Process Technologist

Trades Workforce Solutions; Aylesbury; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food innovation company in Aylesbury is seeking a Process Technologist to lead their UHT pilot plant. You will manage trials, ensure equipment reliability, and conduct product testing to drive the continuous improvement of RTD products. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Food Science or Engineering, experience in food manufacturing, and strong problem-solving abilities. This hands-on role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure high standards in product quality and process optimization.

Qualifications

• Experience with UHT or aseptic processing technologies.
• Ability to design and execute experiments.
• Familiarity with quality testing methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead the UHT pilot plant operations and trials.
• Maintain lab and pilot plant equipment.
• Conduct product testing and analysis.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Food and drink manufacturing experience

Thermal processing knowledge

Strong problem-solving skills

Collaboration and communication skills

Curious and research-driven mindset

Education

Degree in Food Science or Process Engineering

1-2 years hands-on experience in a similar role

Job description

The Process Technologist Role

The Process Technologist Role. At Huel we believe our customers deserve the best products, and we are proud to be supplying our Hueligans with real food that contains the highest quality ingredients, sourced in the most ethical manner. To help ensure we keep pushing the boundaries of innovation, we’re now looking for a Process Technologist to join our team and lead our UHT pilot plant. This is a hands‑on, scientific role at the heart of our RTD (Ready‑to‑Drink) innovation pipeline. In this role, you’ll be responsible for managing and running our UHT pilot plant, planning and executing trials, carrying out experimental work, and maintaining equipment to ensure reliable and efficient operation. You’ll use your technical expertise to design and deliver experiments that inform our product development and drive continuous improvement across our RTD category — one of the fastest‑growing areas of the business. You’ll work closely with our NPD team, supporting projects from concept to launch, providing process insight and data to guide decision‑making. Alongside this, you’ll be expected to research new technologies and techniques, applying scientific thinking to optimise processes, improve efficiency, and enhance the quality and stability of our RTD products. This opportunity will see you collaborating with colleagues across the business, playing a pivotal role in ensuring our RTD products are not only delicious and nutritionally complete, but also consistently manufactured to the highest standards. The role is based in our Tring HQ and reports to Harris, our Process Manager. Meet Harris!! The responsibilities of Huel’s new Process Technologist. Alongside the above, this role will see you spot new ideas and drive our RTD product forward to the next level - challenge is everything and there’s always a lot that we can do better, within the role, in the Technical team and even across the whole business. No day is ever the same but here is an insight into your day to day!

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage our UHT pilot plant — planning, running, and documenting trials to generate data and insights that inform product development and process optimisation.
• Look after and maintain lab and pilot plant equipment, ensuring all instruments are in excellent working order, calibrated, and ready for use.
• Carry out experimental work and research projects aimed at optimising processing conditions, improving efficiency, and enhancing product quality.
• Conduct product testing and analysis, applying both laboratory and sensory methods to assess quality, stability, and consistency.
• Work closely with NPD and EPD teams to provide process expertise and technical input during development, ensuring concepts are tested and refined ahead of scale‑up.
• Analyse trial and test data and translate findings into clear recommendations for both product and process improvements.
• Support factory scale‑up trials and first productions, helping to establish robust processing parameters and ensuring smooth transition from pilot to full‑scale manufacturing.
• Explore and evaluate new technologies and methods, keeping up to date with scientific and engineering advances in UHT and RTD processing.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with business objectives.

What we’re looking for in our new Process Technologist.

• Experience in food and drink manufacturing, ideally with exposure to thermal processing, UHT, or aseptic technologies.
• A degree in Food Science, Chemical/Process Engineering, or a related scientific discipline, or 1–2 years’ hands‑on experience in a similar role.
• Strong process and equipment knowledge, with confidence in running pilot plant trials, maintaining lab equipment, and troubleshooting technical issues.
• Ability to design and execute experiments, analyse data, and translate results into clear actions for process and product optimisation.
• Familiarity with quality testing methods (chemical, physical, microbiological, and/or sensory) to assess product stability and consistency.
• A curious and research‑driven mindset, with the motivation to explore new technologies and drive continuous improvement.
• Strong problem‑solving skills — able to think scientifically, challenge assumptions, and find practical solutions under time pressure.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, able to work closely with cross‑functional teams.
• Organised, adaptable, and comfortable in a fast‑paced environment where no two days look the same.