Process Development Technologist at Unilever

JOB PURPOSE

• The Process Engineer is technically accountable for bridging Formulation and R&D Process Development to ensure products are scalable, robust, and factory ready. Operating within the Home Care R&D Process & Product Development teams, the role owns the translation of approved formulation intent into validated manufacturing processes through scale up, pilot trials, process specification, validation, and factory transfer.
• The Process Engineer delivers assigned innovation and Value Improvement Project (VIP) workstreams, quality interventions, and capacity uplift through data driven, safe, and compliant execution, acting as the R&D technical authority for process development and scale up.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

R&D PROCESS DEVELOPMENT

• Perform scale up studies to translate approved bench scale formulations into pilot and factory ready processes, defining process parameters, critical control points (CCPs) and critical quality attributes (CQAs).
• Plan and perform experimental production runs in pilot plants and feasibility factory trials; provide technical recommendations and go / no go input based on agreed key success criteria. Prepare trial reports.
• Create, validate, and issue process specifications and validation documentation, ensuring alignment with approved formulation specifications and maintaining audit ready version control.
• Diagnose and resolve process deviations using engineering principles including root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, PHAROS, QMS, and R&D safety standards across all trial activities, ensuring data integrity and first time right reporting.
• Provide CAPEX technical input and requirements for new or modified process equipment, partnering with Engineering through trials, commissioning, and qualification.

Factory & Supply Chain Interface

• Support technical problem solving for manufacturing issues in local HC factories, from issue diagnosis through validated resolution and standardisation.
• Support in defining and optimising process parameters and operating windows for critical operations in collaboration with factory to improve stability, quality, and capability.
• Maintain process operating instructions and SOPs; ensure accurate updates in manufacturing systems (e.g. RS Batch, FOXBORO, SCADA, DFOS, SPC) in line with change control requirements.
• Co lead process audits; conduct, analyse, and report on factory process audits and formulation related process risks, ensuring timely technical closure of findings.
• Act as R&D technical support in HAZOPs, dHACCPs, TRA, MOC, and TPM activities relevant to processes.
• Support installation, commissioning, and qualification of powder related equipment as the R&D technical representative, ensuring required process capability is achieved.

Required Skills & Knowledge
Advanced / Expert

• Process scale up from lab/bench scale into pilot and into factory manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and keep stakeholders informed. Communicate about new product commercialization and oversee factory processes to ensure consistent product quality.
• Ability to interpret process data, define process windows, and validate scale up models.

Working Knowledge

• Factory digital and control systems (SCADA, SAP, FOXBORO, PAMCO, DFOS, SPC or equivalents).
• R&D and pilot plant testing methodologies and data interpretation.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• BTech / BSc in Chemical Engineering (or equivalent)
• 3-5 years Demonstrated experience with independent technical ownership of process development and/or scale‑up activities, or FMCG manufacturing