Process / Production Engineer
Location: Wilton, Teesside
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Industry: Chemical Manufacturing / Process Industries
Recruiter: Recruit-i
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, typically 08:00–16:30, with additional flexibility as operationally required
The Opportunity
Recruit-i is recruiting on behalf of an established industrial manufacturing client for an experienced Process / Production Engineer to join its operations at Wilton, Teesside.
Based at a relatively modern chemical manufacturing facility, this permanent opportunity offers the chance to join a small, technically capable engineering team where individual contributions have a direct impact on operational performance.
Unlike larger engineering departments, this is a lean team of just three, including this position, reporting to the Senior Process Engineer.
The successful candidate will have considerable autonomy, working closely with operations, maintenance and other engineering disciplines to identify problems, develop practical solutions and deliver measurable improvements.
A key attraction of this position is that approximately 40–50% of the role will focus on process optimisation, production efficiencies and continuous improvement.
We are particularly interested in speaking with engineers who enjoy being actively involved in plant operations rather than working solely in a design, reporting or compliance-focused capacity.
Key Responsibilities
Process Optimisation & Continuous Improvement
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Identify and implement improvements to plant performance, efficiency and reliability.
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Analyse production data to improve yield, throughput, energy consumption and operational stability.
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Lead structured problem-solving and root cause analysis to address recurring operational issues.
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Identify opportunities to reduce downtime, improve operating efficiency and optimise production processes.
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Work collaboratively with operations teams to translate engineering recommendations into practical improvements.
Operational & Technical Support
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Provide hands-on engineering support to a continuously operating manufacturing facility.
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Work closely with shift operations, maintenance, EC&I and other engineering disciplines.
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Troubleshoot process-related issues, identifying causes and implementing effective solutions.
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Support plant start-up, shutdown, commissioning and operational readiness activities.
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Take ownership of assigned process areas and provide technical guidance to operational personnel.
Process Safety & Compliance
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Support compliance with COMAH regulations, environmental permits and site safety requirements.
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Participate in HAZOP, LOPA, DSEAR and other process safety studies.
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Support Management of Change (MOC) processes and technical risk assessments.
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Contribute to incident investigations, root cause analysis and corrective actions.
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Maintain and update P&IDs, process documentation and operating procedures.
Engineering Projects & Plant Improvements
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Provide technical input into capital expenditure and plant improvement projects.
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Support the development and implementation of engineering modifications.
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Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams, contractors and technology providers.
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Evaluate technical solutions, operational benefits and potential cost savings.
About You
Ideally, you will have 5–10 years' experience in chemical manufacturing, process engineering or a comparable continuous-process industrial environment.
You will be technically capable, commercially aware of the impact of operational efficiencies and confident working independently.
Essential Requirements
Degree in Chemical Engineering or Process Engineering.
Practical experience in a chemical manufacturing or comparable process plant environment.
Strong understanding of production processes, plant optimisation and continuous improvement.
Ability to analyse operating data, diagnose technical issues and implement practical improvements.
Knowledge of process safety principles and relevant engineering standards.
Confidence working independently and collaboratively across engineering and operational teams.
A proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused approach.
Desirable Experience
Previous experience within a COMAH-regulated manufacturing facility, ideally Top Tier.
Exposure to HAZOP, LOPA, DSEAR and Management of Change procedures.
Experience involving distillation, fermentation or other continuous chemical processes.
Experience supporting capital projects, commissioning or plant modifications.
Familiarity with environmental permitting and functional safety requirements.
The Working Environment
This is a hands-on engineering position within a manufacturing facility operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Normal working hours are typically 08:00–16:30, although flexibility is essential to respond to operational requirements, including occasional support outside normal hours.
The nature of the operation means priorities can change quickly. We are therefore looking for an engineer who is comfortable adapting to changing circumstances, balancing planned improvement initiatives with emerging operational challenges.
This position is particularly suited to someone who enjoys variety, takes personal responsibility and wants to see the direct results of their engineering decisions.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
Permanent position within an established industrial manufacturing business.
Relatively modern production facility compared with many longstanding Teesside industrial sites.
Small engineering team offering genuine responsibility, autonomy and visibility.
Approximately 40–50% of the role dedicated to optimisation, efficiency and continuous improvement.
Opportunity to work closely with operations and multiple engineering disciplines.
Varied technical challenges and the ability to influence plant performance directly.
Opportunity to develop professionally within a complex industrial manufacturing environment.
Apply
Recruit-i is managing this recruitment process on behalf of our client.
If you are an experienced Process or Production Engineer looking for a permanent opportunity where you can take ownership, work independently and contribute directly to operational performance, we would welcome your application