Process Development Engineer: Paper Chemistry & Scale-up

DS Smith; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

DS Smith is seeking a Process Development Engineer to push boundaries in process chemistry across our mill network. You will optimise process chemistry at scale, run audits, map processes, and translate data into on-site improvements.

You will collaborate with Procurement and R&D, build process models, and deliver hands-on coaching to mill teams, shaping the direction for process chemistry within Group R&D.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry, Papermaking, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Hands-on know-how in charge balance, drainage & retention, zeta potential, fibre/water measurements.

Responsibilities

• Optimise process chemistry at scale — lead audits, process mapping, data analysis, and trials (lab and mill) to enhance charge balance, drainage/retention, zeta potential control, and water system performance.
• Model to improve — build or adapt process models, interpret results, and translate insights into on-site changes and measured benefits.
• Run the Process Chemistry Working Group — schedule and facilitate sessions, document actions, track benefits, and share best practices across mills.
• Partner with suppliers — benchmark chemistries, evaluate samples, define test methods, and co-develop world-class applications with Procurement and R&D colleagues.
• Enable capability — deliver training and hands-on coaching for mill teams on process understanding, modelling, and best available practices.
• Drive change — help shape the strategy for process chemistry within Group R&D alongside the Materials Performance Lead.

Skills

Data analysis

Process modeling

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Chemistry, Papermaking, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Job description

DS Smith is seeking a Process Development Engineer to push boundaries in process chemistry across our mill network. You will optimise process chemistry at scale, run audits, map processes, and translate data into on-site improvements.

You will collaborate with Procurement and R&D, build process models, and deliver hands-on coaching to mill teams, shaping the direction for process chemistry within Group R&D.