Coating Process Engineer
SKILLS
FULL DESCRIPTION
At [Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk], we’re at the forefront of sustainable innovation, creating natural alternatives to single-use plastic packaging that are carefully engineered to help build a healthier planet. Founded on the belief that nature knows best, we’re an innovative, action-oriented scale-up developing and manufacturing uncompromisingly natural packaging solutions from seaweed and plants.
As a Coating Process Engineer in the Innovation team, you’ll develop breakthrough natural material technologies into scalable solutions. This role sits at the critical intersection of material science and industrial-scale coating processes, where you'll develop and transform innovative biomaterial solutions in the very early stages into commercially viable packaging alternatives that replace single-use plastics.
This is an exciting time to join [Employer hidden] — we’re on the brink of a record-breaking year for revenue and on track for major growth in the next 18–24 months. To support this, we have just secured a Series A+ fundraise, enabling us to scale our growth and environmental impact faster than ever.
Beyond offering meaningful roles and a vibrant working environment, [Employer hidden] provides competitive compensation, including EMI Share Options, a zero-carbon pension scheme, discounts with local businesses, and subsidised social activities. Our office-first hybrid working policy lets you work in the way that maximises your productivity while maintaining a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere. We’re a social business with regular clubs and events, and we’re proud of how our diverse, mission-driven community works together to make plastic disappear.
Led by strong values, all [Employer hidden] employees are encouraged to take ownership of their domain, enjoying a high degree of autonomy. Our aim is to build an inspiring culture reflected in our working policies, environment, and people.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive new natural material development projects through material and process development into scalable solutions.
- Design, organise, execute, and analyse coating trials both in-house and at partner facilities, working hands-on to develop and optimise processes for natural material applications
- Lead and coordinate coating trials across multiple projects, bringing process engineering expertise while learning the nuances of each technology
- Develop coating processes for packaging applications, focusing on extrusion coating, water-based systems, and other paper coating technologies (flexo, gravure, curtain coating, etc.)
- Troubleshoot coating defects and process challenges through root cause analysis and corrective actions
- Scale coating processes from laboratory to pilot stage, anticipating and addressing scale-up challenges
- Build deep technical understanding of how natural materials behave in coating processes, including rheology, adhesion, film formation, and drying characteristics
- Characterise coating performance through systematic testing of barrier properties, adhesion, and mechanical properties
- Mentor team members from various disciplines on coating process fundamentals
- Plan and manage your own work effectively, balancing multiple concurrent projects
Cross-Functional Collaboration & External Partnerships
- Work shoulder to shoulder and collaborate closely with cross-disciplinary teams, including material designers, material scientists, business development managers, product designers, seaweed specialists, and more, to solve complex challenges
- Blur disciplinary boundaries when needed to drive integrated problem-solving
- Successfully create and manage external relationships and represent [Employer hidden]
- Liaise with academic institutions, commercial labs, and equipment suppliers to organise third-party testing and explore technology partnerships
- Provide technical support for grant proposals and client projects
Feasibility & Strategic Technical Planning
- Conduct rapid feasibility studies and pathfinding projects to evaluate coating process options for emerging material solutions
- Set out technical strategies and approaches to solve coating process problems
- Stay current with coating technology advancements and industry trends, integrating new knowledge into ongoing projects
- Identify novel coating technologies and equipment partnerships that could unlock new capabilities for natural materials
Data Analysis, Documentation & Communication
- Design experiments, analyse coating trial data, and present findings with clear recommendations to drive decision-making
- Document coating processes and learnings systematically to build institutional knowledge
- Communicate complex process engineering concepts effectively to diverse audiences through written, visual, and verbal formats
- Contribute technical content to patent applications and intellectual property development
Qualifications & Experience
- Diverse experience with Paper Coating processes for packaging (extrusion coating, flexo, gravure, etc.)
- Proven track record of spearheading complex R&D projects and delivering technical breakthroughs.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
- Strong relationship management and cross-functional collaboration experience
- Experience coordinating with external partners and managing trial logistics
- Comfortable working in ambiguity, with agile methodologies in a fast-paced environment and adept at collaborating across various disciplines
- Willingness to travel frequently for partner collaborations, trials, consortium meetings among others
- Relevant degree in Material Science, Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Packaging Engineering or a related field
- Min 2 years of experience in Paper Coating material and process development
- Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to think creatively and critically.
- Strong make-it-happen attitude.