Product Development Technician

Knauf stands for opportunity. We know that opportunity looks different to each person and we are proud that we see opportunity in everyone. This exciting role within Knauf Insulation could be the perfect next opportunity for you to build a unique career, in a values-led culture with a clear purpose of making tomorrow a home for all of us.

Knauf Insulation is proud to be part of the Knauf Group, a global manufacturer of construction materials. Our division is approaching 50 years of heritage in manufacturing insulation, with a growing global reach in 40 countries and ambitious goals for the future. We are looking for passionate, ambitious people to join our 6,000-strong team and help us achieve these goals. We are all led by the same core values and believe in the powerful potential of large companies to have a positive impact on the world.

The expansion of the Process Development Department means we are now looking for aProcess Development Technicianin St Helens (UK) and reporting to the Process Development Director.

Can you say yes?

• Are you motivated to blend lab work with on-site trials to elevate raw materials and packaging performance?
• Can you turn testing results into clear recommendations and concise weekly reports that guide manufacturing decisions?
• Would you enjoy collaborating with Batch & Melting and Packaging teams, suppliers, and production sites to qualify new materials?
• Are you proactive in refining test methods, keeping equipment calibrated, and championing safety and qualitywith occasional travel?

This Process Development Technician role drives materials and process excellence by evaluating inputs, conducting targeted testing, and turning data into clear recommendations that enhance product performance. In this role, youll collaborate across manufacturing and packaging teams to support development, qualification, and continuous improvement initiatives in both lab and on-site settings. Expect a mix of hands-on experimentation, supplier engagement, and practical reporting.

What youll be doing:

• Support the Batch & Melting Group by assessing and reporting raw materials and product properties (e.g., composition, granulometry).
• Support the Packaging Team by evaluating packaging materials.
• Plan and execute laboratory and plant trials to support process development and material qualification across Fiberising, Binder, Forming, Curing, and Cold End.
• Manage, analyze, and report laboratory data (routine and new material analyses) from the Central Laboratory.
• Develop and maintain local supply specifications for batch raw materials used across GMW plants.
• Write, review, and maintain laboratory procedures and work instructions.
• Conduct supplier audits (onsite and laboratory-based) for raw materials and packaging, as required.
• Perform in-house and external product benchmarking.
• Propose and validate new test methods and ideas, primarily for Batch & Melting and Packaging development activities.

This position might require some travel (national and international), up to 10% of working time.

We are interested in you as a person; your attitude, behaviours and values. As long as you have the willingness to learn anything you need for the role that you don't already have, we'd love to speak to you.

What wed love for you to have:

• Degree level qualification in a Physical Science or Engineering Discipline (Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, etc.).
• Be numerate and able to demonstrate solid scientific and technical credentials and experience.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office: Outlook, Excel, Word and Power Point.
• Data manipulation and data reporting skills using Excel or other data visualisation tools.
• Being flexible with a positive attitude, and will be as at home working in a clean analytical scientific laboratory, as within a factory or construction industry location which might require undertaking physically challenging tasks in dirty, dusty and uncomfortable environments.
• Ability to display initiative, be autonomous and work conscientiously and productively
• Candidates must be able to demonstrate good practical tool-based skills, commensurate with typical laboratory environments.
• Fluent in English

If you have experience in the following areas this is an added advantage:

• Knowledge of advanced statistical testing, and experience of statistical tools (such as Minitab, JMP etc.)
• Previous laboratory experience
• Existing experience with any of the specialised testing techniques described in the previous section
• understanding of continuous improvement techniques, particularly 5S and workplace standardisation.
• Knowledge of any other languages, particularly French

We will provide:

As this is a central, international position, the package and associated benefits will be those of the contract's host country. Our common criterion was to build a comprehensive salary package that stands out in the market.

On top of that, a dedicated time for personal development and potential for leadership training will be provided.

What happens next?

We appreciate that your time is precious and applying for a new job can be a lengthy process - so we have committed to replying to your application within five working days.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion (D&I) reinforces our Knauf Insulation values of Making Tomorrow a Home for all of us. We are committed to creating a workplace where we all can thrive, whoever we are, and inspiring a culture of inclusion and innovation that will drive future business success. We do our best to make sure being at work feels like home. To learn more about our business and culture go here:People & Culture - Knauf Insulation UK

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