Process Scale-up Lead

Process Scale-up Lead | Eligentis | Oxford

About Eligentis

Eligentis is transforming lithium extraction for a sustainable future. By leveraging an innovative Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, we are enabling sustainable lithium supply for the global electrification in the decades to come.

60% of global Li reserves are in brines. Traditional pond evaporation methods are capital-intensive, environmentally damaging and have slow throughput. DLE mitigates these challenges via selective extraction of Li ions, improving speed, efficiency, and environmental impact. While early DLE solutions have proven to be commercially viable for high-grade brines, there is significant market demand for higher-performing, cost-effective solutions to unlock lower-grade brine lithium resources.

Our Solution

Eligentis’ next-generation sorbent technology delivers high Li uptake capacity, high selectivity, and uses a low-cost manufacturing process. This combination of high performance and low costs affords access to lower cost and cleaner lithium products for Li-ion batteries.

Sustainability Impact

• Direct re-injection into aquifers of spent brine minimises water usage
• No large evaporation ponds or large land disruption
• Near-original water chemistry after Li extraction with minimal chemical footprint
• Building a resilient global lithium supply chain provides the backbone for the energy transition

Our Story

The technology was originally developed by SENFI UK, the Oxford-based R&D centre of SCGC (chemical business of the $14 billion conglomerate SCG). Its development was led by Dr Jindui Hong, who has since joined Eligentis as Founder CTO. The founding team also includes Simon Gardner-Bond, a veteran investor in lithium and critical minerals sector, who has joined as CEO, and Dr Kevin Matthews, a well-respected industry leader in the chemicals and materials industries, who has joined as Chairman. With the backing of a supportive investor group led by deep-tech investor Oxford Science Enterprises, Eligentis has moved from the development stage to commercial deployment.

Role Description

We are seeking a highly capable Process Scale-up Lead to take ownership of scaling the process of our direct lithium extraction technology from lab to field deployment.

This is a foundational role at the heart of our scale-up journey – where you will define the process architecture, build a pilot system from scratch, and generate the data that underpins commercial deployment.

This role is ideal for someone who wants to:

• Lead the scale-up of a sorbent process technology
• Take ownership from lab to pilot and field deployment
• Work at the interface of engineering, chemistry, and commercial delivery

If you’re excited by the ownership, variety, and building something meaningful, we’d love to hear from you.

Key responsibilities

Process Development

• Design, develop, and optimise lithium extraction process using Eligentis’ proprietary sorbent technology
• Develop optimised process packages for customers’ brine waters
• Generate and analyse experimental data to improve process performance and economics
• Develop process models and material balance to support engineering design
• Work closely with materials scientists to maximise overall system performance

Pilot Plant Development

• Lead the design and construction of pilot-scale systems in collaborating with consultants and suppliers
• Develop process flow diagrams (PFDs), operating procedures, commissioning plans, and test protocols
• Work with engineering consultants and equipment suppliers to specify, procure, and integrate equipment
• Lead HAZOP study, risk assessment, and process safety review
• Commission and troubleshoot pilot systems
• Support site selection, preparation, and permitting for the pilot systems

Field Deployment and Operations

• Lead the deployment of pilot unit to the field
• Operate pilot unit at customer sites
• Collect, analyse, and report pilot data to customers and stakeholders
• Troubleshoot operational challenges under real-world conditions
• Contribute to techno-economic analysis and commercial validation
• Represent Eligentis professionally with customers, partners, and investors

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• Technically strong and intellectually curious
• Proactive and able to work independently
• Practical, hands-on, and enjoy building and operating equipment
• Clear and professional in communication
• Excited by international travel and field work
• Adaptable and excited by start-up environments

Essential Skills & Experience

• Background in chemical engineering, process engineering, or related disciplines
• Experience in process development in chemical industry, water treatment, adsorption, separation technologies, or related fields
• Experience in building, commissioning and operating pilot-scale process equipment
• Experience in HAZOP study, process safety review, risk assessment
• Experience in analysing process data and translating results into process development
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Willingness to travel internationally for pilot deployment and customer trials

Desirable

• Experience with direct lithium extraction or brine processing
• Experience with field trials

Why join us?

• Lead the scale-up of a new technology at a critical stage
• Work alongside with the founders and industrial leaders
• Training and mentorship opportunities
• Gain broad exposure across technology, engineering, operations, and commercial activities
• Strong growth potential as the company scales
• Making a real-world impact

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary: £40k-£65k/yr depending on experience
• Employee share option scheme
• 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays
• Pension scheme with a 5% Company contribution

Location: Oxfordshire, UK (main working site)

Travel: up to 30% international travel