Technical Chemical Engineer

QM Recycled Energy (QMRE) is at the beginning of a programme to establish a network of plastic waste-2-oil systems in the UK and Republic of Ireland, which, utilising pyrolysis technology, turns the plastic waste back into its component part, oil. With further processing, the oil is turned back into new and renewable plastic, thus lessening the need for virgin plastics and helping to eliminate plastic waste. The first site in the planned network is QMRE’s 25,000 square-foot Head Office and development factory at Hoo, Rochester, Kent. To assist QMRE on this exciting and environmentally friendly journey, we require a Technical Chemical Engineer to focus on optimising and maintaining the chemical systems involved in the process of converting plastic waste into oil.

Pyrolysis is a thermal decomposition process that breaks down plastics at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen, producing valuable by-products such as fuel oil, gas, and carbon black. Here are key aspects of the role in such an operation:

• Key Responsibilities:

• Process Design & Optimisation: Develop and optimise chemical processes involved in plastic waste pyrolysis, focusing on maximising oil yield, efficiency, and product quality.
• Pilot Plant Support: Support and oversee pilot plant operations, ensuring smooth implementation of pyrolysis processes, and analyse operational data to troubleshoot and improve processes.
• Material and Energy Balances: Conduct material and energy balance calculations, evaluate system performance, and make recommendations for improvements in process energy efficiency and material usage.
• Technology Implementation: Coordinate the scale-up of pyrolysis technology from pilot stages to full-scale commercial operations, ensuring proper integration of systems and technologies.
• Research & Development: Conduct research on new catalytic processes, feedstock options, and operational improvements to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of the pyrolysis operation.
• Quality Control & Safety: Ensure that safety protocols are followed during operations. Conduct quality assurance testing on products to meet regulatory standards and customer specifications.
• Environmental Compliance: Ensure that operations meet environmental regulations, minimising emissions and managing waste products in compliance with local laws and standards.
• Team Collaboration & Reporting: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical engineers, environmental scientists, and operations staff. Provide regular technical reports and presentations to management, stakeholders, and clients.

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 3-5 years of experience in chemical engineering, with at least 2 years of experience working with pyrolysis processes, waste management, or energy recovery technologies.

• Strong understanding of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and process simulation.
• Experience with pyrolysis or similar thermochemical conversion technologies.
• Proficiency in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) and laboratory analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of material and energy balance calculations.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for cross-functional teamwork.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations and sustainability practices in the waste-to-energy sector.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects.

• Experience in plastic recycling or waste-to-energy projects.
• Familiarity with catalytic processes, thermal kettle design, and scale-up techniques.
• Understanding of product separation and upgrading technologies (e.g., distillation, refining).