EC&I Engineer

About Phase Biolabs

Phase Biolabs is a deep tech company building biomanufacturing platforms. We use engineered biocatalysts to convert waste and low-value feedstocks like CO2 into sustainable chemicals and fuels, starting with ethanol. Phase develops and scales these industrial bioprocesses from lab to pilot and commercialises them with industrial partners through retrofit models.

About the Role

As our EC&I engineer, you will own the electrical, control and instrumentation side of our fermentation systems. You will be our technical lead for adjusting and maintaining existing systems and work with external engineering partners to design the control system as we scale our process. This will involve ensuring the design meets our process needs, then installing, commissioning and running it.

This position is for an experienced, hands-on engineer who wants to build, test and improve real systems. Your work will directly shape how our first commercial plant is designed and operated.

Responsibilities

• Act as our technical point of contact with the external engineering company designing the control system and panels for our next fermentation systems
• Work with our process team to define control and instrumentation requirements, and review design documents such as P&IDs, control narratives, I/O lists, schematics and instrument lists
• Install, wire, calibrate and loop-check instruments, equipment and cabling, including in ATEX-zoned areas handling flammable gases
• Support commissioning and handover of the new pilot, and help optimise it in early operation
• Keep our current pilot running: maintain instruments, tune controllers and data logging, and make PLC changes
• Help select and procure instruments and equipment, and coordinate contractors on site
• Contribute to HAZOP and other safety reviews
• Keep as-built drawings and equipment records up to date

Who You Are

• Like being in the plant room as much as at the desk
• Take ownership of a scope and see it through
• Treat safety as part of good engineering, not an afterthought
• Enjoy working across disciplines rather than in one narrow specialism
• Communicate clearly with people outside your discipline

Essential Requirements

• An HNC/HND or degree in electrical, control and instrumentation or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent experience through an apprenticeship
• 5+ years of hands-on EC&I, controls or instrumentation work in a process environment, such as chemical, energy, biotech, food or water
• Experience installing wiring, instruments and equipment in hazardous areas, with a working knowledge of ATEX/DSEAR zoning and how equipment is selected and installed for each zone
• Ability to read and check EC&I design documentation, and discuss it with design engineers
• Hands-on with field instruments and controllers, including calibration and differential pressure measurement
• A strong grasp of LV electrical controls: relay logic, contactors, overloads and inverters
• PLC experience on any platform
• Ability to read and modify electrical drawings in AutoCAD

Nice to Have

• CompEx certification
• Pilot plant, R&D or new-process experience
• Experience producing EC&I design documentation or control philosophies
• Taking part in HAZOP/HAZID studies

If this role excites you but your experience doesn't tick every box, apply anyway — we're looking for the right person, not a perfect CV.

Hiring Process

We will review your cover letter and CV and invite you to an initial screening interview if we think you might be a good fit. Our process includes two additional interviews (30-45 minutes each). If successful, we will carry out referencing prior to making an offer. All interviews are remote.

We endeavour to provide feedback to all interviewees. Applications are being considered on a rolling basis.

How to Apply

Include a brief cover letter explaining why you are interested in the job.

Only applications received through our website will be reviewed. Please submit your application here: https://phasebiolabs.com/career

If you have any questions, please email the Phase Hiring Team at hr@phasebiolabs.com.

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Phase Biolabs is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from everyone and make hiring decisions based on skills, experience and potential. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.