Nova Biochem - Pilot Plant Technician​/Engineer

Salary: To be negotiated, based on experience

Location: Nottingham, UK

Nova Biochem is a climate-tech company pioneering the transformation of industrial by-products into high-value, sustainable chemicals. Using our proprietary hydrothermal depolymerisation process, we convert lignin-rich residues from pulping and agriculture into renewable aromatic building blocks used in coatings, plastics, and resins - replacing fossil inputs and cutting emissions at the source.

Our mission is to unlock a circular, low‑carbon model for industrial chemistry - creating new value from waste while reducing millions of tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Based in Nottingham, we’re entering a scale‑up phase, expanding lab and pilot operations, delivering a €7.5M EU‑funded project, and laying the groundwork for commercialisation.

This is a pivotal moment to join a small, mission‑driven team determined to reshape the chemical industry through practical innovation.

We are seeking a Pilot Plant Technician / Engineer to prototype, build, operate, maintain, and scale Nova’s depolymerisation technology. This role sits at the intersection of hands‑on operations, mechanical engineering, and early‑stage scale‑up.

You will be responsible for collaboratively designing, prototyping, building and testing new features at smaller scale prototype in the UK, then scaling them and building on a skid to be shipped to our larger pilot facility in Sweden. Role involves hands‑on independent work building skid frames, high pressure (Swagelok) and low pressure (stainless plumbing) piping, integrating pumps, sensors valves and safety features.

The second part of the role is to take ownership in operating Swedish pilot plant. Expect to be away for two weeks every two months as a team of two to operate, maintain and improve a container‑sized depolymerization pilot. This will include integrating new processes that have been designed and tested by you and the team in the UK.

Working closely with R&D, you will help translate laboratory learnings into robust pilot operation, contributing practical input into how the process and equipment should scale. This is a hands‑on role for someone who enjoys understanding how systems work, fixing what breaks, and steadily improving prototype / pilot equipment and process optimisation.

• Prepare biomass and feedstock for depolymerisation according to established procedures.
• Operate and monitor the depolymerisation prototype and associated systems to ensure smooth and consistent performance.
• Conduct downstream steps including filtration, phase separation, acidification, and product recovery (to be developed and scaled)
• Record process data, materials used, and operational observations accurately.
• Identify and report process deviations, equipment issues, or procedural concerns.
• Ensure safe operation of high‑pressure and high‑temperature systems, following internal safety protocols and applicable regulations.

• Take ownership of routine system upkeep and contribute to continuous improvement of prototype operation (high pressure tubing, pumps, instrumentation)
• Inspect, maintain, repair, and clean pumps, valves, tubing, fittings, filters, and pressure‑rated components.
• Replace and upgrade mechanical components to improve reliability, safety, or performance.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and operability issues, diagnosing root causes rather than applying temporary fixes.
• Support calibration and basic instrumentation checks where required.

• Support design of new features for UK‑based prototype
• Lead implementation of new features: prototype, build and jointly test
• Lead scaling and construction of new features designed for larger pilot
• Lead mechanical and process modifications required for pilot plant improvement and integration of downstream processes.
• Lead commissioning, shakedown, and testing of new pilot configurations or equipment.

You are a practical, hands‑on technician or engineer who enjoys working directly with equipment. You…