R&D Technologist

Orbia; Chinley; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Orbia Advance Corporation is seeking an R&D Technologist for our Chinley site to develop and optimise polymer formulations, test new compounds, and work with internal teams and customers to deliver high‑quality solutions.

You will contribute to scale‑up, digital tools and AI insights, visit customers, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance, with opportunities to drive continuous improvement in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• ://Qualifications from the ad: a degree in a relevant scientific discipline (Chemistry, Engineering, Materials Science); experience in manufacturing or laboratory-based role; polymer formulation experience; strong problem-solving and project management; excellent communication; proactive mindset; understanding of AI and digital tools; Office365 knowledge; SAP experience advantageous; ability to prioritise and manage deadlines; strong teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Supporting compound development projects from concept through to commercialisation
• Working closely with Production, Quality and Commercial teams to meet customer and operational requirements
• Providing technical support during scale‑up and new product introduction
• Investigating and resolving technical and customer-related challenges
• Maintaining accurate formulation data in SAP systems
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives, including raw material optimisation and cost control
• Assisting laboratory operations and ensuring accurate technical documentation
• Exploring the use of digital and AI tools to support innovation, data analysis and product development insights
• Visiting customers to build relationships, understand requirements and support product trials and applications
• Ensuring compliance with Health & Safety and regulatory requirements

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Project management

AI tools

Data analysis

Teamwork

Stakeholder management

Office365

Education

Degree in Chemistry/Engineering/Materials Science

Tools

SAP

Job description

About Orbia: Orbia Advance Corporation is a purpose-led company with big aspirations. We are out to advance life around the world while maximizing value to our shareholders, customers and employees. The Company is passionate about the topics that define how people will live and thrive tomorrow: the future of cities, buildings, agriculture, and materials. Orbia Advance Corporation has five business groups which offer innovative solutions across multiple industries including building and infrastructure, data communications, chemicals and more. In 2018, Orbia Advance Corporation bought a majority stake in Israeli-based Netafim, the world’s leader in drip irrigation, and is helping the world ‘grow more with less’ as it helps to solve food and water scarcity. Orbia Advance Corporation has operations in 41 countries with more than 22,000 employees.

We started as a producer of commodities and have evolved to become a provider of innovative solutions that address the global issues of rapid urbanisation, water and food scarcity, and a growing and aging population. We’re already a global leader in Polymers, Fluor, Building & Infrastructure, Datacom, and Precision Irrigation. We have embarked on a CEO-led transformation, as part of our journey to become a truly purpose-led, future fit company.

Key Responsibilities

The Role: We are looking for an R&D Technologist to join our team at our Chinley site. This is an exciting opportunity to support the development of new polymer compounds and contribute to innovation across our business. You’ll play a key role in developing, testing and optimising formulations, while working closely with internal teams and customers to deliver high-quality, commercially viable solutions.

• Supporting compound development projects from concept through to commercialisation
• Working closely with Production, Quality and Commercial teams to meet customer and operational requirements
• Providing technical support during scale‑up and new product introduction
• Investigating and resolving technical and customer-related challenges
• Maintaining accurate formulation data in SAP systems
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives, including raw material optimisation and cost control
• Assisting laboratory operations and ensuring accurate technical documentation
• Exploring the use of digital and AI tools to support innovation, data analysis and product development insights
• Visiting customers to build relationships, understand requirements and support product trials and applications
• Ensuring compliance with Health & Safety and regulatory requirements

Qualifications

• A degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Chemistry, Engineering, or Materials Science)
• Experience in a manufacturing or laboratory-based role (polymer experience desirable)
• Experience in formulation of polymeric materials
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to manage projects from start to finish
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly
• A proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation
• A good understanding of AI and digital tools, and how they can be used to support data analysis, innovation and product development
• Good working knowledge of Office365; SAP experience is advantageous
• The ability to prioritise, organise workload and meet deadlines
• Strong stakeholder management and teamwork skills

Why Join Us

• Be part of an innovative R&D function driving product development
• Opportunity to work with emerging technologies, including AI-driven tools
• Build direct relationships with customers and see your work applied in real-world applications
• Develop your skills in a fast‑paced, collaborative technical environment

If you’re looking to build your career in R&D within a manufacturing environment and enjoy solving technical challenges, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact: [e-mail]