Process Design Engineer

We are supporting a client in the chemical sector with a requirement for a Process Design Engineer holding at least 5 years chemical sector experience. Fairly immediate starts are required and this will operate on a temporary contract basis around 3-6 months although further extensions may be possible. This will be to support the Lead Process Engineer in drafting drawings, performing mechanical calculations, contacting suppliers with proposals and quotations, and other duties as described below.

This is an outside IR35 contract role with rates negotiable and commensurate with prior level of experience. This will be entirely site based - out of an operational site based in Runcorn - with no room for hybrid /remoteworking. Candidates must possess existing eligibility to work in the UK without need for further sponsorship.

Project Design Engineer Process Plant

We are looking for a practical, delivery-focused Project Design Engineer to support the design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of a hydrometallurgical lithium-ion battery recycling demonstrator.

The role suits someone with strong CAD and mechanical/process plant design experience who is comfortable taking work from an initial process requirement through to an engineered, installed and operational solution.

You will work closely with the Lead Process Engineer, equipment suppliers, fabricators, electrical and control contractors, automation specialists and site operations. This is a hands-on engineering role requiring ownership, sound technical judgement and a willingness to resolve problems as the project develops.

Key responsibilities

• Assisting with process plant layouts, equipment arrangements, fabrication drawings and installation details.
• Produce and maintain 2D and 3D CAD models of vessels, tanks, pipework and platforms and associated plant equipment.
• Translate process requirements, PFDs and P&IDs into practical mechanical designs.
• Take responsibility for defined equipment packages from concept through specification, procurement, manufacture, installation and commissioning.
• Prepare equipment datasheets, technical specifications, scopes of work and requests for quotation.
• Review supplier quotations, drawings, calculations and technical submissions.
• Coordinate interfaces between mechanical equipment, piping, electrical systems, instrumentation, instrumentation and automation.
• Produce bills of materials, drawing registers, equipment schedules and technical documentation.
• Monitor supplier progress, drawing approvals, delivery dates and outstanding technical information.
• Support design reviews, HAZOP, DSEAR, constructability and maintainability assessments.
• Ensure actions arising from technical and safety reviews are incorporated into the design.
• Support equipment inspections, factory acceptance testing and site acceptance testing.
• Assist with commissioning plans, punch lists, defect resolution and handover documentation.
• Manage design changes and maintain accurate as-built drawings and records.
• Identify technical, programme and procurement risks early and drive them through to resolution.
• Help develop practical engineering standards and repeatable design methods for future plants.

Typical equipment and systems

The project includes:

• Chemical storage, transfer and dosing systems
• Slurry pumping and solids handling
• Solid liquid separation equipment
• Extraction ductwork, scrubbers and process off-gas systems
• Hot-water heating systems and internal or external heat exchangers
• Pumps, valves, instruments and process pipework
• Access platforms, support steelwork and equipment guarding
• PLC-controlled batch processing systems
• ATEX

Essential experience

• Experience in mechanical, process plant or industrial equipment design.
• Strong 2D and 3D CAD capability (Solidworks)
• Experience producing general arrangements, manufacturing drawings, piping layouts and installation drawings.
• Ability to convert a process or operational requirement into a practical engineered solution.
• Experience coordinating with equipment manufacturers, fabricators and site contractors.
• Understanding of pumps, valves, tanks, vessels, pipework and mechanical equipment.
• Experience reviewing supplier drawings and managing technical comments.
• Ability to manage several work packages and priorities simultaneously.
• Good understanding of fabrication and installation methods.
• Strong attention to detail and document control.
• A delivery-focused approach, with the confidence to follow actions through to completion.
• Willingness to spend time on site and work directly with commissioning and installation teams.

Desirable experience

• Chemical processing, hydrometallurgy, water treatment, surface treatment, minerals processing or battery recycling.
• Corrosive chemical and hazardous-area plant.
• Thermoplastic pipework and equipment.
• Stainless-steel tanks, vessels and process pipework.
• Slurry transport, filter presses and solids-handling equipment.
• Heating coils, vessel jackets and process heat exchangers.
• P&IDs, process control narratives and instrument schedules.
• HAZOP, DSEAR/ATEX, machinery safety and pressure-system design reviews.
• Relevant UK standards, including applicable BS EN, PD 5500, DVS and piping standards.
• Factory and site acceptance testing.
• Installation and commissioning of new or modified process plant.

Qualifications

A degree, HNC/HND, apprenticeship or equivalent practical experience in mechanical, chemical, process, manufacturing or design engineering would be suitable.

Relevant industrial experience and evidence of successfully delivered projects are more important than a particular academic route.

Reporting and working relationships

The role will report to the Lead Process/Engineering Manager and work closely with:

• Process engineering
• Project management
• Operations and commissioning
• Equipment suppliers and fabricators
• Electrical, control and automation engineers
• Health, safety and environmental specialists
• Installation and maintenance contractors

Role summary

This is not solely a desk-based CAD position. It is an engineering delivery role for someone who can design equipment and layouts, coordinate suppliers, support installation and remain accountable until the plant works as intended.

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