Principal Process Engineer
Principal Process Engineer

Principal Process Engineer

Milton Keynes Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead process optimisation and safety at Allerton Waste Recovery Park.
  • Company: Thalia Waste Management innovates waste-to-energy solutions across multiple UK sites.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a bonus scheme, pension contributions, private medical cover, and flexible benefits.
  • Why this job: Join a strategic role that drives sustainability and innovation in waste management.
  • Qualifications: Chartered engineer with experience in operational settings and strong analytical skills required.
  • Other info: We value diversity and offer flexible working arrangements for all.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Allerton Waste Recovery Park, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Job Description

Posted Tuesday 5 August 2025 at 00:00 | Expires Sunday 24 August 2025 at 23:59

At Thalia, we’re looking for a Principal Process Engineer to join our senior site team and drive excellence across our operation at Allerton Waste Recovery Park. This is a career-defining opportunity for a chartered engineer with a flair for optimisation, a deep technical background, and the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse functions.

The Role

As Principal Process Engineer, you\’ll be the technical authority on process performance across your site – leading root cause analysis, influencing capital project design, and driving operational sustainability. You’ll also play a pivotal role in process safety, performance reporting, regulatory support, and innovation. This is a visible, strategic position where your engineering insight directly informs decision-making, investment cases, and continuous improvement at scale.

  • Location: Allerton Waste Recovery Park, Moor Lane, Knaresborough, HG5 0SD

The Responsibilities

  • Be the site expert in process technology and performance.
  • Optimise plant operations for cost-effectiveness, stability, and sustainability.
  • Investigate and resolve process-related issues through root cause analysis.
  • Lead the development and ownership of Process Safety Management and Management of Change.
  • Translate data into performance planning, improvement actions, and business insight.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders across operations, maintenance, compliance, and procurement.

The Person

  • You are a chartered engineer with:
  • Experience as a Principal Engineer in an operational setting.
  • Hands-on understanding of risk management, process control, and unit operations.
  • A pragmatic mindset, able to solve complex problems and communicate technical issues clearly.
  • Strong analytical, interpersonal, and planning skills.
  • An ability to draw insight from other sectors and apply it to waste and energy operations.

Benefits

  • Entry into Company bonus scheme – up to 10%
  • Contributory pension up to 8%
  • Private medical cover (single)
  • Company car or car allowance (£493 per month)
  • 25 days annual leave
  • Annual opportunity to buy additional annual leave (up to 5 days)
  • Life assurance: 4 x annual salary
  • Flexible benefits through Bravo Benefits, including health, wellbeing, and lifestyle options.
  • Free parking

Our Business

At Thalia Waste Management, we are creating a future to be proud of. We develop innovative waste-to-energy solutions across our four strategic sites in North Yorkshire, Milton Keynes, Cambridgeshire, and the Isle of Wight. Our technologies include mechanical and biological treatment, energy from waste, recycling, in-vessel composting, thermal treatment, small-scale energy solutions, and anaerobic digestion. We process approximately 300,000 tonnes of waste annually, generating energy equivalent to about 600 million solar panels, and recycle around 95,000 tonnes of waste yearly.

Inclusion and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. We consider skills and passion alongside experience and offer flexible working arrangements. As a Disability Confident employer, we provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process and employment. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.

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Principal Process Engineer employer: Thalia

Thalia Waste Management is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at Allerton Waste Recovery Park in Knaresborough, where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our operations. Employees benefit from a comprehensive bonus scheme, generous pension contributions, and private medical cover, alongside opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Join us to make a meaningful impact in waste-to-energy solutions while enjoying a supportive culture that values your expertise and fosters collaboration across diverse functions.
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Contact Detail:

Thalia Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Process Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in waste management and energy solutions. Understanding the technologies used at Thalia, such as mechanical and biological treatment or anaerobic digestion, will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their operations.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the waste management sector, especially those who have experience in process engineering. Engaging with industry groups or attending relevant conferences can provide insights and connections that may give you an edge during the interview process.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've optimised plant operations or resolved complex process-related issues in your previous roles. Being able to articulate your hands-on experience with risk management and process control will demonstrate your suitability for the Principal Process Engineer position.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your ability to collaborate across diverse functions by preparing examples of successful teamwork. Highlighting your interpersonal skills and how you've influenced decision-making in past projects will resonate well with the collaborative nature of the role at Thalia.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Process Engineer

Chartered Engineer Status
Process Optimisation
Root Cause Analysis
Process Safety Management
Risk Management
Process Control
Unit Operations Knowledge
Analytical Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Performance Reporting
Regulatory Compliance
Stakeholder Collaboration
Data Analysis
Problem-Solving Skills
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Principal Process Engineer position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, such as process optimisation and root cause analysis.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job requirements. Emphasise your background in process engineering, risk management, and any previous roles that demonstrate your ability to lead and collaborate.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention specific examples of how your experience aligns with Thalia's goals, particularly in operational sustainability and process performance.

Highlight Your Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Use metrics to illustrate how you've optimised processes or contributed to safety management.

How to prepare for a job interview at Thalia

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As a Principal Process Engineer, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep technical background. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've optimised processes or resolved complex issues, highlighting your hands-on experience in risk management and process control.

✨Prepare for Root Cause Analysis Questions

Expect questions that assess your ability to conduct root cause analysis. Prepare examples of past experiences where you identified the root cause of a problem and implemented effective solutions, showcasing your analytical skills and pragmatic mindset.

✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills

This role requires collaboration across various functions. Be ready to share instances where you've successfully worked with stakeholders from operations, maintenance, and compliance, illustrating your interpersonal skills and ability to influence others.

✨Align with Company Values

Thalia values innovation and sustainability. Research their waste-to-energy solutions and be prepared to discuss how your insights from other sectors can contribute to their mission. This shows your commitment to their goals and your proactive approach to continuous improvement.

Principal Process Engineer
Thalia
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  • Principal Process Engineer

    Milton Keynes
    Full-Time
    43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-08-18

  • T

    Thalia

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