At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise biogas systems, ensuring efficient performance and compliance.
- Company: Avena Fuels, a pioneering cleantech company transforming waste into sustainable energy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and the chance to shape innovative technology.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career advancement in a fast-growing sector.
- Why this job: Join a groundbreaking team and make a real impact on sustainable fuel production.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in process engineering, especially in biogas or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Avena Fuels is developing RIAB (RefineryInABox) technology to convert agricultural waste into biogas and sustainable aviation fuel through modular, containerised systems. Our approach replaces traditional permanent construction with factory‑fabricated ISO shipping container modules, enabling rapid deployment across livestock farms, food processing facilities and agricultural operations throughout the UK and internationally.
We are building the UK's first containerised biogas‑to‑BioMethane demonstration facility and have a pipeline of commercial deployments planned across the UK, EU, US and Middle East. Our technology addresses the urgent need for decentralised waste processing while producing valuable chemical feedstocks for sustainable fuel production.
We are seeking a Process Engineer to join our technical team and play a central role in the design, commissioning, and operational support of RIAB facilities. You will work across the full project lifecycle, from process design and equipment specification through to commissioning supervision and performance optimisation. This is a hands‑on technical role with significant variety. You will collaborate with equipment suppliers, support site partnerships, and help establish the engineering standards that will underpin our commercial scale‑up. As we grow, there is clear opportunity to develop into a senior technical leadership position.
What You Will Do
- Develop and validate process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagrams, and equipment specifications for containerised biogas‑to‑syngas systems.
- Perform mass and energy balance calculations to verify system performance and identify optimisation opportunities.
- Support equipment procurement by evaluating supplier proposals and reviewing technical specifications for anaerobic digestion systems, biogas cleaning equipment, and steam methane reformers.
- Participate in HAZOP studies and safety assessments, ensuring compliance with DSEAR and relevant HSE regulations.
- Lead or support Environment Agency permit applications and ongoing regulatory compliance.
- Supervise commissioning activities from cold start‑up through performance testing, verifying syngas composition, conversion efficiency, and system availability against design specifications.
- Provide technical support to operational sites, troubleshooting process issues and implementing performance improvements.
- Contribute to the development of standardised RIAB module designs for commercial deployment.
What We Are Looking For
A chemical or process engineer with a minimum of five years’ experience in anaerobic digestion, biogas upgrading, gas reforming, or related process industries. You should be comfortable developing process flow diagrams, sizing equipment, and validating mass and energy balances. Technical knowledge we value includes biological process control for mesophilic or thermophilic digestion, hydrogen sulphide removal and gas conditioning systems, steam methane reforming thermodynamics and catalyst management, and syngas composition and quality requirements.
Experience with HAZOP participation, DSEAR compliance, and Environment Agency permitting would be highly valuable. We particularly want to hear from candidates who have worked through at least one facility commissioning from cold start‑up through performance verification. A degree in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, or a related discipline is expected. Chartered Engineer status or progress towards it would be desirable but is not essential. Candidates from the biogas sector, industrial gas processing, hydrogen production, or water treatment industries would be well suited. Any experience with containerised, modular, or skid‑mounted process systems would be particularly relevant to our deployment model.
What We Offer
The opportunity to shape the technical direction of a growing cleantech company at an early stage. Direct involvement in deploying the UK's first containerised waste‑to‑syngas technology. A collaborative environment where your expertise will directly influence project outcomes. Competitive salary and benefits package. Flexible working arrangements with a mix of office‑based work, supplier visits, and site presence during key project phases.
Location
This role is based in hybrid with regular travel to project sites and equipment suppliers across the UK. During commissioning phases, extended site presence will be required.
To Apply
Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter explaining your relevant experience and interest in the role.
Process Engineer (Biogas and Bio-Methane Specialist) employer: Avena Fuels
Avena Fuels Ltd is an exceptional employer for those passionate about sustainable technology and innovation in the biogas sector. With a collaborative work culture that encourages hands-on involvement and direct influence on project outcomes, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional growth within a pioneering cleantech company. Join us in shaping the future of waste processing and sustainable fuel production in a dynamic environment that values your expertise and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Process Engineer (Biogas and Bio-Methane Specialist)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to highlight your experience in biogas and bio-methane processes.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! During interviews, share specific examples of your work with anaerobic digestion or commissioning processes. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Avena Fuels.
We think you need these skills to ace Process Engineer (Biogas and Bio-Methane Specialist)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Process Engineer role. Highlight your experience in anaerobic digestion and biogas upgrading, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about biogas technology and how your background makes you a great fit for Avena Fuels. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills, especially in process flow diagrams and mass balance calculations. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know what you bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Avena Fuels.
How to prepare for a job interview at Avena Fuels
✨Know Your Process Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of anaerobic digestion, biogas upgrading, and gas reforming. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially any that involved commissioning from cold start-up. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Get Familiar with RIAB Technology
Since Avena Fuels is focused on containerised systems, it’s a good idea to understand their RIAB technology. Research how modular systems work and think about how your skills can contribute to their deployment model. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and the company.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about process flow diagrams, mass and energy balances, and HAZOP studies. Practise explaining these concepts clearly and concisely, as you might need to walk through your thought process during the interview. Being able to articulate your technical knowledge will set you apart.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This role involves collaboration with suppliers and site partnerships, so be prepared to discuss your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you’ve worked effectively in teams, especially in high-pressure situations like commissioning phases. Highlighting your ability to work well with others will resonate with the interviewers.
