Process Design Engineer

We are supporting a client in the chemical sector with a requirement for a Process Design Engineer holding at least 5 years chemical sector experience. Fairly immediate starts are required and this will operate on a temporary contract basis around 3-6 months although further extensions may be possible. This will be to support the Lead Process Engineer in drafting drawings, performing mechanical calculations, contacting suppliers with proposals and quotations, and other duties as described below.

This is an outside IR35 contract role with rates negotiable and commensurate with prior level of experience. This will be entirely site based - out of an operational site based in Runcorn - with no room for hybrid /remote working. Candidates must possess existing eligibility to work in the UK without need for further sponsorship.

We are looking for a practical, delivery-focused Project Design Engineer to support the design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of a hydrometallurgical lithium-ion battery recycling demonstrator.

The role suits someone with strong CAD and mechanical/process plant design experience who is comfortable taking work from an initial process requirement through to an engineered, installed and operational solution.

You will work closely with the Lead Process Engineer, equipment suppliers, fabricators, electrical and control contractors, automation specialists and site operations. This is a hands-on engineering role requiring ownership, sound technical judgement and a willingness to resolve problems as the project develops.

• Assisting with process plant layouts, equipment arrangements, fabrication drawings and installation details.
• Produce and maintain 2D and 3D CAD models of vessels, tanks, pipework and platforms and associated plant equipment.
• Translate process requirements, PFDs and P&IDs into practical mechanical designs.
• Take responsibility for defined equipment packages from concept through specification, procurement, manufacture, installation and commissioning.
• Prepare equipment datasheets, technical specifications, scopes of work and requests for quotation.
• Review supplier quotations, drawings, calculations and technical submissions.
• Coordinate interfaces between mechanical equipment, piping, electrical systems, instrumentation, instrumentation and automation.
• Produce bills of materials, drawing registers, equipment schedules and technical documentation.
• Monitor supplier progress, drawing approvals, delivery dates and outstanding technical information.
• Support design reviews, HAZOP, DSEAR, constructability and maintainability assessments.
• Ensure actions arising from technical and safety reviews are incorporated into the design.
• Support equipment inspections, factory acceptance testing and site acceptance testing.
• Assist with commissioning plans, punch lists, defect resolution and handover documentation.
• Manage design changes and maintain accurate as-built drawings and records.
• Identify technical, programme and procurement risks early and drive them through to resolution.
• Help develop practical engineering standards and repeatable design methods for future plants.

The project includes:

• Chemical storage, transfer and dosing systems
• Slurry pumping and solids handling
• Solid liquid separation equipment
• Extraction ductwork, scrubbers and process off-gas systems
• Hot-water heating systems and internal or external heat exchangers
• Pumps, valves, instruments and process pipework
• Access platforms, support steelwork and equipment guarding
• PLC-controlled batch processing systems
• ATEX

• Experience in mechanical, process plant or industrial equipment design.
• Strong 2D and 3D CAD capability (Solidworks)
• Experience producing general arrangements, manufacturing drawings, piping layouts and installation drawings.
• Ability to convert a process or operational requirement into a practical engineered solution.
• Experience coordinating with equipment manufacturers, fabricators and site contractors.
• Understanding of pumps, valves, tanks, vessels, pipework and mechanical equipment.
• Experience reviewing supplier drawings and managing technical comments.
• Ability to manage several work packages and priorities simultaneously.
• Good understanding of fabrication and installation methods.
• Strong attention to detail and document control.
• A delivery-focused approach, with the confidence to follow actions through to completion.
• Willingness to spend time on site and…