R&D Process Development Engineer

Join the Woodsmith team as the R&D Process Development Engineer supporting the Woodsmith Project and its R&D Plant Operations to develop the technology for POLY4 granule production by executing process trials and providing technical problem-solving capability, establishing contacts with suppliers and consultants, and providing expert knowledge into the Crop Nutrients Business Unit. - Consistently apply Safety & Health principles in all team interactions and take personal responsibility for safety of self and others to ensure zero harm and elimination of fatalities. - Ensure individual and team SHE standards are maintained, act as a role model and reinforce a workplace culture where safety and health for the site is paramount. - Identify specific risks within working area and implement plans/system to mitigate or eliminate these risks. - Devise trials to establish operating parameters for key elements of the process including granulation, screening, drying and coating in accordance with established processes and procedures. - Identify, clearly define and recommend suitable trials based on research and previous results. - Coordinate allocation of suitable skilled resources and equipment to meet requirements of the trial program and provide support to team as required. - Set out sampling regimes and define QA/QC expectations for each trial. - Ensure accurate and timeous data collection, analysis and compilation of relevant internal and external reports. - Responsible for technical liaisons with 3rd party manufacturer and other technical consultants supporting the project. - Support Plant Operations by identifying opportunities for continuous improvement, suggesting potential solutions and supporting implementation of identified solutions to increase the performance of the plant or a section of it. - Manage compliance of the teams within work area with external (legislative, regulatory, permitting) local requirements as a minimum level of site performance. - Bachelor’s Degree in Mineral Engineering, Chemical & Process Engineering Technical Knowledge: - Experience in a mineral processing plant, operational environment engineering house, consultancy or R&D environment - Knowledge of fertilisers, mineral surface chemistry, product blending and formulation would be desirable - Experimental design (DoE) - Process data analysis - Mass and energy balances - Pilot plant operations - Statistical analysis - Equipment commissioning - Process control - Process modelling - Scale-up from pilot to commercial operation Attributes & Behaviours: - Strong hands‑on mindset — comfortable working around equipment and getting involved on the plant floor. - Analytical, curious, and evidence‑driven. - Clear communicator able to summarise findings for technical and non‑technical audiences. - Proactive, self‑starting attitude with desire to take ownership of work. - Adaptable and comfortable in a fast‑moving R&D environment. - Ambition to develop technical leadership skills and progress into management. - Team‑oriented and collaborative.