Principal Process Engineer
Principal Process Engineer

Principal Process Engineer

Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the engineering scale-up of innovative cleantech processes and oversee pilot plant development.
  • Company: Join a pioneering cleantech organisation focused on sustainable solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 37 days holiday, and flexible working options.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the cleantech sector while shaping engineering strategies.
  • Qualifications: Significant process engineering experience and proven leadership in scale-up projects.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with strong growth opportunities and direct access to senior leadership.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

CT19 is working with an emerging cleantech organisation focused on advancing sustainable solutions for complex materials. With applications across multiple industrial sectors, the business is developing scalable technologies designed to reduce waste and support circularity. The company is entering a critical growth phase, moving from pilot operations toward full-scale deployment, with strong backing from leading investors in the climate and deep-tech space.

This is a senior engineering leadership role at the heart of a pilot-scale programme, responsible for driving the scale-up of a novel chemical process from development unit through to full pilot plant and beyond. You will lead the engineering function, overseeing plant build, commissioning and optimisation, while shaping the broader scale-up strategy in collaboration with senior leadership. This role combines deep technical expertise with programme and team leadership, requiring someone who is equally comfortable on the plant floor, in design reviews, and contributing to strategic decision-making.

Principal Process Engineer responsibilities
  • Pilot Programme Leadership
    • Lead the build, commissioning and development of pilot plant assets, owning delivery end-to-end
    • Define engineering workstreams, milestones and delivery plans for the scale-up programme
    • Align engineering activities with broader technology and commercial strategy
    • Communicate technical progress, risks and decisions to senior stakeholders
  • Scale-Up & Process Development
    • Own the transition from lab-scale understanding to pilot-scale implementation
    • Ensure scale-up decisions are data-driven, robust and future-proofed for full-scale deployment
    • Drive continuous improvement in process performance, reliability and efficiency
  • Process Design & Engineering Authority
    • Own and review process engineering documentation (PFDs, P&IDs, mass and energy balances, equipment specifications)
    • Act as the technical authority on process design decisions
    • Oversee specification and selection of key process equipment
  • Process Safety & Compliance
    • Lead and chair HAZOP studies and risk assessments
    • Own process safety documentation and ensure regulatory compliance
    • Embed a strong safety-first engineering culture across the team
  • Team Leadership & Development
    • Lead and develop a multi-disciplinary engineering team
    • Set technical standards and support capability development
    • Foster a hands-on, delivery-focused and collaborative culture
Principal Process Engineer requirements
  • Significant experience in process engineering within industrial environments (e.g. chemicals, materials, pharma)
  • Proven track record of leading scale-up, plant build or commissioning programmes
  • Strong experience in process design and engineering documentation
  • Demonstrated leadership of HAZOP and process safety activities
  • Experience working across different stages of scale (lab to pilot to production)
  • People leadership experience, with the ability to develop and lead engineering teams
  • Chartered Engineer (or working toward)
Desirable:
  • Experience with chemically complex or solvent-based processes
  • Exposure to circular economy technologies
  • Experience commissioning new plant from design through to operation
  • Familiarity with construction and design safety regulations (e.g. CDM)
  • Experience in early-stage or scale-up environments

Why Apply?

  • Lead the engineering scale-up of a novel cleantech process at a critical stage
  • High level of ownership, autonomy and technical influence
  • Direct access to senior leadership and input into technology strategy
  • Opportunity to build and shape the engineering function from the ground up
  • Competitive salary and strong benefits package

Additional Information: 37 days holiday (including bank holidays), Flexible working options available, Equal opportunities employer.

Principal Process Engineer employer: CT19

Join a pioneering cleantech organisation that is at the forefront of sustainable innovation, where you will play a vital role in leading the engineering scale-up of novel processes. With a strong commitment to employee development and a collaborative work culture, you will enjoy significant autonomy and direct access to senior leadership, all while contributing to meaningful solutions that support circularity. The company offers a competitive salary, a generous holiday allowance, and flexible working options, making it an excellent employer for those seeking impactful and rewarding careers in a dynamic environment.
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Contact Detail:

CT19 Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Process Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to process engineering. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your responses.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your expertise! Bring along a portfolio of your past projects or case studies that highlight your experience in scale-up and process design. We love seeing tangible evidence of your skills in action.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the cleantech space.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Process Engineer

Process Engineering
Pilot Plant Development
Scale-Up Strategy
Engineering Documentation (PFDs, P&IDs)
Process Safety Management
HAZOP Studies
Team Leadership
Technical Authority
Data-Driven Decision Making
Continuous Improvement
Regulatory Compliance
Construction and Design Safety Regulations
Chemically Complex Processes
Circular Economy Technologies

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Principal Process Engineer. Highlight your experience in process engineering, scale-up projects, and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission in cleantech!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about sustainable solutions and how your skills can help us advance our technologies. Be sure to mention specific experiences that relate to the job description.

Showcase Your Technical Expertise: In your application, don’t shy away from detailing your technical skills. Whether it's your experience with PFDs, HAZOP studies, or plant commissioning, we want to know how you can contribute to our engineering function and scale-up strategy.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at CT19

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your process engineering knowledge, especially around scale-up and plant commissioning. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've led and the technical challenges you faced. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Since this role involves leading a multi-disciplinary team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your approach to fostering collaboration and developing talent within your team, as well as any strategies you've used to maintain a safety-first culture.

✨Align with Their Vision

Research the company's focus on sustainable solutions and circular economy technologies. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for their mission and how your background aligns with their goals. This will demonstrate that you're not only a fit for the role but also passionate about what they do.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect to dive deep into technical discussions, especially around process design documentation like PFDs and P&IDs. Brush up on your knowledge of mass and energy balances, and be ready to explain your decision-making process in previous projects. This will help you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.

Principal Process Engineer
CT19

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