Recruiting Process Engineers: Meeting the Demand for Operational Excellence and Technical Expertise

Executive Summary

Process Engineers are central to the success of any industrial operation, from improving plant efficiency to ensuring safety, compliance, and sustainability. Whether in design, optimisation, commissioning or troubleshooting, Process Engineers ensure that facilities run safely, reliably, and profitably.

However, the UK market is experiencing a persistent shortage of experienced Process Engineers. As legacy knowledge retires, project complexity increases, and demand rises across clean energy and decarbonisation sectors, sourcing skilled engineers has become a significant challenge.

At Wolviston Management Services Ltd, we have over four decades of experience supplying Process Engineers to highly regulated sectors including chemicals, petrochemicals, energy-from-waste, power, and life sciences. Our specialist understanding of industrial operations and technical talent allows us to match the right professionals to the right challenges.

1. Why Process Engineers Are in High Demand

Process Engineers play a critical role across project and operational lifecycles:

• FEED and detailed design

• Plant commissioning and start-up

• Process optimisation and energy efficiency

• COMAH, DSEAR and HAZOP compliance

• Scale-up and technology transfer

• Decommissioning and site transformation

Sectors with elevated demand:

• Petrochemicals and refining

• Hydrogen, biofuels, and CCS

• Power generation and utilities

• Water and environmental engineering

• Advanced manufacturing and life sciences

2. Recruitment Challenges in Process Engineering

a. Skills Shortages and Experience Gaps

• Mid-career engineers (5–10 years’ experience) are particularly hard to source

• Senior engineers with both design and operational experience are in short supply

• Graduates often lack real-world site exposure and commercial understanding

 b. Project-Specific Requirements

• Employers require engineers with experience in sector-specific codes, modelling tools (e.g. Aspen, HYSYS), or standards (e.g. API, PED)

• Candidate mobility is limited by site location, security clearance needs, or contract structure

c. Global Competition for Talent

• UK engineers are in demand overseas, especially in the Middle East, which inflates market rates and reduces availability

d. Compliance and IR35 Complexity

• Many clients require interim or contract Process Engineers under strict compliance conditions, making onboarding and contractor engagement more complex

3. Wolviston’s Process Engineering Recruitment Services

Wolviston Management Services Ltd has been supporting chemical and energy operators, EPCs, and design consultancies with Process Engineering talent since 1981.

Our Services Include:

• Permanent recruitment for in-house engineering teams, operational roles, and functional leadership

• Contract and interim placements for project support, shutdowns, commissioning, or temporary cover

• Retained search for senior and niche positions (e.g. Technical Authorities, Lead Process Engineers)

• Mobilisation support, including security vetting, IR35 assessment, and onboarding compliance

4. Roles We Regularly Supply

Design & Project Phase: Process Design Engineers, Feed & Detailed Engineering Support, Commissioning and Start-Up Engineers, Process Safety & HAZOP Engineers, Senior/Lead Process Engineers

Operations & Compliance: Process Engineers (COMAH / ATEX), Process Optimisation Engineers, Utilities & Steam Systems Engineers, Technical Support / Troubleshooting, Plant-Based Continuous Improvements Lead

All engineers are evaluated for:

• Technical experience and sector relevance

• Software proficiency (e.g. HYSYS, Aspen Plus, AutoCAD P&ID)

• Compliance awareness (e.g. HSE, DSEAR, COMAH)

• Site access, qualifications, and mobility

5. Why Clients Trust Wolviston

• 40+ years of continuous delivery to high-hazard and high-specification sectors

• In-depth understanding of the demands placed on Process Engineers

• Proven contractor mobilisation and compliance frameworks

• Local reach and regional talent pools across Teesside, Humberside, and beyond

• Strategic recruitment partnerships with owner-operators, EPCs, and consultancies

Conclusion

Process Engineers are not just technical experts, they are operational problem-solvers, safety champions, and commercial enablers. Yet with mounting demand and complex hiring conditions, sourcing and retaining these professionals requires experience, insight, and agility.

At Wolviston Management Services Ltd, we specialise in placing high-quality Process Engineering professionals who meet the technical, regulatory, and cultural needs of our clients. Whether you need permanent expertise or flexible project-based support, we deliver capability where it counts.

Contact To discuss your Process Engineering recruitment needs, contact: Liz Fisher Business Resource Consultant Wolviston Management Services Ltd 📞 +44 (0)1642 548 917 ✉️ lfisher@wolviston.com 🌐 www.wolviston.com