Purpose of the Role
The R&D Process Engineer plays a key role in developing, implementing, and optimising processes and equipment within Agratas’ R&D facilities. Working as part of a multidisciplinary research and prototyping team, the role supports the design, commissioning, and continuous improvement of process capabilities that enable development of next‑generation battery materials and cell technologies.
The engineer ensures safe, efficient, and compliant operation of R&D process equipment, supports technology scale‑up, and provides technical input across facility, equipment, and experimental workflows.
You will work in controlled environments such as dryrooms, supporting continuous, high accuracy production of electrodes and cells.
The role is located in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, and requires full onsite presence.
Key Responsibility Areas
Process Design & Development
- Contribute to the design and optimisation of new and existing R&D processes and prototyping workflows.
- Support development of process specifications, equipment requirements, and experimental methods.
- Assess cost, lead time, and feasibility for process and equipment modifications or installations.
Equipment & Facility Support
- Assist in equipment selection, vendor assessments, and suitability evaluations.
- Support receipt and verification of commissioning documentation, engineering drawings, and operating instructions.
- Participate in installation planning, equipment acceptance testing, and commissioning activities.
- Interact with vendors during installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
Operational Excellence
- Prepare and maintain process documentation such as SOPs, and test/qualification procedures.
- Provide process support to prototyping teams, ensuring stable and repeatable operation of equipment.
- Monitor process performance, generate improvement recommendations, and feed learning back into R&D teams.
Safety, Compliance & Quality
- Ensure safe operation of equipment and adherence to R&D facility standards, including chemical handling, dryroom compliance, and environmental controls.
- Contribute to risk assessments for process equipment and facility modifications.
- Support alignment with Good Laboratory Practice, Good Manufacturing Practice, and internal QHSE frameworks.
CrossFunctional Collaboration
- Work closely with scientists, technicians, and facility engineers to ensure process readiness for R&D projects.
- Provide Realtime technical support during experimental builds and prototyping runs.
- Collaborate with global R&D teams (e.g., UK and India) to standardise processes, transfer knowledge, and harmonise equipment methods.
Qualifications and Experience
- Experience in process engineering within R&D, laboratory, pilot line, or advanced manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with battery materials, electrode processes, or materials processing equipment (advantageous).
- Experience interacting with vendors, reviewing technical documentation, and supporting equipment commissioning.
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills with hands-on technical capability.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, process specifications, and vendor documentation.
- Competence in developing and following SOPs, test plans, and risk assessments.
- Clear communication skills for cross functional collaboration and reporting
What you’ll get…
As a new and evolving company, we offer a competitive and flexible benefits package that includes private healthcare, bonuses, enhanced parental leave, and wellbeing support through Yulife. We're committed to promoting work-life balance and employee wellbeing. As part of Tata Sons, you’ll be working in a fast-growing environment, contributing to the development of the UK’s largest battery manufacturing facility and shaping the future of a new organisation.
Agratas fosters an inclusive environment where employees can be their authentic selves. We believe that individuals perform best when supported and content in their workplace. Committed to diversity, we welcome applicants of all races, genders, sexualities, and abilities. If candidates require reasonable adjustments or have preferences regarding the assessment process, they are encouraged to communicate these needs to the Talent Acquisition team.
