Senior Process Engineer - 6 month FTC

About the Company Abercorn Sinclair is delighted to present this exciting opportunity with our industry partner MiAlgae, based at their HQ in Edinburgh/Grangemouth Production facility. Founded in 2016, MiAlgae applies advances in science and technology to improve food security and reduce environmental impact. The company is focused on eliminating reliance on wild-caught fish for omega-3 by producing sustainable alternatives from microalgae. Its zero-waste process recycles co-products from the food and drink industry to grow omega-3-rich microalgae, returning clean water in the process.

About the Role The Senior Process Engineer will play a key role in the commissioning, qualification, and start-up of MiAlgae’s new fermentation production facility. The position will focus on delivering a GMP-aligned anaerobic fermentation operation, comprising multiple large-scale bioreactors (circa 30,000L), supporting the transition from scale-up into routine manufacturing. Reporting to the Head of Engineering, the role will work closely with Technical Development, R&D, QA, and Operations to ensure systems are installed, tested, and brought into operation safely, efficiently, and in line with regulatory expectations.

Responsibilities

• Support and execute commissioning and start-up activities across anaerobic fermentation and associated process systems
• Lead on-site process engineering input during installation, system integration, and start-up phases
• Commission large-scale anaerobic bioreactors (circa 30,000L), ensuring appropriate mixing, gas management, and process control
• Support commissioning of clean utilities and process systems including CIP/SIP, process gases, and water systems
• Contribute to Commissioning and Qualification activities, including support for IQ/OQ/PQ documentation and execution
• Troubleshoot process and equipment issues during commissioning and early production campaigns, including gas transfer and operational challenges
• Work cross-functionally with QA, Validation, Automation, and Operations teams to ensure compliant system handover
• Support development of SOPs, batch records, and operational documentation aligned to GMP requirements
• Participate in risk assessments (HAZOP/HAZID) and support deviation and CAPA investigations
• Provide hands-on technical support during engineering runs and initial GMP production

Qualifications

Ideally, degree qualified in Chemical Process, Biochemical, or Mechanical Engineering

Required Skills

• Proven experience in commissioning and start-up of process plant within complex manufacturing environments
• Strong practical knowledge of large-scale process operations and equipment
• Experience working in or transitioning towards GMP or regulated environments
• Understanding of aerobic fermentation processes, including gas handling, mass transfer limitations, and scale-up challenges
• Experience with large-scale bioreactors (10,000L–30,000L+) or similar process equipment is advantageous
• Familiarity with clean utilities and sterile processing systems (CIP/SIP)
• Ability to interpret P&IDs and engineering documentation
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis capability
• Working towards Chartership is desirable

Preferred Skills

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams
• A genuine interest in applying biotechnology to deliver sustainable solutions

Compensation package This is an excellent opportunity to join a scaling, purpose-driven biotechnology business at a critical stage of its development. The successful candidate will play a central role in bringing new fermentation capacity online and supporting the transition to large-scale manufacturing. In return, you can expect a competitive rate and/or benefits as a FTC, along with the opportunity to work within a collaborative team focused on delivering innovative and sustainable technologies.

How To Apply For a confidential discussion, please contact Keith Tocher at Abercorn Sinclair.