Principal/Director Process Engineering - SynBio

Your new company You will be joining an innovative organisation focused on developing sustainable chemical technologies. Operating at the intersection of research and industrial applications, this company is driving the development and scale-up of novel chemical processes. With access to cutting-edge facilities and a collaborative, multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to the transformation of early-stage concepts into commercially viable solutions.Your new role As a Principal / Director Process Development Engineer, you will lead the design, development, and scale-up of chemical processes from lab to pilot and production scale. You will play a key role in shaping the technology pipeline, optimising performance, and ensuring safe and efficient process execution.This is a hands-on technical leadership role requiring deep expertise in process engineering and a strategic mindset, that is permanent and based in London.Main ResponsibilitiesProcess & Technology Development:

• Develop and validate new process concepts using novel feedstocks, chemistries, and unit operations.
• Lead experimental planning and execution at lab and kilo-lab scale to inform scale-up strategies.
• Optimise processes for safety, performance, and sustainability using experimental and modelling tools.

Scale-Up & Project Execution:

• Translate lab-scale research into scalable operations, guiding progression through Pre-FEED, pilot, and production stages.
• Define key scale-up parameters and performance targets across development phases.

Equipment Design, Procurement & Commissioning:

• Lead specification, design, and commissioning of novel process equipment and unit operations.
• Collaborate with engineering partners to deliver fit-for-purpose solutions on time and within budget.

External Collaboration & Partnership Management:

• Manage relationships with external engineering service providers, vendors, and technology partners.
• Ensure alignment with project objectives and technical standards.

Innovation, Flexibility & Digital Enablement:

• Integrate emerging technologies and digital tools to enhance process development.
• Adapt to a range of development activities, from exploratory research to plant-scale implementation.

Leadership & Knowledge Sharing:

• Provide technical mentorship and strategic guidance to multidisciplinary teams.
• Champion knowledge transfer and documentation to support seamless transitions between development stages.

What you'll need to succeed

• BSc / BEng in Chemical Engineering, or a related subject (with higher degrees, eg MSc, MEng, PhD, EngD preferred) - or equivalent experience
• Significant hands-on experience in chemical process development and design within an industry context
• Proven success in scaling up processes, equipment design, and commissioning.
• Proficiency with process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen Plus).
• Strong understanding of unit operations including mixing, heat transfer, filtration, and bioreactors.
• Flexible, innovative, and effective communicator with strong leadership skills.

What you'll get in returnYou'll have the chance to work within a close-knit, experienced team and make a real difference within a company that's looking to transform the sector and have a far-reaching impact on the global scale.You'll also get a number of progression and development opportunities and a good salary and benefits package.

What you need to do nowIf you are interested in this role, please click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, feel free to reach out to us for guidance on your next career move.