Job Description
About Bluemethane
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Bluemethane's mission is to prevent one billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from water. We do this with technology that measures methane, captures methane, and uses recovered methane, to turn a potent greenhouse gas into a clean-energy opportunity. We work at the intersection of environmental engineering, process development, and climate impact.
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About the Role
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You will be responsible for the quality of our experimental testing, the quality of the data analysis and the highest experimental standards. This is a hands-on experimental engineering role at the heart of our technology development and optimisation programme. You will design, build, and run laboratory and pilot-scale experiments focused on methane and recovery from wastewater, and translate those findings into engineering improvements across our technology platform.
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The role spans the full experimental cycle: from rig design and instrumentation through data acquisition, analytical measurement (including operation of our gas chromotographer), QA/QC, and reporting. You will work closely with engineers and scientists across our fast-moving science-first environment, and be expected to travel up to 50% of your time to support field tests and sampling campaigns.
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Key Responsibilities
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Experimental Design & Execution
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- Design, build, operate, and maintain experimental systems across multiple scales — from microscale and laboratory rigs to prototype, pilot plant and demonstration scale systems.
- Develop test protocols and experimental plans aligned with technology development milestones.
- Instrument rigs and configure data-acquisition systems; select and integrate appropriate sensors and transducers.
- Evaluate fluid flow, mass transfer, methane capture efficiency, and overall process performance.
- Troubleshoot experimental inconsistencies and resolve instrument or process faults.
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Analytical Measurement
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- Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot the gas chromatography system used for gas analysis.
- Ensure analytical results are reliable, traceable, and fit for decision-making.
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Data Analysis & Reporting
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- Analyse experimental results using modelling, statistics, and uncertainty quantification.
- Design reporting forms and maintain clear experimental records.
- Summarise findings in technical reports, recommendations, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
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Quality, Safety & Documentation
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- Implement QA/QC procedures across experimental and sampling activities, including equipment calibration, method validation, and data verification.
- Maintain safe working practices in laboratory, workshop, and pilot-plant environments, in line with COSHH, PSSR, and relevant site safety requirements.
- Support lab development, including procurement and commissioning of new equipment.
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Collaboration
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- Work closely with Bluemethane engineers on continuous improvement for new and forthcoming experimental projects.
- Maintain proactive communication with the team through meetings, documentation, and project management tools.
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Qualifications & Experience
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Essential
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- MSc, MEng, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Strong grounding in fluid dynamics, mass transfer, and separation processes.
- Demonstrated experience designing, planning, and executing experiments at laboratory or pilot scale.
- Hands-on experience with rig construction, sensors, pumps, instrumentation, and DAQ systems.
- Experience with QA/QC practices for experimental work, including calibration, method validation, and data traceability.
- Proficiency in data analysis, statistics, uncertainty analysis, and interpretation of experimental results.
- Experience working safely with chemicals, pressurised systems, and process equipment.
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Desirable
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- Experience operating or maintaining gas chromatography systems, or other analytical instruments for gas or dissolved-phase measurements.
- Familiarity with dissolved gas analysis or gas–liquid mass transfer processes.
- Experience at pilot-plant or field scale.
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Professional Skills
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- Clear written and verbal communicator — able to document and present technical findings to multidisciplinary teams.
- Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and a commitment to reliable, traceable data.
- Proactive problem-solver with a practical, hands-on approach.
- Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-moving R&D environment where priorities can shift.
- Collaborative and effective across scientific, engineering, and operational teams.
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Working Conditions — Please Read Before Applying
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This role involves regular hands-on work with wastewater and sewage sludge treatment processes. Candidates should be comfortable working in environments that include contact with wastewater, sludge, and associated odours as a routine part of fieldwork and sampling activities.
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Working Mode
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- Location: On-site at Cranfield University, Bedfordshire
- Travel: Up to 50% for field tests and sampling campaigns (UK and potentially international)
- Salary: £32,000–£38,000 per year, depending on experience
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R&D Process Engineer - Methane Capture in City of London employer: Bluemethane
Bluemethane is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among its team members. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the company provides ample opportunities for professional development and training in cutting-edge technologies. Located in a vibrant area, employees enjoy a supportive environment that values safety and compliance, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful projects in methane recovery systems.
