Product Development Engineer

Grouse Fibre; Moreton-in-Marsh; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Grouse Fibre, a pioneering climate tech start-up, seeks mission-driven scientists and engineers to develop innovative materials from proteins. This role involves working closely with the founding team to transition products from lab to commercial scale, focusing on agricultural applications. Ideal candidates will have a strong scientific background, project management experience, and a passion for sustainability.

Qualifications

• Significant expertise in polymer/nonwoven processing or agronomy.
• Experience managing projects, familiarity with Innovate UK funding is advantageous.
• Experience in early-stage start-up environments is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop nonwoven materials for agricultural applications.
• Work with industry partners to create prototypes and evaluate viability.
• Manage and coordinate externally funded projects.

Skills

Problem-solving

Creativity

Project management

Education

MSc or PhD in a scientific or technical field

Tools

Polymer processing machinery

Job description

Grouse Fibre is an early-stage climate tech start-up pushing the boundaries of the future of materials. We aim to convert abundant proteins into high-value products. To achieve this, we’re hiring mission-driven scientists and engineers eager to make a tangible impact on material science and regenerative agriculture.

What will you do?

You’ll be a key early hire working closely with the founding team to drive and scale technical development, focusing on product transition from lab to commercial demonstrator. Your responsibilities include developing nonwoven materials for agricultural and horticultural applications from our protein fibres. The role is based at our lab in Moreton-in-Marsh, with occasional travel to Scotland and the East of England.

The ideal candidate

The ideal candidate will have significant expertise in polymer/nonwoven processing or in agronomy and commercial horticulture. Experience in building pilot projects from the ground up and validating new materials is essential. The candidate should be comfortable operating across scientific, process engineering, and practical hands-on roles, including coordinating with external contractors.

Responsibilities

1. Work with industry partners to create prototypes and develop pathways to commercialization.
2. Evaluate the commercial and technical viability with partner organizations.
3. Design experiments and trials to support our R&D roadmap.
4. Manage and coordinate externally funded projects.
5. Collaborate with trial partners to evaluate materials on-site.
6. Record, analyze data, and communicate results to colleagues and stakeholders.
7. Contribute to the overall success of the business, including attending customer trials, writing grant applications, and implementing new ideas.

Qualifications and Experience

1. Scientific or technical background at MSc or PhD level.
2. Knowledge in polymer processing machinery or in agronomy and growing trials.
3. Experience managing projects, with familiarity with Innovate UK funding advantageous.
4. Willingness to adapt roles to support evolving business needs, including project management, marketing, or on-site work.
5. Exceptional problem-solving skills and creativity in addressing design challenges.
6. Experience working within an early-stage start-up is desirable.

EDI

Grouse Fibre is committed to promoting equal opportunities and fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace. We actively seek applications from individuals with characteristics underrepresented in R&D, believing that diversity drives innovation and better meets the needs of our employees, clients, and stakeholders.