Overview
Job Title: Process Engineer
Location: Port Sunlight Research Lab, Europe
Reports to: B&W EU Processing Manager
Function: R&D – Process Development Engineering
Deadline for applications: 23.59 the day before the job posting end date.
JOB PURPOSE
This position is responsible for supporting the development and scale-up of innovative product and process solutions by operating and enhancing pilot plant facilities within the AMC. The role requires a hands-on approach to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality batch manufacturing, while actively promoting continuous improvement and technical excellence. Key responsibilities include overseeing plant custodianship, maintaining cleanliness, preparedness, and compliance, and consistently producing robust and repeatable batches in the AMC pilot plant. Commitment to the long-term success of the AMC and its contribution to Unilever innovation is essential. Additionally, the role involves leading the pilot plant’s continuous improvement program with focus and discipline.
Unilever Behaviors in Action
Deliver with Excellence
What you deliver:
* Manufacture of robust, repeatable batches in the AMC pilot plant.
* Accurate and complete SOPs for equipment and processes.
* Timely and thorough documentation of trials and technical learnings.
* Clear communication of faults, resolutions, and technical recommendations.
* Support for scale-up through well-executed trials and data capture.
How you deliver it:
* Operate equipment with rigour and precision, validating settings and outcomes.
* Take ownership of plant custodianship, ensuring cleanliness, readiness, and compliance.
* Collaborate with engineering, safety, and supply chain teams for smooth handovers.
* Apply root cause analysis and continuous improvement tools to resolve issues.
* Maintain high standards under pressure and learn from each trial.
Think Three Steps Ahead
What you deliver:
* Process setups that allow flexibility for different formulations or raw materials.
* Risk assessments that anticipate operational, safety, or scale-up challenges.
* Contingency plans for equipment downtime or material changes.
* Input into design spaces that support future adaptability.
How you deliver it:
* Proactively identify potential faults or bottlenecks in plant operations.
* Engage early with stakeholders to flag constraints or improvement opportunities.
* Log assumptions and risks in trial plans and reports.
* Suggest upgrades or modifications to improve plant capability or reliability.
* Use digital tools for data analysis (DMP, ELN, LIMS, iPROMPT, Copilot).
Care Deeply
What you deliver:
* Safe and sustainable operation of pilot plant equipment.
* Inclusive SOPs and processes that consider operator experience and safety.
* Support for trials that reflect consumer and environmental values.
* Active participation in team knowledge sharing and problem-solving.
How you deliver it:
* Champion safety and speak up when something doesn’t feel right.
* Support colleagues by sharing knowledge and helping unblock issues.
* Take pride in the craft of process engineering and plant operation.
* Care about the long-term success of the AMC and its role in Unilever innovation.
* Manage AMC safety Audits for EU R&D.
Focus on What Counts
What you deliver:
* Technical input that enables product launches and key R&D milestones.
* Simplified, efficient processes that reduce waste and cost.
* Data-led insights from trials that inform decisions.
* A pilot plant that is operationally ready and fit for purpose.
How you deliver it:
* Prioritize tasks that have the biggest impact on project delivery.
* Communicate clearly and concisely with cross-functional teams.
* Escalate and resolve faults quickly to minimize downtime.
* Drive the pilot plant continuous improvement program with focus and discipline.
Key Requirements
* Degree qualified or equivalent, preferably in Chemical engineering, Process Engineering or similar
* At least 1 year relevant experience in processing development or operations
* Skilled and comfortable working in a digital environment
* A creative, logical and analytical mind to generate innovative design solutions to technical design problems.
* Ability to respond quickly to change in priorities
* You will need to be enthusiastic and self-motivated with good verbal and written communication skills. Able to communicate complex engineering and design principles to people at all levels of the business, across different functions.
* Willing to work Pilot plant operations where there will be an element of manual handling within the role.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Diversity at Unilever is about inclusion, embracing differences, creating possibilities and growing together for better business performance. We embrace diversity in our workforce. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.
We are also happy to provide reasonable adjustments during our application and interview process to enable you to be present your best self. To find out more, including about our Employee Resource Groups, please note equity, diversity & inclusion at Unilever.
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