Process Development Engineer

About Us: 

Material Evolution is a materials technology company founded in 2020 by CEO, Dr. Liz Gilligan and headquartered in Middlesbrough with offices in London and Wrexham. You can read more about our $19m Series A funding round here and a recent interview with our CEO Liz Gilligan here. 

We’re a team of leading scientists, engineers, commercial and operational experts working together to help save the planet from the toughest climate challenges. Backed by leading impact and technology investors, we’re on a mission to rapidly & radically decarbonize industrial materials, starting with the half a trillion-dollar cement industry which is responsible for 8% of global CO2 emissions. 

About this role and the impact you will have:

As a Process Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission to produce carbon-neutral cement. Supporting the Head of Process Engineering, you will be instrumental in identifying, evaluating, and scaling innovative processing technologies. Your responsibilities will encompass conducting laboratory bench top experiments and process trials to validate and optimise new methods. Leveraging your technical problem-solving skills, you will address complex challenges and drive continuous improvement in our processes. Additionally, you will establish and maintain relationships with key suppliers and consultants, ensuring we have access to the best resources and expertise. Your knowledge and experience will be critical as you provide expert input into the design, development, and operation of our first-of-a-kind (FOAK) carbon-neutral cement processing facility.

What you will be doing:

Process R&D:

• Work with the R&D team to identify and scale process technologies for Alkali fusion.  
• Devise process trials to establish optimised operating parameters for key elements of the process including crushing, screening, milling, drying and Alkali fusion technology.
• Identify, clearly define and recommend suitable trials based on research and previous results.  
• Ensure accurate and timeous data collection, analysis and compilation of relevant internal and external reports.
• Responsible for technical liaisons with 3rd party manufacturer`s and other technical consultants supporting the R&D and Operations teams. 

Safety: 

• Consistently apply Safety & Health principles in all team interactions and take personal responsibility for safety of self and others to ensure zero harm and elimination of fatalities. 
• Identify process and safety specific risks within working area and implement plans/system to mitigate or eliminate these risks. 

Operations: 

• Prepare, maintain, and update laboratory procedures for determining process efficiency and product quality. 
• Set out sampling regimes and define QA/QC expectations.
• Provide first line support for Plant Operations by identifying opportunities for continuous improvement, suggesting potential solutions and supporting implementation of identified solutions to increase the performance of the plant.
• Bi monthly plant audits.

Process Design:

• Support the Head of Process Engineering in flowsheet development, Mass and energy balancing and PFD/P&ID development.  
• Process Engineering support in the development of a megafactory.
• Flowsheet trade off studies.  

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience in a mineral/powder processing plant, EPCM, consultancy, or R&D environment.
• Knowledge of Cement/powder processing, Crushing, screening, milling, drying and feed/product blending would be desirable.
• Proven experience in flowsheet development.
• Competent in new product and process development or technology transfer.
• Competent in the application of statistical techniques.
• Competent in the use of MS Office, including Word and PowerPoint.
• Knowledgeable and experienced in simulation software.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical concepts and results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring effective collaboration across various teams and external partners

This role requires a combination of technical expertise, practical experience, and strong communication skills to effectively contribute to our innovative and sustainable processing technologies.

Our Benefits and Perks:

At Material Evolution, we provide everything you need to perform at your best. Our rewards, benefits, and initiatives are designed to support your career growth, enhance your well-being, and contribute positively to our community. 

Along with a competitive salary, we offer an outstanding benefits package, including 25 days holiday (plus an extra day for your birthday), cycle to work scheme, learning budget and social events. At Material Evolution, we are passionate about well-being and have partnered with a leading healthcare provider. 

We’re creating an environment and culture where every individual feels safe and empowered to do their best work. We believe in everyone being treated and paid fairly, no matter their age, sex, ethnic background, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.