Process Engineering

Degree disciplines: Chemical Engineering

Our success not only depends on our ability to discover effective new products - it also relies on our capacity to convert test tube synthesis of these products into large-scale production. Our process engineers deliver this through process development, scale-up, new technology evaluation, asset provision and finally, production support.

Working closely with process chemists, process analysts, hazard specialists and development manufacturing colleagues, you will be involved in process development which transforms an original research route into a robust manufacturing process. This entails scaling-up the chosen synthesis - from grams to kilograms to tonnes - whilst optimising reaction yield, controlling product quality, minimising impact on the environment and reducing manufacturing costs. The final synthetic route must be capable of safe operation. Our process engineers are also involved in the evaluation and development of new, emerging or existing technologies that might have applicability within the business.

As new products emerge from development, process engineers take a lead role in the design and commissioning of new and adapted assets. Building on your knowledge of the process through the development phase, you will be part of a multi-disciplinary project team which will include mechanical, electrical, control and construction engineers. From flowsheet through to hand-over of the commissioned plant, you are actively and continually involved, using your unique skills as a process engineer.

Once manufacture is established, process engineers, along with process chemists, provide ongoing support to operations. Here, further process optimisation, plant 'de-bottlenecking' or plant expansion ensures that both process and plant are operating efficiently to meet the needs of the business.

All process engineering recruits follow individually designed training and development programmes to improve their technical, project management and interpersonal skills, and to increase their awareness of the business environment. Chartered engineer status is normally attainable (and encouraged) after four years. You can then continue in a technical role, or develop towards other senior positions in diverse functions throughout the organisation.  We value graduate and PhD level process engineers and take people at both levels into AstraZeneca.

Process engineers are recruited into our Macclesfield, Avlon (Bristol) or Charnwood (Loughborough) sites. Close collaboration and networking with colleagues in Södertälje (near Stockholm in Sweden) is fostered from the outset.

Application Process

In Process Engineering at Macclesfield, a short first interview will be held then, for successful candidates a 24-hour assessment centre from lunchtime to lunchtime. Assessment activities include a group exercise, interviews and psychometric tests. You'll also get a tour of the facilities and the opportunity to meet young graduates to find out what it's really like to work for AstraZeneca.