EC&I Engineer in Nottingham

Phase Biolabs is a deep tech company building biomanufacturing platforms. We use engineered biocatalysts to convert waste and low-value feedstocks like CO2 into sustainable chemicals and fuels, starting with ethanol. Phase develops and scales these industrial bioprocesses from lab to pilot and commercialises them with industrial partners through retrofit models.

As our EC&I engineer, you will own the electrical, control and instrumentation side of our fermentation systems. You will be our technical lead for adjusting and maintaining existing systems and work with external engineering partners to design the control system as we scale our process. This will involve ensuring the design meets our process needs, then installing, commissioning and running it.

This position is for an experienced, hands-on engineer who wants to build, test and improve real systems. Your work will directly shape how our first commercial plant is designed and operated.

Your Responsibilities:

• Act as our technical point of contact with the external engineering company designing the control system and panels for our next fermentation systems.
• Work with our process team to define control and instrumentation requirements, and review design documents such as P&IDs, control narratives, I/O lists, schematics and instrument lists.
• Install, wire, calibrate and loop-check instruments, equipment and cabling, including in ATEX-zoned areas handling flammable gases.
• Support commissioning and handover of the new pilot, and help optimise it in early operation.
• Keep our current pilot running: maintain instruments, tune controllers and data logging, and make PLC changes.
• Help select and procure instruments and equipment, and coordinate contractors on site.
• Contribute to HAZOP and other safety reviews.
• Keep as-built drawings and equipment records up to date.

You Are Someone Who:

• Likes being in the plant room as much as at the desk.
• Takes ownership of a scope and sees it through.
• Treats safety as part of good engineering, not an afterthought.
• Enjoys working across disciplines rather than in one narrow specialism.
• Communicates clearly with people outside your discipline.

What a Successful Candidate Looks Like:

• An HNC/HND or degree in electrical, control and instrumentation or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent experience through an apprenticeship.
• 5+ years of hands-on EC&I, controls or instrumentation work in a process environment, such as chemical, energy, biotech, food or water.
• Has installed wiring, instruments and equipment in hazardous areas, with a working knowledge of ATEX/DSEAR zoning and how equipment is selected and installed for each zone.
• Reading and checking EC&I design documentation, and discussing it with design engineers.
• Hands-on with field instruments and controllers, including calibration and differential pressure measurement.
• A strong grasp of LV electrical controls: relay logic, contactors, overloads and inverters.
• PLC experience on any platform.
• Can read and modify electrical drawings in AutoCAD.

Nice to Have:

• CompEx certification.
• Pilot plant, R&D or new-process experience.
• Experience producing EC&I design documentation or control philosophies.
• Taking part in HAZOP/HAZID studies.

If this role excites you but your experience doesn't tick every box below, apply anyway — we're looking for the right person, not a perfect CV.

The Hiring Process:

We will review your cover letter and CV and invite you to an initial screening interview if we think you might be a good fit. Our process includes two additional interviews (30-45 minutes each). If successful, we will carry out referencing prior to making an offer. All interviews are remote. We endeavour to provide feedback to all interviewees. Applications are being considered on a rolling basis.

Cover Letter:

Include a brief cover letter explaining why you are interested in the job.

How to Apply:

Only applications received through our website will be reviewed. Please submit your application here: https://phasebiolabs.com/career.

Phase Biolabs is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from everyone and make hiring decisions based on skills, experience and potential. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

If you have any questions, please email the Phase Hiring Team at hr@phasebiolabs.com.