Research Engineer - Process Chemistry & Scale Up
On-site / Hybrid considered | Salary £26,000 - £34,000 per annum
About the Role:
CPI is seeking a Research Engineer - Process Chemistry & Scale Up to join our Process Chemistry and Scale Up team, an interdisciplinary group of engineers and chemists working at the interface between laboratory science and pilot‑scale manufacturing.
This role is firmly engineering‑focused. You will work alongside process chemists to bridge the gap between bench‑scale chemistry and scalable, robust processes, with a particular focus on powder‑based systems, particle technologies, and battery-related applications.
The team has recently opened a new pilot plant facility, and this role will play a key part in commissioning, maintaining, and operating larger‑scale equipment - supporting scale‑up, process understanding, and delivery of client and internal programmes.
This opportunity is well suited to an early‑career or developing engineer (for example a recent PhD graduate or MEng Chemical Engineer) who wants to apply engineering thinking in a hands‑on, applied R&D environment.
What You'll Be Responsible For:
Process Engineering & Scale‑Up
Support scale‑up activities from bench‑scale chemistry into pilot‑scale processes
Apply engineering principles to translate laboratory concepts into practical, scalable solutions
Work closely with chemists to enable robust and manufacturable processesPilot Plant & Equipment Support
Commission, maintain, and support pilot‑scale processing equipment
Carry out equipment calibration, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting
Support the safe operation of larger‑scale and specialist process equipmentPowder & Particle Technology
Contribute to projects involving powder processing, characterisation, and handling
Apply knowledge of particulate systems within battery materials and related technologies
Support development work involving complex particles and solids processingProcess Understanding & Modelling
Contribute to process simulation, modelling, and data analysis where appropriate
Support experimental planning, scale‑up studies, and technical reporting
Maintain high‑quality documentation in line with SHE, quality, and best practice requirementsCollaboration & Delivery
Work as part of a multidisciplinary team of engineers and chemists
Take ownership of delegated engineering tasks and deliver them reliably
Support commissioning and early operation of new facilities and capabilities
About You:
You are an engineer first and foremost, with an interest in applying engineering thinking to chemistry‑led processes. You enjoy practical problem‑solving and want exposure to real equipment, pilot plants, and scale‑up challenges.
You'll bring:
A background in Chemical Engineering (degree, MEng, or PhD) or a closely related discipline
An engineering mindset with an interest in process scale‑up and applied R&D
Exposure to powders, particles, solids handling, or powder characterisation (from academia or industry)
Willingness to work hands‑on with equipment in a pilot‑plant environment
A structured, dependable approach to completing delegated tasksDesirable (but not essential):
Exposure to battery materials or battery processing
Experience of pilot‑scale equipment, commissioning activities, or laboratories
Familiarity with process simulation or modelling tools
PhD qualification or membership (or working towards membership) of a professional engineering bodyThis role is not suited to a pure scientist profile - we are specifically looking for someone who wants to develop and apply engineering capability.
Why Join CPI?
Work at the interface of chemistry, engineering, and scale‑up
Hands‑on experience with new pilot plant facilities and equipment
Exposure to emerging technologies, including battery materials and particulate systems
Supportive, collaborative team environment with strong technical mentoring
Clear development pathway, with potential to progress role level and salary
Location & Working Pattern
Based primarily on site within CPI's facilities
Some flexibility may be available depending on project needs
Role involves practical, on‑site engineering work with pilot equipmentGuidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy