Bluemethane
R&D Process Engineer – Methane Capture
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About Bluemethane
Bluemethane's mission is to prevent one billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from water. We do this with technology that measures methane, captures methane, and uses recovered methane, to turn a potent greenhouse gas into a clean-energy opportunity. We work at the intersection of environmental engineering, process development, and climate impact.
About the Role
You will be responsible for the quality of our experimental testing, the quality of the data analysis and the highest experimental standards. This is a hands-on experimental engineering role at the heart of our technology development and optimisation programme. You will design, build, and run laboratory and pilot-scale experiments focused on methane and recovery from wastewater, and translate those findings into engineering improvements across our technology platform.
The role spans the full experimental cycle: from rig design and instrumentation through data acquisition, analytical measurement (including operation of our gas chromatographer), QA/QC, and reporting. You will work closely with engineers and scientists across our fast-moving science-first environment, and be expected to travel up to 50% of your time to support field tests and sampling campaigns.
Key Responsibilities
Experimental Design & Execution
- Design, build, operate, and maintain experimental systems across multiple scales — from microscale and laboratory rigs to prototype, pilot plant and demonstration scale systems.
- Develop test protocols and experimental plans aligned with technology development milestones.
- Instrument rigs and configure data-acquisition systems; select and integrate appropriate sensors and transducers.
- Evaluate fluid flow, mass transfer, methane capture efficiency, and overall process performance.
- Troubleshoot experimental inconsistencies and resolve instrument or process faults.
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Analytical Measurement
- Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot the gas chromatography system used for gas analysis.
- Ensure analytical results are reliable, traceable, and fit for decision-making.
Data Analysis & Reporting
- Analyse experimental results using modelling, statistics, and uncertainty quantification.
- Design reporting forms and maintain clear experimental records.
- Summarise findings in technical reports, recommendations, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
Quality, Safety & Documentation
- Implement QA/QC procedures across experimental and sampling activities, including equipment calibration, method validation, and data verification.
- Maintain safe working practices in laboratory, workshop, and pilot-plant environments, in line with COSHH, PSSR, and relevant site safety requirements.
- Support lab development, including procurement and commissioning of new equipment.
Collaboration
- Work closely with Bluemethane engineers on continuous improvement for new and forthcoming experimental projects.
- Maintain proactive communication with the team through meetings, documentation, and project management tools.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- MSc, MEng, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Strong grounding in fluid dynamics, mass transfer, and separation processes.
- Demonstrated experience designing, planning, and executing experiments at laboratory or pilot scale.
- Hands-on experience with rig construction, sensors, pumps, instrumentation, and DAQ systems.
- Experience with QA/QC practices for experimental work, including calibration, method validation, and data traceability.
- Proficiency in data analysis, statistics, uncertainty analysis, and interpretation of experimental results.
- Experience working safely with chemicals, pressurised systems, and process equipment.
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Desirable
- Experience operating or maintaining gas chromatography systems, or other analytical instruments for gas or dissolved-phase measurements.
- Familiarity with dissolved gas analysis or gas–liquid mass transfer processes.
- Experience at pilot-plant or field scale.
Professional Skills
- Clear written and verbal communicator — able to document and present technical findings to multidisciplinary teams.
- Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and a commitment to reliable, traceable data.
- Proactive problem-solver with a practical, hands-on approach.
- Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-moving R&D environment where priorities can shift.
- Collaborative and effective across scientific, engineering, and operational teams.
Working Conditions — Please Read Before Applying
This role involves regular hands-on work with wastewater and sewage sludge treatment processes. Candidates should be comfortable working in environments that include contact with wastewater, sludge, and associated odours as a routine part of fieldwork and sampling activities.
Working Mode
- Location: On-site at Cranfield University, Bedfordshire
- Travel: Up to 50% for field tests and sampling campaigns (UK and potentially international)
- Salary: £32,000–£38,000 per year, depending on experience
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