R Process Engineer – Methane Capture

p strong About Bluemethane /strong /p p Bluemethanes 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. /p p br /p p strong About the Role /strong /p p 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. /p p 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. /p p br /p p strong Key Responsibilities /strong /p p strong Experimental Design Execution /strong /p ul li Design, build, operate, and maintain experimental systems across multiple scales — from microscale and laboratory rigs to prototype, pilot plant and demonstration scale systems. /li li Develop test protocols and experimental plans aligned with technology development milestones. /li li Instrument rigs and configure data-acquisition systems; select and integrate appropriate sensors and transducers. /li li Evaluate fluid flow, mass transfer, methane capture efficiency, and overall process performance. /li li Troubleshoot experimental inconsistencies and resolve instrument or process faults. /li /ul p strong Analytical Measurement /strong /p ul li Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot the gas chromatography system used for gas analysis. /li li Ensure analytical results are reliable, traceable, and fit for decision-making. /li /ul p strong Data Analysis Reporting /strong /p ul li Analyse experimental results using modelling, statistics, and uncertainty quantification. /li li Design reporting forms and maintain clear experimental records. /li li Summarise findings in technical reports, recommendations, and presentations for internal and external audiences. /li /ul p strong Quality, Safety Documentation /strong /p ul li Implement QA/QC procedures across experimental and sampling activities, including equipment calibration, method validation, and data verification. /li li Maintain safe working practices in laboratory, workshop, and pilot-plant environments, in line with COSHH, PSSR, and relevant site safety requirements. /li li Support lab development, including procurement and commissioning of new equipment. /li /ul p strong Collaboration /strong /p ul li Work closely with Bluemethane engineers on continuous improvement for new and forthcoming experimental projects. /li li Maintain proactive communication with the team through meetings, documentation, and project management tools. /li /ul p br /p p strong Qualifications Experience /strong /p p strong Essential /strong /p ul li MSc, MEng, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline. /li li Strong grounding in fluid dynamics, mass transfer, and separation processes. /li li Demonstrated experience designing, planning, and executing experiments at laboratory or pilot scale. /li li Hands-on experience with rig construction, sensors, pumps, instrumentation, and DAQ systems. /li li Experience with QA/QC practices for experimental work, including calibration, method validation, and data traceability. /li li Proficiency in data analysis, statistics, uncertainty analysis, and interpretation of experimental results. /li li Experience working safely with chemicals, pressurised systems, and process equipment. /li /ul p strong Desirable /strong /p ul li Experience operating or maintaining gas chromatography systems, or other analytical instruments for gas or dissolved-phase measurements. /li li Familiarity with dissolved gas analysis or gas–liquid mass transfer processes. /li li Experience at pilot-plant or field scale. /li /ul p br /p p strong Professional Skills /strong /p ul li Clear written and verbal communicator — able to document and present technical findings to multidisciplinary teams. /li li Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and a commitment to reliable, traceable data. /li li Proactive problem-solver with a practical, hands-on approach. /li li Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-moving R D environment where priorities can shift. /li li Collaborative and effective across scientific, engineering, and operational teams. /li /ul p br /p p strong Working Conditions — Please Read Before Applying /strong /p p 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. /p p br /p p strong Working Mode /strong /p ul li Location: On-site at Cranfield University, Bedfordshire /li li Travel: Up to 50% for field tests and sampling campaigns (UK and potentially international) /li li Salary: £32,000–£38,000 per year, depending on experience /li /ul p br /p