Principal Process Engineer

Job-ID: 98097Location: Cardiff, South Glamorgan, United KingdomPosted: 2026-10-26What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.Job Summary:Providing expertise in process engineering projects; with particular emphasis on the chemicals, pharmaceutical, food and process related industries.Establishing client requirements and delivering engineering design solutions.Applying technical judgment and resourcefulness to investigations, feasibility studies, concept and scheme designs, detailed design and construction support phase of projects.Core Functions:

• Undertake and lead process design work for projects and studies including the following typical activities and associated deliverables:-o    Concept design and layout developmento    Process descriptions and design basiso    Material balanceso    Preparation of process flow diagrams & piping and instrumentation diagramso    Hazardous area classification/assessmento    Preparation of equipment lists, equipment datasheets, specificationso    Fluids lists and materials selectiono    GMP reviewo    Process hazard studies (including HAZOP) and design safety reviewso    SIL assessmento    Process basis of safetyo    Detailed process design calculationso    Pressure relief designo    Utilities schedules, utilities flow diagrams and line sizingo    Preparation of validation documentationo    Commissioning plans and support
• To ensure technical excellence in process engineering and design.
• Co-ordination of a design to ensure good interface with all other disciplines.
• Participation in design reviews and technical audits.
• Input into multi-discipline design programmes.
• Contributing to processes to maintain change & cost control.
• Develop the strength of the expertise within the process engineering department.
• Support/generate cost and hours estimates for proposals, studies and projects.
• Act as Lead Process Engineer on selected projects controlling design, specifications, costs, hours, quality and programme.   Managing other engineers on the project.
• Make technical presentations internally, to clients and to outside organisations.
• To ensure that process safety issues are fully considered within projects eg HAZOP, LOPA, hazardous area classification, SIL reviews.Key Interfaces:
• Client: obtaining and presenting design information
• Design team: working within a multi-discipline team, providing leadership in lead engineer role
• Sales team: providing support for proposals
• Project Manager: day to day liaison
• Site team: providing technical support throughout the project
• Head of Engineering: maintaining quality, technical support
• Day to day liaison with other discipline engineers and designersSkills and Experience:
• Minimum of 12 years experience in process engineering design on capital projects.
• Good knowledge and experience of process engineering design in fine chemicals, pharmaceutical and/or biopharmaceutical industries.
• Experience of process safety systems design in high hazard industries.
• Operating experience within chemicals or pharmaceutical sectors would be beneficial. Also experience of having worked within a contracting organisation.
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory standards, policies, and codes of practice for the process industries.
• Good interpersonal skills and able to work as part of a multi-discipline team.  Versatile, reliable and resourceful.
• Personal qualities that include the ability to gain trust and confidence with a variety of clients as well as within the company.
• Customer focus, commitment to quality management and problem solving.
• Ability to operate as a lead engineer on a variety of projects.Personal Profile:
• Flexibility, enthusiasm and commitment.
• Ability to effectively engage others to achieve project goals.
• A hard working self-starter with initiative, able to set own and project priorities.
• Ability to work in complex organisations in a team environment and develop relationships and rapport with external clients and internal colleagues.
• Good communication and listening skills with the ability to influence and interact with people at all levels in a diplomatic and persuasive manner.
• The ability to deal with conflicting priorities and to offer positive solutions.
• Willingness to travel within the UK and overseas.
• Good attention to detail
• Has a desire to find both the appropriate technical solution, and value for money for our customers
• Ability to Lead and develop less experienced engineers both on project work and in personal development.Qualifications:
• Degree qualified in chemical engineering
• Chartered Engineer, MIChemE desirable
• Process safety training eg HAZOP, Hazardous Area Assessment, SIL etcImagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world. With us, you can. Apply today.