Research and development scientists often work together, especially when manufacturing new products. Product or process development scientists are needed within all manufacturing industries to work alongside research scientists to create innovative products and manufacturing processes.
Product development scientists work in the design of new and innovative product ideas and scientific discoveries. This can involve all types of products from drugs and pharmaceuticals to paint and fizzy drinks. Product development scientist will either come up with the original idea, or will devise alternative methods of production to improve an existing product.
Process development scientists work to improve the performance of production systems, to increase their productivity and efficiency. This can involve creating new procedures or modifying existing systems. They will visit manufacturing sites of all types, monitoring the performance and profitability of new systems and making alterations and giving advice where necessary.
Development scientists can work across many different areas of manufacturing, including:
Typical tasks of development scientists depend on whether they work in process or product development fields. Similarly, tasks vary depending on the area of manufacturing that they are employed in.
General tasks of both product and process development scientists could involve some of the following:
It is likely that product/process development scientists will be supervising a couple of different projects simultaneously, as some can take a long time to see through.