of the business.

The Role As Process Technologist, you will take ownership of process optimisation and product development activities whilst ensuring compliance with industry standards and customer requirements, working the process and improvements within team who work with acid etch, pickling and also NDT. Working closely with production teams, senior management, customers, and research institutions, you will be instrumental in identifying improvement opportunities, introducing new technologies, and enhancing operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimisation of manufacturing and inspection processes, including pickling, acid etch and NDT activities.
• Design, coordinate, and evaluate process trials, documenting outcomes and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain a structured trials database to capture process development activities and support future projects.
• Work closely with production operators to understand process variables and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support the development of new products and processes aligned with commercial objectives and market demand.
• Assess market trends, research findings, and sales data to evaluate product viability and competitiveness.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop value‑added opportunities across the wider business.
• Maintain and improve management systems in line with ISO9001, AS9100, Nadcap, and other industry requirements.
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership and support to the NDT Technician while helping grow the company’s inspection capabilities and accreditations.
• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, universities, and research centres.
• Support strategic projects aimed at expanding capability within emerging and growth markets.

What We're Looking For

• Ideally Degree qualified in Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, Manufacturing, Chemistry, or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience will also be considered.
• Knowledge of acid etch, pickling would be advantageous within the metals industry.
• Experience in process development, manufacturing engineering, metallurgy, chemistry, quality engineering, or technical operations.
• Working knowledge of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods would be advantageous although not essential.
• Experience working within highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to ISO9001 and/or AS9100 quality management systems.
• Experience supporting Nadcap-accredited processes would be highly advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritise effectively.