Research Engineer

DeepTech Recycling Ltd (DTR) is on a mission to accelerate the evolution of plastic into a more sustainable material.

We have technology that can turn hard-to-recycle plastic waste, such as flexible packaging, multi-layer structures, polystyrene, into feedstocks for new plastic production.

DTR is a UK-based technology company with a passion to support the critical global drive towards a circular economy.

Plastic is a fantastic material, providing excellent utility to society across many sectors. However, the current management of plastic waste generated is unsustainable. The world only recycles c.12% of plastic waste generated each year. This remarkable resource inefficiency means that c.88% of the plastic used in the world is either buried, burnt, or leaked into the environment. This has led to a global environmental crisis and a need for change.

This is an exciting time for DTR as we prepare to launch a number of commercial projects for customers and with our partners in our target market segments. This is a unique opportunity to have an impact on the commercialization of our technology platforms.

If you are motivated, enjoy a challenge and are looking to make a real impact for the future, then this is a great opportunity for you.

1.     Job summary

The Research Engineer will join our Technology Development Team and take overall responsibility for DTR’s Small Scale Pilot, “the MKII (Mark 2)”, and other R&D facilities. You will be responsible for using the MKII and R&D facilities to complete Proof-of-Concept and Technical Feasibility Studies by carrying out carefully planned trials. You will support the development of DTR’s research facilities and capabilities, and the optimization of DTR’s core technology to convert plastic waste into a valuable hydrocarbon product (Plaxx^®). You will liaise / work with partner universities and other 3^rd party organizations to advance DTR’s technology.

As part of this role, you will be required to spend most of your time in DTR’s lab facilities. This means that you will be required to work from our premises in Oxfordshire. Some remote working will be permitted (subject to agreement with your line manager) but this will be minimal.

2.     Key Responsibilities

• To develop, specify, purchase, install, operate, and maintain R&D testing units and facilities. Your main focus will be the MKII Small Scale Pilot – you will be required to design experiments and run testing campaigns on the MKII as required by the business and by our customers.   
• To use the R&D testing facilities to continue the development of DTR’s core technology in accordance with DTR’s testing plan and Technology Road Map.
• To work with relevant stakeholders to develop Small Scale Pilot designs and design of experiments to complete customer focused and/or internal Proof-of-Concept and Technical feasibility studies.
• To generate detailed reports and keep very diligent records of all work carried out.
• To develop a database for showing the effect of input waste plastic and process conditions on product yield and quality. This database shall be developed by carrying out planned and structured bench scale trials.
• To continuously improve the design of the MKII testing facility to achieve better performance including product quality, yield, gas clean-up etc.
• To ensure that all R&D testing rigs and facilities are managed and maintained in a good, clean and orderly condition. The Research Engineer will maintain 5S standards in the R&D facilities.
• To ensure that all activities and operations are compliant with relevant legislation and regulations, and to ensure that the highest standards of Safety are maintained at all times.  
• To develop and manage the inventory of spares, input waste plastics, products, chemicals and other consumables. To ensure that COSHH registers are updated to include all chemicals used and to ensure safe storage within COSHH cabinets.
• To develop, implement and maintain processes, operating procedures, work instructions, risk assessments, QA/QC processes for all testing, analytical instruments and activities.
• To ensure documentation for all R&D testing rigs are in a constant state of regulatory compliance and inspection readiness.
• To develop and participate in research projects and other ad hoc activities as may be required from time to time including (but not limited to) developing grant funded projects, supporting the development of demonstration and commercial projects and other general business development activities.
• Ensure that the highest standard of professionalism is always maintained, and that all assigned work is delivered efficiently and in a timely manner.  

3.     Necessary Skills, Competencies and Experience

3.1      Essential

• BSc / MSc degree (or PhD) in Chemistry, Chemical, Mechanical Engineering
• Hands-on experience developing, building, and operating Small-Scale Pilots, R&D testing rigs or facilities within a laboratory or industrial environment.
• Experience in research planning, bibliometric studies and in designing experiments, carrying out testing, analysing results and generating reports.
• Experience optimizing R&D rigs.
• Demonstrated understanding of process technology and experience developing process designs for units handling hydrocarbons at lab scale or bigger.
• Ability to creatively apply new understanding to improve process technology.
• Experience developing and maintaining operating and maintenance procedures for R&D facilities.
• Highly self-motivated with ability to work with minimum supervision and demonstrated experience working on and delivering long term projects.
• Ability to communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders with demonstrated presentation skills.

3.2      Desirable

• Practical experience working on waste-to-resource conversion processes, plants and units.
• Practical knowledge of pyrolysis technology.
• Technical writing ability with supported evidence through publications.
• Time management and ability to work to tight deadlines.

4.       Organisational Structure

•  Role reports to the CTO
• You will collaborate with the other members of the Technology Development Team including Process Development Engineers and the Product Engineering Team.