Process Development Engineer | Haverhill | Permanent

If you enjoy designing experiments, solving complex process problems and then getting into the lab to test your thinking, this could be a really interesting next step.

We’re working with an established manufacturing business looking to add a Process Development Engineer to its R&D team in Haverhill.

This is a process development role combining experimental design, hands-on laboratory work and data-driven process improvement. You’ll take responsibility for designing and conducting laboratory-scale process engineering experiments, developing experimental setups and using the results to build greater process understanding and improve performance.

You will work across chemical engineering unit operations including mixing, filtration, heating, cooling, pumping, drying and separation, with the opportunity to apply techniques such as process modelling, Design of Experiments, Process Analytical Technology and statistical data analysis.

This is an opportunity to join an R&D environment where you can take an experimental idea from design through execution, analysis and process improvement, rather than focusing on just one part of the development cycle.

It’s a role that will suit someone who enjoys combining chemical engineering principles, experimental design and practical problem-solving, with the opportunity to further develop expertise in areas including modelling, DoE, PAT and data analytics.

What you will be doing:

• Designing, planning and conducting laboratory-scale chemical process engineering experiments

• Developing experimental programmes to investigate critical process parameters and maximise learning from each set of experiments

• Designing, modifying and troubleshooting experimental setups to improve safety, reliability, data quality and process performance

• Working across unit operations including mixing, filtration, heating, cooling, pumping, drying and separation

• Developing and applying process models to improve process understanding and support optimisation and scale-up

• Applying Design of Experiments methodologies to structure experimental work and improve experimental efficiency

• Analysing and interpreting experimental data and translating findings into practical process or equipment improvements

• Supporting the development and implementation of Process Analytical Technology approaches for process monitoring and control

• Using statistical analysis, multivariate data analysis and other data-driven approaches to extract insight from experimental results

• Working closely with scientists, engineers and wider project teams to deliver process development objectives

• Contributing to process scale-up and technology transfer activities where required

• Maintaining high standards of laboratory safety, documentation and data integrity

What we need from you:

You’ll need a degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Chemistry or a related discipline, together with proven practical experience in laboratory-scale chemical process development.

Importantly, we’re looking for someone who can design and develop experimental work, rather than simply follow an established test programme. You’ll need to be able to identify what needs to be investigated, develop an appropriate experimental approach, analyse the resulting data and use those findings to recommend improvements.

You will also need:

• Proven experience designing, planning and conducting laboratory-scale process experiments

• Hands-on experience setting up, operating, modifying and troubleshooting laboratory equipment

• A sound understanding of chemical engineering principles and unit operations

• The ability to analyse experimental results and translate findings into practical process or equipment improvements

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Good communication and technical reporting abilities

• The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams

• A practical and resourceful approach to problem-solving

Experience in one or more of the following would be a significant advantage:

• Process modelling and simulation

• Design of Experiments (DoE)

• Process Analytical Technology (PAT)

• Process instrumentation or real-time process monitoring

• Python, MATLAB, R or similar analytical software

• Statistical analysis, multivariate data analysis or chemometrics

• Scale-up, pilot plant operations or manufacturing support

• Quality by Design principles

• Pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, speciality chemicals, biotechnology or advanced materials development

What you can expect in return:

• Salary in the region of £45,00 – £55,000, dependent on experience

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays

• Private medical & dental insurance

• Life assurance

• Pension

• Discount voucher scheme

If you are looking for a process development role where you can genuinely influence how experiments are designed, what is learned from them and how that learning is applied, I’d love to hear from you.

Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation about the role.