Lead Process Engineer – R&D & Advanced Manufacturing\n Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne\n \n Are you passionate about advanced manufacturing and driving innovation in materials engineering? We’re looking for a Lead Process Engineer to lead the development and optimisation of cutting-edge processing techniques that improve product quality, yield, and efficiency in high-performance materials.\n \n This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll combine deep technical expertise with strategic project management, working at the intersection of thermal processing, automation, and materials innovation.\n \n What You’ll Do\n\nInnovate & Optimise: Develop and refine high-temperature processes to improve efficiency, purity, and reliability. \nLead Projects: Manage R&D and scale-up programs from concept to production, using Six Sigma, Stage-Gate, or Agile methods.

\nSolve Problems: Provide rapid, practical solutions to live production challenges. \nAdvance Technology: Introduce automation, real-time monitoring, and AI/ML for predictive process control. \nEnsure Quality: Drive compliance with industry standards and customer requirements through robust validation and testing.

\nCollaborate & Influence: Work cross-functionally with operations, engineering, procurement, and commercial teams, while partnering with external research and technology providers. \nChampion Safety & Knowledge: Promote safety in high-voltage, gas, and thermal environments while documenting and sharing best practices. \n How Success Will Be Measured\n \nShorter innovation cycles and time-to-market \nHigher adoption of new processes & technologies \nReduced energy and material usage \nImproved yield, consistency, and quality \nSuccessful transfer of R&D innovations to production \nTangible cost savings and ROI from innovation initiatives \n What We’re Looking For\n \nStrong background in complex process environments \nMust have innovated processes from concept, not only followed or tweaked existing processes.

\nExperience in process optimisation, scale-up, and SPC \nFamiliarity with automation, PLC/SCADA/DCS systems, and digital controls \nProven project management and stakeholder engagement skills Education\n \nBachelor’s degree in Engineering or Physical Sciences (Master’s/PhD ) \n7+ years in process engineering or R&D within advanced manufacturing, high-purity, or high-performance materials sectors \n Why Join Us?\n \nBe at the forefront of advanced materials and manufacturing innovation \nLead projects with real impact on efficiency, scalability, and sustainability \nCollaborate with world-class engineers, researchers, and industry partners \nShape the future of high-performance products used in critical industries \n Ready to lead innovation in advanced manufacturing? Apply now and take your career to the next level with Verso