Lead Process Engineer - Advanced Sludge Treatment - Water Sector

Are you ready to lead the next generation of low-carbon wastewater and resource recovery projects?

We are looking for a senior process engineer to design and optimise innovative sludge treatment and thermal conversion solutions that turn waste into energy and valuable by-products.

The Opportunity

You will take ownership of complex sludge and wastewater treatment projects from feasibility through detailed design, commissioning, and optimisation. Your expertise will guide the selection of advanced digestion technologies, thermal hydrolysis, pyrolysis, and gasification systems, ensuring safe, reliable, and energy-efficient operations. This is a chance to make a real impact in the clean energy and water sector, working on cutting-edge, low-carbon technologies.

What You'll Do

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Lead end-to-end process design for sludge lines, including thickening, digestion (conventional and advanced), dewatering, thermal hydrolysis, and sidestream treatments.

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Deliver thermal conversion projects, integrating pyrolysis and gasification with energy recovery systems (CHP, boilers, heat recovery) and evaluating biochar/syngas quality.

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Develop mass and energy balances, build and calibrate dynamic models (BioWin, SUMO, or equivalent), and optimise biogas yield and energy performance.

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Evaluate multiple technology options, considering CAPEX/OPEX, operability, carbon impact, and risk, to define the most sustainable solutions.

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Produce process flow diagrams (PFDs), P&IDs, equipment specifications, and control narratives, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and regulatory bodies.

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Support commissioning, troubleshooting, and performance optimisation to ensure projects meet or exceed design targets.

What You Bring

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Degree in Chemical, Process, or Environmental Engineering (Master's preferred); CEng or near-chartered.

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10-20 years' experience in wastewater/sludge treatment, including AD, thermal hydrolysis, dewatering, and sidestream optimisation.

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Proven experience in thermal conversion technologies (pyrolysis, gasification) and integration with energy systems.

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Strong leadership in FEED and EPC projects, managing teams and delivering complex designs on time and within budget.

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Proficiency in process simulation and modelling (BioWin, SUMO, Aspen HYSYS, Thermoflex, MATLAB/MATHCAD) to underpin design and operational decisions.

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Excellent communicator and stakeholder manager, capable of presenting technical solutions to clients and guiding project teams.

Why This Role?

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Lead projects at the forefront of low-carbon water and energy innovation.

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Work with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable resource recovery solutions.

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Shape the future of wastewater treatment while making a real environmental impact.

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Competitive package with skilled visa sponsorship available; eligible to apply for settled status next year.

Location: UK-based, flexible/hybrid working