R&D Engineer

CooperVision, a division of CooperCompanies (NYSE:COO), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses. The Company produces a full array of daily disposable, two-week and monthly contact lenses, all featuring advanced materials and optics. CooperVision has a strong heritage of solving the toughest vision challenges such as astigmatism, presbyopia and childhood myopia; and offers the most complete collection of spherical, toric and multifocal products available. Through a combination of innovative products and focused practitioner support, the company brings a refreshing perspective to the marketplace, creating real advantages for customers and wearers. For more information, visit www.coopervision.com JOB TITLE: R&D Engineer SHIFT : Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 16.30pm LOCATION : Pilot, Chandler's Ford START DATE : September 2020 JOB SUMMARY R&D is the centre of all lens design, material and process development within CVI leading to the creation of new product and process opportunities for the business. The job holder will provide chemistry/scientific expertise on R&D projects contributing to overall R&D objectives. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The primary function of this role will involve taking a role in the process elements of the development of new contact lenses and materials. The job holder will work on one or more projects managed by a project manager and will at times be responsible for the delivery of solutions on smaller projects. The job holder will have knowledge in experimental design such that work is carried out efficiently to maximise the chance of getting all information required. The job holder will also be well practised in the use of statistical tools so that the greatest amount of information possible can be yielded from the experiments carried out. This may include DOE experiments and statistical analysis of results. The job holder will also help provide work direction for the technicians and other technical positions in the department as well as assist in providing day-to-day supervision and support. The role will involve a mixture of both experimental and office based scientific work and will involve a high degree of problem solving and generation of technical solutions. The job holder will be expected to work with very little supervision and work towards large tasks with a minimal amount of direction on strategy required. The workload will fluctuate between low levels of activity to periods of very high intensity. During periods of low volume the jobholder will be expected to get involved in activities which contribute to the more effective and efficient running of the Research & Development department. Technical - Deliver robust experiments and technical solutions to meet the assigned project goals. - Use statistical techniques to analyse results - Ensure that their technical knowledge and capability remains at the cutting edge of their discipline - Analyse own and other's results and draw valid conclusions - Write high quality report detailing experimental work - Present work at meetings both internal and external to the department when required Technology/Product Development - Provide technical input to develop and implement new technologies and products that will provide significant business benefits - Support of products and processes for a defined period post implementation - Ensure that appropriate health and safety principals are incorporated into all projects - Carry out process investigation and continuous improvement work - Work with vendors and consultants to deliver required equipment or process solutions on time and to budget and specification Quality - Ensure that technical area of responsibility complies with business quality systems and GMP - Ensure that deployed technical solutions and product quality are fit for purpose, process capable and robust - Qualify and validate equipment and processes within Quality and Compliance guidelines - Maintain project design history files and controlled documents where appropriate to the project - Demonstrate good knowledge and practice of continuous improvement techniques - Work with project teams to achieve planned product/process objectives - Work with project teams to achieve effective transfer of new technologies/products into production POSITION QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Good technical knowledge in their core discipline such as would be obtained from an engineering/science based degree or HNC/HND or at least 5yrs relevant experience in lieu of qualifications. Experience in some of the following: