Principal Process Engineer

Job description

Scaling clean energy technology company scaling from pilot stages to commercial refineries and deployment. Seeking a Lead Process Engineer to own and drive the design, development, and scale-up of their core process technology.

This is a senior, hands-on role for someone who thrives in high-growth environments, enjoys leading complex technical programs, and wants to have a real impact on the energy transition. Experience in oil & gas, chemicals, or petrochemicals is highly valued.

You will act as the technical lead for process engineering, working closely with R&D, project, and EPC partners to take the technology from pilot to commercial scale.

Experience

• Degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in process engineering within clean energy, chemicals, petrochemicals, refining, or oil & gas.
• Proven track record of taking processes from concept and pilot scale through to commercial-scale deployment.
• Strong background in process design, simulation, and scale-up (e.g., Aspen, HYSYS, or similar tools).
• Solid experience with process safety, including HAZOP, LOPA, and industrial safety standards.
• Familiarity with equipment design, vendor engagement, and EPC interfaces.
• Experience working in fast-paced, scaling organizations or major capital projects is a strong plus.
• Demonstrated technical leadership, with experience guiding and mentoring other engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the process engineering function for scaling our core clean energy technology from pilot to commercial scale.
• Own process design activities, including simulations, mass and energy balances, and development of PFDs and P&IDs.
• Drive technology scale-up strategy, including defining scale-up methodology, de-risking plans, and validation activities.
• Act as the technical lead for equipment selection, specification, and integration into the overall process design.
• Ensure processes meet performance, reliability, safety, and operability requirements.
• Lead and participate in process safety activities (HAZOP, LOPA, SIL, etc.) and ensure compliance with relevant standards and best practices.
• Work closely with R&D, mechanical, electrical, and project teams to translate technology into buildable, operable plants.
• Serve as the main process engineering interface with EPC partners, vendors, and external stakeholders during design and execution phases.
• Set engineering standards, best practices, and workflows for the process engineering team.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers, providing technical guidance and review.
• Contribute to company-level technical decisions and help shape the long-term technology roadmap.

If you are interested in hearing more details, please reach out at h.lowther@brightsmithgroup.com or apply below.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Greater Bristol Area

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

06-03-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English