Salary: £40,000 - £50,000
Additional salary information: Variable depending on qualifications and experience
Hours: Full-time
Location: Milton Keynes (MK15 8HF)
Job type: Permanent
About the Company
Aqua Dynamics (Frischmann Process Technology) is a specialist consultancy and engineering group with over 30 years' experience in the treatment of difficult industrial effluents, particularly within the oil & gas, petrochemical and process industries. Originating from British Gas R&D and now part of the Frischmann Group, we provide independent consultancy, pilot testing, engineering design and, in selected cases, turnkey plant delivery.
Our work spans laboratory studies, pilot and demonstration trials, FEED, detailed engineering, commissioning and long-term technical support. We operate extensive in-house pilot and demonstration facilities in Milton Keynes and mobilise plants worldwide for client trials.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Engineer or Scientist with hands-on experience of pilot- or commercial-scale process plant operation to join our growing team. The role is primarily technical and operational in nature, combining experimental and plant-based work with process development and engineering design.
You will be involved in projects from early-stage R&D and feasibility studies through to the design, commissioning and operation of full-scale industrial effluent treatment plants, including advanced oxidation, hydrothermal and membrane-based systems.
Key Responsibilities
* Operation, monitoring and maintenance of laboratory test rigs, pilot plants and demonstration-scale treatment systems
* Operation of commercial-scale plants during site trials and demonstration campaigns
* Chemical and physical analyses and interpretation of results
* Maintenance of accurate experimental, operational and safety records
* Preparation of technical reports, project documentation and client deliverables
* Contribution to process selection studies and development of novel treatment schemes
* Contribution to technical proposals and cost estimates, supporting senior staff with client documentation as required
* Contribution to full-scale process designs and plant layouts under the direction of senior engineers
* Support of procurement activities for projects and laboratory operations
* Laboratory management, including health, safety, and environmental compliance
Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
* A minimum of a first degree in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline (e.g. Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemistry, Physical Chemistry or similar)
* Practical experience operating pilot-scale or full-scale chemical or process plants (typically 3+ years in a relevant role)
* Strong understanding of process operations, troubleshooting and data interpretation
* Good organisational skills with the ability to coordinate workstreams and manage own time effectively
* Clear written and verbal communication skills, including technical reporting
* Good IT and computing skills
Desirable:
* Experience in industrial effluent or produced water treatment
* Experience with high-pressure and/or high-temperature process systems
* Familiarity with process and plant design tools (e.g. thermodynamic modelling, heat transfer calculations, CFD)
* Experience presenting to clients, at conferences or technical workshops
* Knowledge of upstream or downstream oil & gas processes
Location and Working Pattern
The normal place of work is Milton Keynes. UK travel for meetings and site work will be required, together with occasional overseas assignments to support client trials and demonstration plant operations. Standard working hours are 8 hours per day with flexibility; occasional out-of-hours work may be required depending on project and plant operational needs.
Training and Development
Full training will be provided on the operation of our specialist test rigs, pilot plants and proprietary treatment technologies. The role offers broad technical exposure across a range of advanced industrial wastewater challenges and the opportunity to deepen expertise across the full project lifecycle - from R&D through to commercial implementation. Support for professional development and progression toward chartered status is available for suitable candidates.