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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