Process Engineer

Holiferm is leading a major shift in the $42 billion surfactant market - moving the industry away from fossil fuel–based chemicals and towards biodegradable, sustainable biosurfactants. Our patented fermentation and gravity separation technology enables commercially scalable, competitively priced biosurfactants that make real sustainability possible.

And while Holiferm may not be a household name you recognise, the brands we supply certainly are - from well-known global names to fast growing, future focused innovators. As demand for sustainable ingredients accelerates, we’re scaling fast, expanding our technology, and shaping the industry from the inside out. It’s an exciting time to join us and help drive the next wave of growth.

When you join us, you’ll be part of a dynamic, collaborative, and inclusive environment and you’ll have the autonomy, support and platform to innovate, grow, and make a real impact.

We are seeking a highly capable and proactive Process Engineer to play a key role in the optimisation, safety, reliability, and ongoing development of our manufacturing processes. You will work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Capital Projects teams to ensure our facilities operate efficiently, safely and consistently.

• 
  
• Deliver process improvement projects and system modifications to enhance robustness, efficiency, throughput, and safety across our operations.
  
• Conduct detailed engineering calculations and design activities, including equipment design, mass and energy balances, heat‑transfer calculations, and process‑flow revisions to support upgrades and optimisation initiatives.
  
• Troubleshoot production, process, and equipment issues by working hands‑on with Operations and Maintenance teams to identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
  
• Develop, support, and implement process safety programmes, ensuring safety principles, risk‑reduction strategies, and robust controls are embedded into everyday operations.
  
• Ensure compliance with statutory HSE requirements across all process areas, including steam systems, boiler management, DSEAR/ATEX regulations, and relevant occupational hygiene standards.
  
• Provide technical expertise during incident investigations, supporting corrective and preventive actions and contributing to ongoing learning and continuous improvement.
  
• Plan, run, and evaluate plant trials, simulations, and test work; analyse performance data; and prepare clear, evidence‑based reports and recommendations.
  
• Support Capital Projects in the design, introduction, and commissioning of new utilities, facilities, and technology, ensuring seamless integration with existing operations.
  
• Provide process engineering knowledge and strategic guidance to the multidisciplined maintenance team, enabling effective asset management and long‑term reliability.
  
• Manage contractors during installation and implementation of plant modifications, ensuring standards of safety, quality, and performance are met.
  

This role is based at Oceans Park, with occasional travel to other sites as required. Standard working hours are 08:00–16:00, Monday to Friday, with flexibility needed for project‑related shift adjustments or occasional out‑of‑hours support such as commissioning activities or emergency troubleshooting.

• 
  
• Strong understanding of process design, engineering principles, and chemical process operations.
  
• Experience delivering engineering projects or plant modifications from concept through to commissioning.
  
• Practical experience in commissioning, testing, and validating process or equipment changes.
  
• Ability to perform technical calculations including pipe sizing, relief‑valve and vent sizing, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and process modelling.
  
• Knowledge of process safety requirements, HSE guidance, relevant British Standards, and regulatory frameworks associated with chemical and/or bioprocessing environments.
  
• Exposure to project‑management processes, stakeholder coordination, and documentation control.
  

• 
  
• Industrial experience within biotechnology, chemical processing, fermentation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, speciality chemicals, or a similar field.
  
• Experience supervising or coordinating contractors.
  
• Experience using P&ID CAD software or process modelling tools.
  
• Familiarity with process hardware including pipework, valves, pumps, heat exchangers, instrumentation, and control systems.
  
• Knowledge of automation technologies, PLC‑controlled environments, and control‑system logic.
  

You work safely, methodically, and with a strong sense of ownership. You are a clear communicator who can translate technical detail into practical actions and collaborate effectively with different teams. You are comfortable balancing independent work with team‑based problem solving, and you know when to take the lead or when to support others. You take a practical, logical, and solution‑focused approach to engineering challenges, maintaining a calm and professional attitude during high‑pressure or time‑sensitive situations.

Commitment to strong safety culture and quality standards

Curiosity, analytical mindset, and problem‑solving ability

Collaborative team ethic and willingness to share knowledge

Clear, confident communication and documentation skills

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.

We offer a competitive salary, 7.5% employer pension contribution, income protection, life insurance, comprehensive health, dental and mental‑health support, employee share options, electric & hybrid car scheme, reward and discount platform, inclusive team events, and a range of lifestyle and wellbeing perks designed to support you inside and outside of work.

Our culture isn’t a poster on a wall - it’s how we show up for each other, how we solve problems, and how we make sure everyone feels included, respected and able to thrive.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer committed to inclusion. We will provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment journey and during employment where required.

If this role excites you but you don't meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply -you may be exactly who we’re looking for.