At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in advanced water and effluent treatment technologies.
- Company: Join Aqua Dynamics, a leader in industrial effluent consultancy and engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the oil & gas and petrochemical industries.
- Qualifications: Degree in Chemical Engineering and 8-10 years of relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Aqua Dynamics (Frischmann Process Technology) is a specialist consultancy and engineering group with over 30 years’ experience in the treatment of difficult industrial effluents, particularly within the oil & gas, petrochemical and process industries. We provide independent consultancy, pilot testing, engineering design and, in selected cases, turnkey plant delivery. Our work spans laboratory studies, pilot and demonstration trials, FEED, detailed engineering, commissioning, and long‑term technical support.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Chemical or Process Engineer to take on the role of Technical Director, providing strategic and technical leadership across our portfolio of advanced industrial water and effluent treatment technologies. This is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to the Group Board, and responsible for the full technical direction of the company's engineering and R&D activities. The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of chemical process engineering – from laboratory and pilot scale through to full commercial plant design and commissioning – combined with the ability to translate technical expertise into business outcomes: winning work, protecting IP, and delivering innovative solutions to clients in the oil & gas, petrochemical and process industries.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership & Strategy: Define and execute the company's chemical technology strategy, aligning R&D priorities with commercial objectives and market opportunities. Lead the development of novel and proprietary treatment technologies, including advanced oxidation, hydrothermal and membrane‑based systems. Maintain overall technical authority over all engineering deliverables: PFDs, P&IDs, equipment specifications, FEED documentation and commissioning strategies. Drive continuous improvement of existing proprietary technologies through structured R&D programmes and iterative field feedback.
- Plant Design, Engineering & Commissioning: Lead and approve the engineering design of industrial effluent treatment plants, from concept through to detailed design and commissioning. Oversee plant construction by manufacturing contractors, commissioning, and performance testing of new and upgraded treatment systems, ensuring client specifications and regulatory standards are met. Manage the development, review and approval of Standard Operating Procedures, Risk Management Plans, HAZOP/HAZID studies, RAMS and COSHH documentation. Support pilot plant operations and worldwide field trial deployments, including occasional overseas assignments. Identify opportunities for new technology development and protect proprietary innovations through appropriate legal and commercial mechanisms.
- Client Engagement & Business Development: Lead technical engagement with clients, presenting complex process solutions clearly and credibly at all stages of project development. Author and secure proposals for R&D grants, joint ventures, and technology investment programmes. Prepare CAPEX/OPEX projections, pre-FEED and FEED documentation, and technical content for commercial proposals and tender submissions. Originate, draft and progress patent applications in coordination with patent attorneys; manage the company's IP portfolio.
- Team Leadership: Recruit, mentor and manage a multi‑disciplinary technical team spanning R&D, process engineering and field operations. Direct internal teams and external contractors across engineering, laboratory, and site‑based activities. Uphold the highest standards of health, safety, and environmental compliance across all activities.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
- Minimum of a Degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering or Physical Science.
- Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in chemical or process engineering, with significant time at senior or principal engineer level.
- Demonstrable experience in industrial and oil & gas effluent treatment at pilot and commercial scale.
- Proven track record in leading engineering design from FEED through to commissioning and handover.
- Excellent technical writing skills: proposals, reports, FEED packages and client deliverables.
Desirable:
- Experience securing funding through Innovate UK, UKRI, or equivalent grant bodies.
- Familiarity with upstream or downstream oil & gas process environments.
- Experience with high‑pressure and/or high‑temperature process systems.
- Experience managing EPC interfaces and client‑facing project delivery.
- Working knowledge of HAZOP, HAZID and formal safety assessment methodologies.
Location and Working Pattern
The normal place of work is Milton Keynes. UK travel for meetings and site work will be required, together with occasional overseas assignments to support client trials and demonstration plant operations. Standard working hours are 8 hours per day with flexibility; occasional out‑of‑hours work may be required depending on project and plant operational needs.
Training and Development
Full training will be provided on the operation of our specialist test rigs, pilot plants and proprietary treatment technologies. The role offers significant exposure to advanced industrial wastewater challenges and the opportunity to develop expertise across the full project lifecycle, from R&D through to commercial implementation.
Technical Director – Advanced Water & Effluent Treatment in Milton Keynes employer: Frischmann Process Technology Ltd.
Aqua Dynamics (Frischmann Process Technology) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Milton Keynes where innovation meets expertise in advanced water and effluent treatment. With over 30 years of industry experience, we provide our employees with extensive training and development opportunities, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth, coupled with the chance to lead cutting-edge projects in the oil & gas and petrochemical sectors, makes us an attractive choice for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
Contact Details:
Frischmann Process Technology Ltd. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Director – Advanced Water & Effluent Treatment in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their projects, values, and recent news. This way, when you walk into that interview, you’ll impress them with your knowledge and enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable with common questions. We want you to feel confident and ready to showcase your skills and experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Director – Advanced Water & Effluent Treatment in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in chemical and process engineering. Focus on relevant projects, especially those related to industrial effluent treatment, and showcase your leadership skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Technical Director role. Share specific examples of how you've led engineering design projects and engaged with clients to deliver innovative solutions.
Showcase Your Technical Writing Skills:Since excellent technical writing is essential for this role, include samples of proposals, reports, or any technical documents you've authored. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Frischmann Process Technology Ltd.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your chemical and process engineering knowledge, especially in relation to advanced water and effluent treatment technologies. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, particularly those involving pilot and commercial scale operations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Technical Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage projects effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led engineering design from FEED through to commissioning, and be ready to discuss your approach to mentoring and managing multi-disciplinary teams.
✨Understand the Business Side
This role isn't just about technical expertise; it's also about translating that into business outcomes. Familiarise yourself with how to prepare CAPEX/OPEX projections and proposals for R&D grants. Be prepared to discuss how you've engaged clients and secured funding in the past.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth technical questions related to HAZOP, HAZID, and other safety assessment methodologies. Brush up on your knowledge of these processes and be ready to explain how you've applied them in previous roles, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.
