Process Engineer Review

The placement involved designing your own experiments, carrying them out using equipment that has been provided and taught to operate safely. A lot of data analysis has been involved with the results gathered through this optimised research. The results had to be compressed and be presented to the team with the discussion of the key findings.

Yes, responsibility has gradually became larger during the placement, where in the beginning not much was expected, however as my confidence and understanding of the project grew, I was able to work independently and take full responsibility for the experimental design, data acquisition, data analysis and its further presentation.

The skills were developed through the progression of the main project that investigated changes in formulation and effect of processing conditions on the microstructure and crystal growth of the soft solid product. An extended work in the laboratory environment developed a competency and a strong understanding of the importance of correct formulation and its valuable impact on the final product. An optimised experimental procedure has been identified using a software that utilizes statistical analysis and designs the experiment that yields results in optimal number of runs. Practical work in the pilot plant has taught me a lot about safety, and risk mitigation techniques in the pilot scale production conditions and operating equipment on the large scale. Additionally, procured equipment in the pilot plant has facilitated the progression of the primary project, where processing conditions were studied as an impact on the microstructure on the soft solid. The use of rheometer and microscope as well as extended use of their theory has helped with the detailed analysis of the product’s physical properties. Parallel to the development of the project and thorough work in the laboratory or pilot plant, a lot of time was dedicated to the data analysis, results derivation and material preparation for presenting.

A lot of support was provided during placement, in every aspect. Everyone are very keen to teach and answer any kind of questions about projects, their previous work and other relevant knowledge that can be shared and used as a starting point for literature review and knowledge gap analysis.

The general atmosphere and culture in the company is very acceptive of everyone. The work culture is relaxed, where all the work is planned in advance. Spontaneous, urgent work is highly unlikely however still possible. Overall very friendly atmosphere where everyone strives for the best with intermediate stress levels.

It was mixed feelings in the beginning because my onboarding experience was a little bit chaotic, but after spending more time with Unilever and the team, the placement became much more enjoyable as the understanding of the project grew and more content was covered. Looking back, the placement had a very steep learning curve, however after adapting to the new working environment and learning essential scientific concepts for work, the placement became very enjoyable and interesting.

Yes