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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead thermal treatment technology projects and optimise energy processes across multiple sites.
- Company: Thalia Waste Management transforms waste into energy, processing 300,000 tonnes annually.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a diverse, inclusive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Join a team making a real impact on sustainability and energy solutions.
- Qualifications: Degree in Chemical or Energy Engineering; Chartered Engineer status preferred.
- Other info: Frequent travel required between sites in North Yorkshire, Milton Keynes, and the Isle of Wight.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Posted Wednesday 30 July 2025 at 00:00 | Expires Sunday 17 August 2025 at 23:59
The Role
This is a specialist role providing Thalia wide expertise in thermal treatment technologies, while also delivering hands-on engineering support within Thalia’s operating sites. As the business’s subject matter expert in combustion and thermal processes (including EfW, pyrolysis, and gasification), you will drive the safe, compliant and efficient operation of thermal assets and support site-based process optimisation.
You will be a critical link between strategic innovation and operational delivery, contributing to process design, troubleshooting, and technical governance. This role combines system-level thinking with detailed technical problem-solving, requiring both site presence and centre-led influence.
- This role will require frequent travel between our Energy from Waste Facilities in North Yorkshire, Milton Keynes and the Isle of Wight
Key Responsibilities
- Act as Thalia’s specialist on combustion and other thermal treatment technologies.
- Define and maintain technical standards and KPIs for thermal plant performance (e.g. efficiency, throughput, emissions).
- Lead or contribute to root cause analyses and implement corrective actions for thermal process deviations.
- Contribute to business cases and procurement specifications for new thermal infrastructure.
- Provide expert technical support to operational teams across Thalia’s thermal estate.
- Develop and implement plant-level process reporting and analysis tools.
- Optimise process performance, reducing energy, maintenance, and operational costs.
- Lead investigations into thermal incidents and performance issues, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
- Mentor process and site engineers in thermal performance and technical standards.
- Promote consistent application of process safety, SOPs, and change control across all thermal operations.
- Contribute to succession planning and staff development initiatives in process engineering.
- Ensure all thermal processes operate within permit conditions and health & safety regulations.
- Own or contribute to the Process Safety Management System and Management of Change processes.
- Support the development of risk assessments and operational procedures.
The Person
Qualifications
- Chartered Engineer status preferred (e.g., IChemE, IMechE or Energy Institute)
- Degree in Chemical Engineering, Energy Engineering or similar
Skills & Experience
- Significant experience with combustion or energy-from-waste processes
- Proven track record of technical leadership and troubleshooting in thermal plant operations
- Strong process safety knowledge and experience with operational risk management
- Able to translate complex technical concepts into operational action
- Experienced in data analysis, diagnostics, and performance reporting
- Confident working across different functions and engaging senior stakeholders
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Our Business
At Thalia Waste Management, we are creating a future to be proud of. We think differently, questioning everything, enabling us to develop progressive waste into energy solutions and services. Being motivated, tackling problems together, inspiring others to take responsibility, making a difference, being ambitious and contributing value.
We operate the best technology available across our four strategic sites in North Yorkshire, Milton Keynes, Cambridgeshire and the Isle of Wight. Our technology includes everything from mechanical and biological treatment, traditional mass-burn energy from waste and material recycling technologies to in-vessel composting, advanced thermal treatment, innovative small-scale energy from waste and anaerobic digestion. In a single year we process 300,000 tonnes of waste that is turned into energy. This generates the same amount of energy as approximately 600 million solar panels. Similarly we recycle circa 95,000 tonnes of waste.
Inclusion
At Thalia Waste Management, we work hard to make sure we are an inclusive and diverse place to work.This means we don’t just look at your CV, we’re focused on who you are, your skills and passion that can be brought to Thalia Waste Management. We know and understand the everyone is different and has a life outside work, so we’re happy to discuss flexible working and any adjustments that could be needed! We’ll do all that we can to support everyone from their first contact with us. For any support or adjustments needed through our recruitment process, please speak to our recruitment team who will be happy to support.We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. As a Disability Confident Employer , we will make sure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
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Principal Process Engineer - Thermal employer: Thalia
Contact Detail:
Thalia Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Process Engineer - Thermal
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest thermal treatment technologies, especially combustion and energy-from-waste processes. Being well-versed in these areas will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the waste management and thermal engineering sectors. Attend industry conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about current trends, which can give you an edge in discussions during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your technical leadership and troubleshooting experiences in thermal plant operations. Highlighting your past successes will showcase your capability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Thalia Waste Management’s projects and values thoroughly. Understanding their approach to sustainability and innovation will allow you to align your answers with their mission, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Process Engineer - Thermal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in combustion and thermal treatment technologies. Emphasise any technical leadership roles and troubleshooting experiences you've had in thermal plant operations.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for energy-from-waste processes and how your skills align with Thalia's mission. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to process optimisation and safety in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, especially if you hold Chartered Engineer status or a degree in Chemical Engineering or Energy Engineering. This will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: Provide examples of how you've successfully led investigations into thermal incidents or performance issues. Highlight your ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable solutions, as this is crucial for the role.
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 understanding of thermal treatment technologies. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've applied your knowledge in combustion, pyrolysis, or gasification, and how you contributed to process optimisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think of examples where you've led root cause analyses or implemented corrective actions for thermal process deviations, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Given the importance of safety in this role, highlight your experience with process safety management and operational risk management. Discuss how you've ensured compliance with health and safety regulations in previous roles, and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentoring Skills
This position involves mentoring other engineers, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share experiences where you've guided teams, promoted continuous improvement, or contributed to staff development initiatives, showcasing your ability to inspire and influence others.
