Senior Process Engineer - Commissioning (6 month- FTC)

Snr Process Engineer (Biotechnology Manufacturing) – 6 Month FTC/Contract

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.

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.

Key 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

Experience and skills

• Degree qualified in Chemical, Biochemical, or Mechanical Engineering
• 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

The candidate

We are seeking a hands-on, proactive engineer who thrives in a commissioning environment and enjoys working at the interface of engineering and operations.

You will be comfortable working on-site during critical project phases, with the ability to adapt to evolving priorities and solve problems in real time.

Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams are essential, alongside a genuine interest in applying biotechnology to deliver sustainable solutions.

The opportunity

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 salary/rate and benefits package, along with the opportunity to work within a collaborative team focused on delivering innovative and sustainable technologies.

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