Lead Process Engineer

Epoch Biodesign; Greater London; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A sustainability-focused start-up in London is seeking a Lead Process Engineer to oversee the commissioning of a new plant. The successful candidate will have over 10 years of experience in process development, strong leadership skills, and a passion for sustainable practices. This role offers the opportunity to make significant contributions to reducing plastic waste using innovative recycling technologies. A generous benefits package includes 30 days of paid holiday and various on-the-job perks.

Benefits

30 days paid holiday

Meaningful EMI Share Options

Non-contributory pension of 9%

Optional private medical insurance

Onsite gym

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• 10+ years in process/product development with expertise in scale-up and plant commissioning.
• Strong leadership and ability to communicate complex technical concepts.
• Experience commissioning automation and SCADA systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full commissioning lifecycle of the Demo plant.
• Develop clear documentation for commissioning and operating plans.
• Mentor and support junior engineers.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Project management

Communication

Process safety

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in chemical engineering

Chartered Chemical Engineer status

Tools

SCADA systems

OEE tools

Job description

Lead Process Engineer

Permanent, Full time, EC2A1AJ, London, England, United Kingdom

Epoch Biodesign

Epoch Biodesign is a well-funded, venture-backed start-up using biology to make every type of plastic recyclable - starting with Nylon.

Using a unique combination of AI, synthetic biology and green chemistry, we are scaling enzymatic recycling processes that transform unrecyclable plastics into new, virgin‑quality materials. These processes yield substantial reductions in carbon emissions and prevent waste from entering landfill or the environment. They also generate disruptive unit economics, allowing us to scale our solutions quickly to solve this urgent challenge.

With our pilot plant already processing Nylon 6,6 waste at the multi‑tonne level, we will imminently complete construction on our larger demo facility. This will produce material that will be used in garments for some of the world’s biggest brands, and also in components for some of the world’s largest car companies.

The Role

We're looking for an experienced and innovative Senior Process Engineer to join process team. We work in relatively small teams, so there is an opportunity to make a real difference. We’re a positive, driven team who enjoys what we do and is not afraid to roll up our sleeves when it counts, and we're all passionate about sustainability and the environment.

Reporting to the Head of Scale-Up, you will play a crucial role in developing and scaling up processes for the enzymatic depolymerisation and repolymerisation of polymers.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge solutions that address global sustainability challenges while mentoring the next generation of engineers.

As Lead Process Engineer at Epoch you will:

• Lead the full commissioning lifecycle of the Demo plant — including installation oversight, pre‑start checks, functional testing, SCADA integration/validation, and start‑up optimisation
• Own all FAT/SAT activities from protocol development through execution and closeout with vendors
• Drive technology transfer from pilot to Demo scale, embedding operating envelopes, learnings, and safety considerations into commissioning and operating plans
• Develop clear documentation, including commissioning packs, SOPs, BMRs, risk assessments, checklists, and updated PFDs/P&IDs
• Work closely with engineering, automation, and vendor teams to ensure equipment build quality, control system readiness, and seamless installation
• Troubleshoot early operations and optimise performance, including monitoring OEE, yield, throughput, and reliability metrics
• Support process safety activities, including HAZOP follow‑up, safe start‑up planning, and definition of operating limits
• Lead technical handover to operations, supporting initial ramp‑up and establishment of stable manufacturing conditions
• Mentor and collaborate, supporting junior engineers and aligning internal/external partners on commissioning and scale‑up goals

Essential Skills and Experience

• Degree in chemical engineering (or related) and Chartered Chemical Engineer status
• 10+ years in process/product development, with hands‑on expertise in scale‑up, equipment design, and plant commissioning
• Strong leadership, data analysis, project management, and the ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts
• Experience commissioning automation and SCADA systems and use of OEE or similar tools for performance optimisation
• Background in scaling up novel or first‑of‑kind process technologies, ideally within chemical, biochemical, or advanced materials sectors
• Strong vendor and cross‑functional leadership skills, with the ability to coordinate fabricators, OEMs, and internal teams during build, installation, and start‑up
• A mindset driven by passion for sustainability and a focus on innovation in the recycling, waste, and biotechnology sectors
• Hands‑on problem‑solving ability with a strong safety and compliance mindset
• Effective communicator able to coordinate across multi‑disciplinary teams and external partner

Desirables

• A full, clean UK driving license

Benefits

• A generous allowance of 30 days paid holiday (plus the usual 8 bank holidays)
• Meaningful EMI Share Options
• A non‑contributory pension of 9% employer contribution
• Optional company covered private medical insurance with Vitality
• Group Income Protection
• Group Critical Illness
• Flexible working around the core times of 10am to 4pm
• Cycle to work scheme
• The opportunity to be part of building something remarkable

On‑the‑job perks:

• Complementary fresh fruit, coffee, tea and snacks
• Onsite gym
• Various staff social activities

And we’re continuously reviewing and enhancing our benefits and work environment.