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 the 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 processes
Pilot 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 equipment
Powder & 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 processing
Process 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 requirements
Collaboration & 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 tasks
Desirable (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 body
This 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 equipment
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