JOB TITLE
Lead NPI & Process Engineer

JOB SUMMARY
An exciting opportunity for a hands-on and experienced engineer to take ownership of scaling innovative manufacturing processes for cutting-edge synthetic medical models.

This senior-level leadership role is perfect for someone who thrives in complex manufacturing environments, and is ready to Lead the transition from prototyping to high-volume production.

LOCATION
North Melbourne, VIC

BENEFITS

Competitive salary package (negotiable - based on experience)

Employee Share Options Program (ESOP)

Ground-floor opportunity to help shape a growing business

Work in a passionate, cross-functional team focused on real-world impact

Contribute to an ethical mission - eliminating the need for animal models in surgical training

ROLE/DESCRIPTION
A rapidly growing medtech company is seeking a Lead NPI & Process Engineer to lead the scale-up of its proprietary hydrogel and synthetic tissue model manufacturing lines. These high-fidelity models provide surgeons with a realistic, cruelty-free alternative to cadaver and animal-based training.

This role is ideal for a results-driven engineer with demonstrated experience in leading production scale-up, tool design, and process optimisation in an industry setting. The successful candidate will lead efforts to grow production capacity 5–8x over the next 12 months - while ensuring product quality, efficiency, and team performance.

Key responsibilities include:

Leading the transition from R&D prototypes to scalable manufacturing processes

Designing and implementing tools, jigs, and semi-automated processes to optimise throughput

Managing production planning in line with commercial forecasts

Collaborating with internal R&D, external partners, and end-users (including surgeons and med-tech firms)

Coaching junior engineers and fostering a continuous improvement culture

Delivering outcomes on time and within scope as a key contributor to company growth

This is a full-time contract role (6 months) with the intention to become permanent based on performance and fit.

REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Process, Biomedical, or Chemical) or equivalent

Minimum 5 years’ hands-on experience in a manufacturing or product development environment (essential)

Experience working in startups, medtech, or regulated environments is highly regarded

Previous industry experience within Life Sciences

Proven experience in NPI, process optimisation, and scaling production lines

Strong tooling and production planning knowledge; familiarity with injection molding, vacuum casting or similar techniques is highly valued

Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent process improvement training (desirable)

Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills

Able to work independently and take ownership of complex challenges

Must have full and unrestricted working rights in Australia (Australian PR or Citizenship required)

ABOUT i-PHARM CONSULTING

i-Pharm Consulting is a specialist Recruitment Company servicing the global Life Sciences industry. We provide both permanent and contract staff to a wide range of Pharmaceutical, Medical Device, Biotechnology and Contract Research Organisations (CROs). i-Pharm has specific expertise in Clinical Research, Sales & Marketing, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Pharmacovigilance, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain & Logistics and Bioinformatics.

www.i-pharmconsulting.com

TO APPLY

If you would like to discuss this vacancy further, please call call Recruitment Consultant Gemma on 02 8310 5852 or email [email protected]
If this role is not suitable, Gemma is also available to discuss other possible positions or answer any general questions regarding your career and the current market.