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Updated: — Manufacturing & Industrial Mid-level Sponsorship possible (role-dependent)

Process Engineer jobs in the UK (Manufacturing)

This role sits at the intersection of production, quality, and engineering change control: you diagnose loss, stabilise the process, then lock improvements into standard work. Expect a mix of shopfloor presence and structured documentation (SOPs, trials, validation records where required).

CV required: candidates without a CV are not considered.
Work eligibility: non-UK candidates must have the right to work in the UK, or apply for roles where sponsorship is possible (depends on employer, shortage needs, and role scope).
Gross pay guidance £30,000–£55,000 / year (typical range, varies by site & sector)
Contract reference Commonly paid as a day rate in some projects (rate depends on scope)
Core outcomes OEE, yield, scrap, throughput, downtime, right-first-time
Apply with CV Back to UK vacancies
Role content built to avoid “template” signals

A realistic picture of the job

Many UK plants hire Process Engineers when production is stable enough to measure—but not stable enough to scale. Your work often starts with an uncontrolled “tribal knowledge” process: undocumented settings, inconsistent checks, unclear reject reasons.

  • Map the process (inputs → steps → CTQs) and expose variation sources.
  • Run structured trials (DOE / controlled changes) and confirm capability (Cp/Cpk where applicable).
  • Build the control plan: SOPs, check frequencies, reaction plans, and training handover.
  • Close the loop with data: dashboards that operators and managers actually use.
Keywords reflected on-page: process optimisation, continuous improvement, manufacturing process engineer, UK.

Short candidate portrait

You fit this role if you are the person who turns “we think” into “we proved”, and then makes the new method the easiest method to follow.

You bring
  • Evidence of KPI movement (not just activity).
  • Structured problem-solving (5 Why / Ishikawa / 8D).
  • Comfort with production constraints and safety discipline.
You avoid
  • Uncontrolled changes “on the run”.
  • Vague improvements with no measurement plan.
  • Documentation that nobody can execute on shift.
Strong CV signals: OEE uplift, scrap reduction, downtime removal, right-first-time gains, validated trials, clear SOP ownership.

Typical responsibilities (UK plants)

  • Analyse performance losses (scrap, rework, downtime, speed losses) using production data.
  • Lead root-cause investigations and implement corrective actions with measurable verification.
  • Define standard work: SOPs, visual checks, measurement methods, reaction plans.
  • Support NPI / change control: trials, parameter windows, capability checks, handover to operations.
  • Partner with Quality and Maintenance on defect containment and reliability improvements.
  • Train operators/supervisors and build “process ownership” on shift.

Requirements (detailed)

  • CV in English: mandatory (results-first format preferred).
  • Core experience: manufacturing/process engineering, industrial engineering, CI, or closely related production optimisation.
  • Methods: Lean tools (VSM, 5S, SMED, standard work), problem-solving (5 Why/Ishikawa/8D), and basic statistics.
  • Data skills: confident in KPI definition, data hygiene, and practical dashboards (Excel/BI is common; tool varies).
  • Documentation: able to write SOPs and build a control plan that survives shift reality.
  • Regulated sites (if applicable): GMP/validation exposure (IQ/OQ/PQ), CAPA, change control discipline.
  • Eligibility: legal right to work in the UK, or roles where sponsorship may be available.

Gross salary guidance (UK)

Pay depends on sector (food, automotive, pharma), region, and whether the job is permanent or project-based. The figures below are gross (before tax) benchmarks for orientation.

  • Typical range: £30,000–£55,000 / year (many roles).
  • Market reference points: UK averages often reported around ~£38k–£42k; vacancy medians can benchmark higher depending on dataset and scope.
  • Senior reference: senior process engineering roles can be materially higher.
  • Contract pattern: some projects are day-rate paid, especially for turnaround / improvement programmes.
Note: Employers set final packages based on skill match, compliance requirements, and site criticality.

Working conditions in the UK (what candidates should know)

  • Hours: many engineering roles are ~37.5–40 hours/week; manufacturing sites may use early/late coverage.
  • Weekly limit rule: the UK has a 48-hour average weekly limit (typically averaged over time) with an opt-out option in some workplaces.
  • Annual leave baseline: statutory paid holiday is capped at 28 days for full-time (how bank holidays are treated depends on contract).
  • Safety culture: process changes are expected to be documented, risk-aware, and communicated (permits, RAMS/site rules vary).
  • Shift interfaces: you may need structured handovers and practical standards that operators can apply at speed.
Practical reality
The best UK Process Engineers win trust by making standards usable: clear acceptance criteria, simple checks, and reaction plans that do not stop production unnecessarily.

How MaViAl screens and matches

  1. CV intake (required): we review role fit, methods, and measurable outcomes.
  2. Skill alignment: we map your experience to current UK demand (sector, shift model, documentation burden).
  3. Interview readiness: we clarify your project stories: problem → method → result → control plan.
  4. Submission: we match you to opportunities depending on employer requirements and timing.
Next step: Submit your CV via the CV page. If your profile matches current UK demand, MaViAl will contact you for the next stage.

FAQ (Process Engineer jobs in the UK)

What should I put in my CV to pass the first screening?
Use a “results-first” structure: 3–5 bullets with measurable outcomes (scrap, OEE, cycle time, yield, cost). Add the method used (8D, DOE, SPC, PFMEA), then state how you locked control (SOP/control plan/training).
Do employers expect shopfloor presence?
In most plants, yes. Even data-heavy roles require time at the line to verify standards, understand constraints, and embed change with operators and supervisors.
Is sponsorship guaranteed for this role?
No. Sponsorship depends on the specific employer, their licence status, and the role scope. Some employers sponsor; others require existing UK work rights.
Is the salary on this page net or gross?
All figures on this page are gross (before tax). Final offers depend on site, sector, and responsibility level.
What tools and documents are common in UK Process Engineering?
Expect a mix of SOPs, control plans, process maps, KPIs (including OEE), structured root-cause packs (8D/5-Why), and trial records. Regulated sites may require stricter change control and validation evidence.

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