VRO Engineer - Compounding

DECIEM•Whitman, PA

10d

About The Position

Estée Lauder Companies at Whitman Laboratories is seeking a technically driven VRO Engineer to join its Technical Transfer team. Whitman Laboratories manufactures a fifth of the company’s global sales output. The role provides technical expertise across manufacturing projects, including transferring commercialised processes into the facility, moving processes between manufacturing equipment and kettle types or sizes, production support and troubleshooting, and Right First Time (RFT) improvement initiatives. The VRO Engineer works closely with R&D, Quality, Technical Services and Manufacturing to resolve manufacturing challenges, improve process robustness and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. The role includes leading technical investigations, supporting manufacturing on the floor, assessing process changes and reformulations, and translating technical learning and improvements into standardised procedures and ways of working. The engineer also collaborates with project managers and wider teams to help deliver projects on time, within budget and within scope.

Requirements

Degree in Chemical Engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience gained through a minimum of 5 years working in a compounding or mass manufacturing environment.
Strong knowledge of process development, ideally within cosmetic formulation or a similar manufacturing environment.
Experience investigating technical or manufacturing issues and applying root cause analysis techniques.
Ability to interpret manufacturing and batch information and translate findings into practical, sustainable improvements.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, including the ability to anticipate potential technical challenges.
Ability to quickly learn and develop knowledge in new technical fields, processes and technologies.
Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple functions.
Proactive and positive approach, with a can-do attitude and the ability to respond effectively to urgent priorities.
Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple activities and contribute to projects within agreed timelines.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and understanding of raw materials.

Responsibilities

Execute VRO activities and projects relating to the transfer and optimisation of manufacturing processes.
Provide technical expertise across assigned projects, anticipate potential issues, and develop appropriate plans and solutions.
Lead technical investigations into manufacturing issues, identify root causes, and develop sustainable corrective and preventative actions to minimise recurrence.
Analyse batch records and provide on-the-floor manufacturing support to investigate batch failures and validate technical interventions.
Support the transfer of commercialised processes into the manufacturing facility and the transfer of existing processes between different kettle types and sizes.
Provide technical expertise and onsite support for implementation and validation of reformulations, new production versions and process changes, assessing manufacturing requirements and process performance.
Identify process improvement opportunities using manufacturing performance data, technical observations, recurring issues and KPI trends.
Review manufacturing procedures and recommend improvements to process robustness, operational efficiency and standardisation.
Translate technical learning and successful improvements into standardised ways of working, procedures and knowledge-sharing.
Participate in project meetings and collaborate with project managers and wider project teams to deliver projects on time, within budget and within scope.
Build effective working relationships and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including R&D, Quality Assurance, Technical Services and Manufacturing.