Process / Production Engineer
Location: Wilton, Teesside
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Industry: Chemical Manufacturing / Process Industries
Recruiter: Recruit-i
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, typically 08:00-16:30, with additional flexibility as operationally required
The Opportunity
Recruit-i is recruiting on behalf of an established industrial manufacturing client for an experienced Process / Production Engineer to join its operations at Wilton, Teesside.
Based at a relatively modern chemical manufacturing facility, this permanent opportunity offers the chance to join a small, technically capable engineering team where individual contributions have a direct impact on operational performance.
Unlike larger engineering departments, this is a lean team of just three, including this position, reporting to the Senior Process Engineer.
The successful candidate will have considerable autonomy, working closely with operations, maintenance and other engineering disciplines to identify problems, develop practical solutions and deliver measurable improvements.
A key attraction of this position is that approximately 40-50% of the role will focus on process optimisation, production efficiencies and continuous improvement.
We are particularly interested in speaking with engineers who enjoy being actively involved in plant operations rather than working solely in a design, reporting or compliance-focused capacity.
Key Responsibilities
Process Optimisation & Continuous Improvement
- Identify and implement improvements to plant performance, efficiency and reliability.
- Analyse production data to improve yield, throughput, energy consumption and operational stability.
- Lead structured problem-solving and root cause analysis to address recurring operational issues.
- Identify opportunities to reduce downtime, improve operating efficiency and optimise production processes.
- Work collaboratively with operations teams to translate engineering recommendations into practical improvements.
Operational & Technical Support
- Provide hands‑on engineering support to a continuously operating manufacturing facility.
- Work closely with shift operations, maintenance, EC&I and other engineering disciplines.
- Troubleshoot process‑related issues, identifying causes and implementing effective solutions.
- Support plant start‑up, shutdown, commissioning and operational readiness activities.
- Take ownership of assigned process areas and provide technical guidance to operational personnel.
Process Safety & Compliance
- Support compliance with COMAH regulations, environmental permits and site safety requirements.
- Participate in HAZOP, LOPA, DSEAR and other process safety studies.
- Support Management of Change (MOC) processes and technical risk assessments.
- Contribute to incident investigations, root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Maintain and update P&IDs, process documentation and operating procedures.
Engineering Projects & Plant Improvements
- Provide technical input into capital expenditure and plant improvement projects.
- Support the development and implementation of engineering modifications.
- Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams, contractors and technology providers.
- Evaluate technical solutions, operational benefits and potential cost savings.
About You
Ideally, you will have 5-10 years' experience in chemical manufacturing, process engineering or a comparable continuous-process industrial environment.
You will be technically capable, commercially aware of the impact of operational efficiencies and confident working independently.
Essential Requirements
- Degree in Chemical Engineering or Process Engineering.
- Practical experience in a chemical manufacturing or comparable process plant environment.
- Strong understanding of production processes, plant optimisation and continuous improvement.
- Ability to analyse operating data, diagnose technical issues and implement practical improvements.
- Knowledge of process safety principles and relevant engineering standards.
- Confidence working independently and collaboratively across engineering and operational teams.
- A proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused approach.
Desirable Experience
- Previous experience within a COMAH-regulated manufacturing facility, ideally Top Tier.
- Exposure to HAZOP, LOPA, DSEAR and Management of Change procedures.
- Experience involving distillation, fermentation or other continuous chemical processes.
- Experience supporting capital projects, commissioning or plant modifications.
- Familiarity with environmental permitting and functional safety requirements.
The Working Environment
This is a hands‑on engineering position within a manufacturing facility operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Normal working hours are typically 08:00-16:30, although flexibility is essential to respond to operational requirements, including occasional support outside normal hours.
The nature of the operation means priorities can change quickly. We are therefore looking for an engineer who is comfortable adapting to changing circumstances, balancing planned improvement initiatives with emerging operational challenges.
This position is particularly suited to someone who enjoys variety, takes personal responsibility and wants to see the direct results of their engineering decisions.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
- Permanent position within an established industrial manufacturing business.
- Relatively modern production facility compared with many longstanding Teesside industrial sites.
- Small engineering team offering genuine responsibility, autonomy and visibility.
- Approximately 40-50% of the role dedicated to optimisation, efficiency and continuous improvement.
- Opportunity to work closely with operations and multiple engineering disciplines.
- Varied technical challenges and the ability to influence plant performance directly.
- Opportunity to develop professionally within a complex industrial manufacturing environment.
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Process / Production Engineer employer: Recruit-i
Join a leading specialist construction contractor in Teesside, where you will play a pivotal role in delivering a major energy infrastructure project. Our company fosters a dynamic work culture that prioritises hands-on leadership and collaboration, offering extensive opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive environment. With a focus on innovation and excellence, we empower our employees to challenge the status quo and drive impactful results, making us an exceptional employer in the construction industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Process / Production Engineer
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Recruit-i, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Recruit-i specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruit-i
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Recruit-i, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Recruit-i value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
