Process Engineer

Process Engineer – Pyrolysis & Carbon Systems Role Summary: Own the performance, modelling and validation of our pyrolysis systems at Royal Wootton Bassett, while contributing to their development and scale-up across a broader carbon removal platform. You will work hands-on with a live plant, combining process modelling, operational support and engineering judgement to optimise performance and improve system design. As a multi-skilled engineer within the site team, you will support operations, maintenance and safe systems of work, while helping turn a working plant into a repeatable system that delivers measurable climate impact at scale. Why this matters: We are building systems that remove carbon from the atmosphere and turn waste into a stable, long-term carbon store. Royal Wootton Bassett is where these systems are proven, improved and prepared for deployment. Your work will turn a working plant into a repeatable system that delivers measurable climate impact at scale. THIS ROLE REQUIRES 3 - 4 DAYS ON SITE Key responsibilities and accountabilities: Plant operation, maintenance and optimisation * Work directly on our Royal Wootton Bassett pyrolysis facility * Monitor, troubleshoot and optimise plant performance across varying conditions * Support day-to-day operations and maintenance activities alongside the site team * Assist with fault finding, basic maintenance tasks and system interventions where required * Adjust process parameters based on real-time performance and test outputs * Support commissioning, integration and testing of new systems and upgrades * Conduct flue gas analysis and use outputs to inform process performance and optimisation Process modelling and system design * Build and maintain process models using Aspen (mass and energy balance, system optimisation) * Translate plant data into model improvements and design insights * Support design and performance validation of new and existing pyrolysis systems * Contribute to process design documentation, calculations and system specifications Lab testing and material analysis * Conduct hands-on testing (e.g. moisture content, carbon content using muffle furnace) * Analyse feedstock and biochar outputs to understand system performance * Use lab data to inform process improvements and modelling assumptions Engineering development and scale-up * Contribute to the design and development of new pyrolysis systems and projects * Support technical reviews of technologies and external partners * Participate in safety assessments (HAZOP, risk assessments) and change processes Data, monitoring and MRV support * Support the design and validation of monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) systems * Ensure process data can be accurately captured, interpreted, and used * Work closely with the carbon team to ensure outputs are technically robust Site systems, safety and team support * Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and risk assessments (RAs) * Support the development of safe systems of work and site documentation * Contribute to training and upskilling of site personnel * Ensure compliance with site procedures, permits and safety requirements What we are looking for: Core requirements -Degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline -Experience in process engineering within industrial, energy, waste or chemical environments -Strong grounding in heat and mass balance and process behaviour -Experience with process modelling tools (Aspen strongly preferred) -Comfortable working hands-on in a plant environment Technical Experience: -Experience with process safety (HAZOP, HAZID, risk assessments) -Familiarity with CDM regulations and engineering project environments -Exposure to control systems (PLC, HMI, DCS) -Ability to interpret and work with process data and instrumentation -Experience contributing to plant commissioning or modification Valuable experience (not essential): -Pyrolysis, thermal processes or energy-from-waste systems -High-temperature or solids-handling processes -CAD or engineering drawing review capability -Lab testing, materials analysis or process validation work -Chartered status or working towards it You will love this role if you: -Want to work on a real system and see the results of your work immediately -Enjoy improving and refining processes through testing, data and iteration -Are motivated by taking something that works and making it scalable -Like combining hands-on engineering with modelling and system thinking -Care about building technology that has a clear, practical impact on climate