Medical Extrusion jobs

Industrial Process Engineer (Scale-Up & Commissioning)

JobID: IPE2601

1. OUR MISSION

Promoting a future that is nature-inspired. Sparxell uses nature’s proven design principles to create drop-in alternatives to synthetic colour, eliminating chemical toxicity in global supply chains. Award-winning, Sparxell’s products are sustainably designed to overcome the challenges associated with synthetic and mined colourants.

Redesigning how colours are made. Sparxell’s pioneering pigments are made from plant-derived cellulose and nanostructured into a wide range of vibrant shades. Sparxell’s patented technology arises from multiple years of interdisciplinary research performed at the University of Cambridge. Our ambition is to foster sustainability in advanced materials, with a targeted impact on multiple sectors that heavily rely on colour, from cosmetics to fashion, packaging, paint, and food.

2. WHAT WE LOOK FOR

We are recruiting an Industrial Process Engineer to join our Scale-Up Team and play a key role in the development, installation and commissioning of our first commercial manufacturing facility.

This is an exciting hands-on process engineering position sitting at the interface between process development, industrial equipment, utilities, facility installation, commissioning and application scale-up.

You will work closely with the Manufacturing Lead and Scale-up Team to design, specify and integrate new process equipment, specify & arrange installation of utilities, support FAT and SAT activities, prepare commissioning and qualification documentation, and lead maintenance, calibration and HSE systems as the facility becomes operational.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Process scale-up and industrialisation: Translate laboratory and pilot-scale processes into safe, robust and practical manufacturing operations, working closely with the Manufacturing Lead and Scale-up Team to define equipment, operating requirements and scale-up solutions.

Equipment specification and supplier management: Develop technical specifications, identify and evaluate suitable equipment, engage with OEMs and contractors, review quotations and technical proposals, and support equipment selection and procurement.

Process and application trials: Plan, organise and conduct equipment and scale-up trials at Sparxell and external supplier or partner facilities, including application trials and other relevant manufacturing processes.

Equipment and facility integration: Support the practical installation and integration of process equipment, instrumentation and ancillary systems. Define utility requirements and coordinate contractors and other facility upgrades.

Commissioning and troubleshooting: Support FAT and SAT activities, lead practical commissioning and start-up of new equipment, troubleshoot mechanical and process issues, and work with Process Development and Quality Control Team during equipment qualification and process validation.

Engineering documentation and operational readiness: Prepare and maintain equipment specifications, commissioning documents, operating procedures and maintenance instructions, and establish appropriate maintenance, calibration, spares and equipment records.

Safety, quality and continuous improvement: Identify and manage engineering and process risks, participate in HAZOP/FMEA and other safety reviews, ensure equipment is designed and operated safely, and continuously improve equipment performance, operability, maintainability and sustainability.

3. YOUR PROFILE & QUALIFICATIONS

We are seeking a hands-on engineer with strong mechanical and process knowledge, practical problem-solving skills and enthusiasm for working in a dynamic scale-up environment.

We are seeking a hands-on process engineer with strong practical problem-solving skills, sound engineering judgement and enthusiasm for working in a dynamic scale-up environment. You should be confident learning about unfamiliar systems, reading technical information and taking ownership of engineering problems from initial requirement through to implementation.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ relevant experience in process engineering, industrialisation, plant development, project engineering, commissioning or a similar technical environment.
• B.Eng, M.Eng or equivalent qualification in Process engineering, or alternatively Chemical, Industrial, Mechanical, or Manufacturing engineering.
• Practical experience with industrial process equipment, including specification, installation, commissioning or troubleshooting.
• Experience working with OEM suppliers, contractors and technical service providers, and confidence reviewing technical proposals, manuals, datasheets and engineering drawings.
• Experience preparing engineering documentation such as URSs, equipment specifications, PFDs, P&IDs, operating procedures or commissioning protocols.
• Familiarity with process utilities such as compressed air, extraction, HVAC, electrical supplies, water and drainage, and a good understanding of process and equipment safety.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple technical activities, suppliers and stakeholders.

Skills We Value

• Experience scaling processes involving mixing, filtration, milling, classification, and powder handling.
• Experience with application-processing technologies such as extrusion, compounding, coating, printing.
• Experience setting up a new pilot plant, production areas or manufacturing facilities.
• Familiarity with instrumentation, process controls, equipment qualification, validation, ISO 9001 or other controlled manufacturing environments.
• Experience with HAZOP/FMEA, maintenance and calibration systems, CAD/layout work, machinery safety or continuous-improvement methodologies.

Personal Profile

• Enthusiastic, practical, hands-on, creative and solution-driven, striving for excellence.
• Structured, organised and proactive, with the ability to work independently and take ownership.
• Safety-conscious with strong attention to detail and sound judgement regarding the limits of personal competence.
• Comfortable working in a fast-changing, deadline-driven scale-up environment and collaborating with a range of internal and external partners including scientists, technicians, engineers, customers, suppliers and contractors.
• Motivated by the opportunity to help establish a world’s first commercial pilot-scale manufacturing facility from the ground up.

4. BENEFITS & CONDITIONS

Deadline for application: 5 October 2026
Contract: Full-time permanent contract with opportunities for career progression.
Starting: When available.
Location: CB1 Cambridge, UK. This is predominantly a site-based engineering position and will include short-duration travel within the UK and internationally for equipment trials, supplier visits, application scale-up and commissioning activities.
Estimated remuneration: Starting from £42k depending on experience. Relocation package available.
Other benefits: Pension, private medical insurance & life insurance available, and on-site parking available. Wellness hub membership.
Right to work in the UK: We have a legal responsibility to ensure that you have the right to work in the UK before you can start working with us. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon you gaining this right.
References: Offers of appointment will be subject to satisfactory references.

5. FEELING LIKE JOINING OUR TEAM?

If you want to join our endeavours, please send your CV and cover letter to careers@sparxell.com.
Please name your documents as JobID_Forename Surname_CV or CL for faster internal processing.
You may include any additional material that supports your application.

Colour speaks to all, and so does Sparxell. Our company is committed to building a diverse team and an inclusive environment where all employees belong. We encourage women, people of colour, individuals with disabilities, gender-expansive individuals, LGBTQ+ candidates, and other under-represented minorities to apply.

We aim to review your application within a week or two; unfortunately, we do not provide individual feedback on received applications.

Pay: From £42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Private medical insurance
• Relocation assistance
• UK visa sponsorship

Work Location: In person