Deciding on experimental procedures and then co-ordinating, setting up and running them. Implementing profit improvement programmes. Writing technical progress reports and cost estimates. Dealing with subsequent production problems. Wide range of manufacturing companies, but vacancies most frequently occur in food, pharmaceutical, toiletries and detergents, electronics and materials industries.
Capital costs are high for the latter.
It may be desirable to join a professional association and seek chartered status. Career development Experience can lead to project or group management. The salary data was collected in Aug 99 Higher salaries are possible for highly relevant postgraduate qualifications. There are variations also by location, sector and size of the organisation. Working hours and conditions Typically includes mainly 9-5 possibly with some extra hours Working hours may be extended and be irregular during critical development phases or when problems arise.