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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and scale-up of innovative chemical processes from lab to production.
- Company: Join a pioneering organisation focused on sustainable chemical technologies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, development opportunities, and a collaborative team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and mentorship opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in transforming the chemical sector with cutting-edge solutions.
- Qualifications: BSc in Chemical Engineering or related field; hands-on process development experience required.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Your new company
You will be joining an innovative organisation focused on developing sustainable chemical technologies. Operating at the intersection of research and industrial applications, this company is driving the development and scale-up of novel chemical processes. With access to cutting-edge facilities and a collaborative, multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to the transformation of early-stage concepts into commercially viable solutions.
Your new role
As a Principal / Director Process Development Engineer, you will lead the design, development, and scale-up of chemical processes from lab to pilot and production scale. You will play a key role in shaping the technology pipeline, optimising performance, and ensuring safe and efficient process execution.This is a hands-on technical leadership role requiring deep expertise in process engineering and a strategic mindset, that is permanent and based in London.
Main Responsibilities
Process & Technology Development:
- Develop and validate new process concepts using novel feedstocks, chemistries, and unit operations.
- Lead experimental planning and execution at lab and kilo-lab scale to inform scale-up strategies.
- Optimise processes for safety, performance, and sustainability using experimental and modelling tools.
Scale-Up & Project Execution:
- Translate lab-scale research into scalable operations, guiding progression through Pre-FEED, pilot, and production stages.
- Define key scale-up parameters and performance targets across development phases.
Equipment Design, Procurement & Commissioning:
- Lead specification, design, and commissioning of novel process equipment and unit operations.
- Collaborate with engineering partners to deliver fit-for-purpose solutions on time and within budget.
External Collaboration & Partnership Management:
- Manage relationships with external engineering service providers, vendors, and technology partners.
- Ensure alignment with project objectives and technical standards.
Innovation, Flexibility & Digital Enablement:
- Integrate emerging technologies and digital tools to enhance process development.
- Adapt to a range of development activities, from exploratory research to plant-scale implementation.
Leadership & Knowledge Sharing:
- Provide technical mentorship and strategic guidance to multidisciplinary teams.
- Champion knowledge transfer and documentation to support seamless transitions between development stages.
What you\’ll need to succeed
- BSc / BEng in Chemical Engineering, or a related subject (with higher degrees, eg MSc, MEng, PhD, EngD preferred) – or equivalent experience
- Significant hands-on experience in chemical process development and design within an industry context
- Proven success in scaling up processes, equipment design, and commissioning.
- Proficiency with process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen Plus).
- Strong understanding of unit operations including mixing, heat transfer, filtration, and bioreactors.
- Flexible, innovative, and effective communicator with strong leadership skills.
What you\’ll get in return
You\’ll have the chance to work within a close-knit, experienced team and make a real difference within a company that\’s looking to transform the sector and have a far-reaching impact on the global scale.You\’ll also get a number of progression and development opportunities and a good salary and benefits package.
What you need to do now
If you are interested in this role, please click \’apply now\’ to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. If this job isn\’t quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, feel free to reach out to us for guidance on your next career move.
Keywords: Principal, Director, Process, Development, Engineer, chemical, research, development, scale-up, pilot, plant, Aspen, operations, optimisation, design, commissioning, sustainability, London, biomaterial, innovation, biotech
Principal/Director Process Engineering employer: Hays
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal/Director Process Engineering
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to showcase your expertise in process engineering. Bring along examples of your past projects or even a portfolio if you have one. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges and made an impact in your previous roles!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their technology pipeline. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in scaling up processes and optimising performance. We believe that confidence and preparation can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in sustainable chemical technologies. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal/Director Process Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your hands-on experience in chemical process development and any relevant projects you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about sustainable chemical technologies. Share specific examples of how you've successfully scaled up processes or led teams in previous roles.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency with process simulation tools like Aspen Plus. We want to see how your technical expertise aligns with our needs for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of your application and ensures it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Processes Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the chemical processes relevant to the role. Brush up on your knowledge of unit operations like mixing, heat transfer, and filtration. Being able to discuss specific examples from your past experience will show that you're not just familiar with theory but can apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal/Director, you'll be expected to lead multidisciplinary teams. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully mentored others or led projects in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and adapt to different team dynamics.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Scale-Up Strategies
Since scaling up processes is a key part of this role, come prepared to talk about your experiences with translating lab-scale research into production. Think about the challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as well as any specific performance targets you've defined in previous projects.
✨Emphasise Innovation and Flexibility
This company values innovation, so be ready to discuss how you've integrated new technologies or digital tools into your work. Share examples of how you've adapted to changing project requirements or explored novel feedstocks and chemistries in your process development.