Cambridge Aerospace
Director of Chemical Technology
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Overview
Cambridge Aerospace is looking for an experienced leader to establish and lead its polymer and speciality chemicals team. As Director of Chemical Technology you will be responsible for building, scaling, and optimising chemical development and manufacturing activities, from early-stage development through to tonne scale commercial production.
You will bring deep technical expertise in polymer chemistry, process design and engineering, combined with strong leadership, strategic insight, and a proven track record in delivering plant-scale chemical manufacturing capabilities.
Responsibilities
- Lead synthesis, development and scale-up of polymer and speciality chemical processes from laboratory through to tonne scale manufacture.
- Establish and oversee manufacturing operations, including plant design, installation, commissioning, production, and ongoing optimization.
- Lead a multidisciplinary team across R&D, chemical engineering and chemical manufacturing.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and regulatory authorities.
- Drive innovation, operational efficiency and cost optimization across chemical operations.
- Develop and manage budgets, timelines and capital investment plans for chemical operations.
- Provide strategic input to business development, technology road-mapping, and commercialisation activities in support of company growth objectives.
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Requirements
- Educational background in Chemistry (PhD or MSc preferred).
- Previous experience in a large scale chemical research, development and scale-up manufacturing.
- Proven track record of scaling novel chemical processes from lab to full production.
- Experienced in plant design, installation, commissioning and operations, including high-pressure, gas-phase polymerisation processes.
- Demonstrated ability to build/lead teams and establish chemical synthesis/manufacture capabilities from the ground up.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, particularly in fast-paced, high-growth and ambiguous environments.
- Practical ability in resolving technical bottlenecks encountered during early chemical manufacturing operations, acting as a hands-on problem solver.
- Ability to engage with senior leadership, contributing to strategic decision-making and aligning technical direction with broader business objectives.
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation and stock options
- Private Medical & Dental
- Cycle to work scheme
- Lunchtime catering on site
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About Us
The mission of Cambridge Aerospace is to eliminate the risk of existential war in Europe. That risk comes from the air – low-cost drones and cruise missiles now manufactured in colossal volumes by our adversaries, ballistic missiles capable of ending the world as we know it, and a new generation of hypersonic weapons that evade every existing defence. We’re building low-cost interceptors that defeat these threats, and the surveillance systems to detect and target them – at a cost taxpayers can afford, at the pace the threat demands, and with sovereign supply chains that assure delivery. We have immense backing from the world’s best venture funds. We’re one of the fastest growing defence technology companies in history. And we’re hiring the best engineers to prosecute the mission. If you are in the top 1%, willing to work harder than you ever have, build technology better than anyone else, and contribute to the defining challenge of our time, now is the time to join us.
Please note, this role will be based in Norfolk.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.
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