R&D Process Engineer - Methane Capture

Cranfield University.; City Of London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Bluemethane is seeking an hands-on experimental engineer to lead the quality of our experimental testing and data analysis. Based at Cranfield University, you will design, build, and run laboratory and pilot-scale experiments focused on methane recovery from wastewater, and drive engineering improvements across our technology platform.

You will operate gas chromatography systems, manage instrumentation, and ensure data integrity while collaborating with Bluemethane engineers on continuous

Qualifications

• Essential MSc, MEng, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong grounding in fluid dynamics, mass transfer, and separation processes.
• Experience designing, planning, and executing experiments at laboratory or pilot scale.
• Hands-on experience with rig construction, sensors, pumps, instrumentation, and DAQ systems.
• Experience with QA/QC practices for experimental work, including calibration, method validation, and data traceability.
• Proficiency in data analysis, statistics, uncertainty analysis, and interpretation of experimental results.
• Experience working safely with chemicals, pressurised systems, and process equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain the gas chromatography system used for gas analysis.
• Design, build, operate, and maintain experimental systems across scales from lab rigs to pilot plants.
• Analyse experimental results using modelling, statistics, and uncertainty quantification.
• Design reporting forms and maintain clear experimental records.
• Implement QA/QC procedures across experimental activities and ensure safety compliance.

Skills

Clear written and verbal communicator

Highly organized

Proactive problem-solver

Collaborative

Hands-on lab work

Education

MSc, MEng, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

Gas chromatography systems

DAQ systems

Sensors and transducers

Job description

Key Responsibilities

(including operation of our gas chromatographer), QA/QC, and reporting. You will work closely with engineers and scientists across our fast-moving science-first environment, and be expected to travel up to 50% of your time to support field tests and sampling campaigns.

Experimental Design & Execution

Design, build, operate, and maintain experimental systems across multiple scales - from microscale and laboratory rigs to prototype, pilot plant and demonstration scale systems. Develop test protocols and experimental plans aligned with technology development milestones. Instrument rigs and configure data-acquisition systems; select and integrate appropriate sensors and transducers. Evaluate fluid flow, mass transfer, methane capture efficiency, and overall process performance. Troubleshoot experimental inconsistencies and resolve instrument or process faults.

Analytical Measurement

Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot the gas chromatography system used for gas analysis. Ensure analytical results are reliable, traceable, and fit for decision-making.

Data Analysis & Reporting

Analyse experimental results using modelling, statistics, and uncertainty quantification. Design reporting forms and maintain clear experimental records. Summarise findings in technical reports, recommendations, and presentations for internal and external audiences.

Quality, Safety & Documentation

Implement QA/QC procedures across experimental and sampling activities, including equipment calibration, method validation, and data verification. Maintain safe working practices in laboratory, workshop, and pilot-plant environments, in line with COSHH, PSSR, and relevant site safety requirements. Support lab development, including procurement and commissioning of new equipment.

Collaboration

Work closely with Bluemethane engineers on continuous improvement for new and forthcoming experimental projects. Maintain proactive communication with the team through meetings, documentation and project management tools.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential MSc, MEng, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Strong grounding in fluid dynamics, mass transfer, and separation processes. Demonstrated experience designing, planning, and executing experiments at laboratory or pilot scale. Hands-on experience with rig construction, sensors, pumps, instrumentation, and DAQ systems. Experience with QA/QC practices for experimental work, including calibration, method validation, and data traceability. Proficiency in data analysis, statistics, uncertainty analysis, and interpretation of experimental results. Experience working safely with chemicals, pressurised systems, and process equipment.

Desirable Experience

Experience operating or maintaining gas chromatography systems, or other analytical instruments for gas or dissolved-phase measurements. Familiarity with dissolved gas analysis or gas-liquid mass transfer processes. Experience at pilot-plant or field scale.

Professional Skills

Clear written and verbal communicator - able to document and present technical findings to multidisciplinary teams. Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and a commitment to reliable, traceable data. Proactive problem-solver with a practical, hands-on approach. Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-moving R&D environment where priorities can shift. Collaborative and effective across scientific, engineering, and operational teams.

Working Conditions - Please Read Before Applying

This role involves regular hands-on work with wastewater and sewage sludge treatment processes. Candidates should be comfortable working in environments that include contact with wastewater, sludge, and associated odours as a routine part of fieldwork and sampling activities.

Working Mode & Location

Location: On-site at Cranfield University, Bedfordshire. Travel: Up to 50% for field tests and sampling campaigns (UK and potentially international).

Salary

£32,000-£38,000 per year, depending on experience.

About Bluemethane

Bluemethane's mission is to prevent one billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from water. We do this with technology that measures methane, captures methane, and uses recovered methane, to turn a potent greenhouse gas into a clean-energy opportunity. We work at the intersection of environmental engineering, process development, and climate impact.

About the Role

You will be responsible for the quality of our experimental testing, the quality of the data analysis and the highest experimental standards. This is a hands-on experimental engineering role at the heart of our technology development and optimisation programme. You will design, build, and run laboratory and pilot-scale experiments focused on methane and recovery from wastewater, and translate those findings into engineering improvements across our technology platform. The role spans the full experimental cycle: from rig design and instrumentation through data acquisition, analytical measurement.