Research And Development Engineer

R&D EngineerSt Albans area£55,000 - £60,000, depending on experienceIf you are an R&D Engineer, Scientist or Process Development professional who wants to work close to the science, the engineering and the decisions that shape how new technology scales, this role is worth a closer look.You will be joining a growing advanced materials business at a pivotal stage, moving from research-led development into early commercial scale-up. This is not a role where everything is already defined and neatly handed over. It is a role for someone who enjoys using technical judgement, data, experimentation and modelling to work out what needs to happen next.The work sits at the intersection of gas-phase reaction kinetics, process engineering, materials development and scale-up. You will be helping to define, test and improve sustainable process engineering routes, translating experimental findings into practical decisions that support safe and effective scale-up.What you will be doing:Designing and running experiments to improve reaction parameters, process efficiency and material properties.Applying your understanding of gas-phase reaction kinetics to guide experimental and process development work.Using data, modelling and technical judgement to support scale-up decisions.Helping to define critical process parameters for carbon conversion and product manufacturing processes.Supporting laboratory and pilot-scale process equipment, including specification, installation, commissioning and troubleshooting.Reviewing experimental results, drawing conclusions and recommending practical next steps.Identifying likely technical risks and designing experiments to de-risk the process.Working closely with scientists, engineers and technicians to translate findings into process improvements.Communicating technical information clearly across the team and wider business.What we are looking for:A degree or PhD in chemical engineering, reaction engineering, process engineering, materials science or a related scientific/engineering discipline.Practical experience with gas-phase reaction kinetics.Experience using simulation or modelling tools such as COMSOL, Aspen or similar.Strong experimental design and data analysis skills.Experience within chemical processing, materials processing, process development or scale-up.The ability to work with incomplete information and make evidence-based recommendations.An understanding of how process conditions can influence final product or material characteristics.A practical, hands-on approach with the confidence to take ownership.Strong communication skills and the ability to work closely with technicians, scientists, engineers and senior stakeholders.The ability to work at pace in a changing technical environment.It would be useful if you also had:Experience with continuous processes, pilot plant scale-up or high-temperature reactions.Exposure to analytical development, materials manufacturing or novel process scale-up.Python, data analytics or similar practical data tools.Experience in a start-up, scale-up or fast-moving technical environment.This role would suit someone who is technically curious, pragmatic and comfortable taking ownership. You do not need to have worked on this exact process before, but you do need to bring experience in gas-phase reaction kinetics and the ability to apply that knowledge in a practical development environment.You will be joining a lean, collaborative team where your input will matter. If you enjoy using data, experimentation and engineering judgement to solve complex problems and move technology forward, this could be a really exciting next step.Apply now or get in touch to find out more.