An innovative UK clean energy business is seeking a Chief Engineer to lead the development and delivery of large-scale ammonia-to-hydrogen systems for commercial deployment.
This is a senior technical authority role responsible for integrating proprietary ammonia cracking technology into prototype and production-ready hydrogen generation systems.
This position sits at the intersection of innovation and delivery, translating advanced core technology into robust, certified, customer-facing products.
Chief Engineer
Location: Cranleigh, Surrey
Salary: £ Competitive + Excellent Benefits
Role: Full-time, Permanent
The Role
You will:
· Provide technical leadership for the development and delivery of customer-facing ammonia cracking systems
· Work alongside the Chief Engineer to integrate proprietary technology into deployable products.
· Act as technical authority across a multidisciplinary engineering team (mechanical, electrical, process, controls).
· Own the product lifecycle from concept through production handover and post-launch change management.
· Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and certification requirements.
· Manage configuration control and engineering change processes.
· Direct matrixed engineering teams to deliver to agreed schedule, cost and performance targets.
· Work with Project Management to manage budget, BOM and technical risk.
· Liaise with suppliers, contractors and external partners to ensure successful system integration.
· Drive root cause analysis and continuous technical improvement.
· Maintain alignment with product strategy roadmaps
This is a hands-on leadership role combining technical depth, structured delivery and product ownership.
What We’re Looking For
· Degree in an engineering or scientific discipline.
· 10+ years leading complex engineering product development within industrial environments.
· Proven delivery of large-scale, high-integrity systems from concept to production
· Experience acting as technical authority across multidisciplinary teams.
· Strong understanding of structured development frameworks, quality and change management.
· Experience managing verification, certification and engineering documentation
· Strong communication skills across technical and commercial stakeholders.
Desirable Experience
· Background in process engineering (reaction engineering, gas purification, combustion).
· Experience with high-temperature and/or high-pressure systems.
· Knowledge of fuel processing or power systems.
· Familiarity with systems engineering and design verification methods.
· Exposure to clean energy, hydrogen or ammonia technologies.
This is a senior- level opportunity to lead the commercialisation of proprietary hydrogen generation technology, shape engineering delivery within a growing clean energy business, and operate as a recognised technical leader in a rapidly evolving sector.
For a confidential discussion, please apply or contact Lewis directly lewis@cranleighstem.co.uk
Cranleigh STEM is a specialist recruitment partner in STEM, Sustainability, and SHEQ. We work with innovative organisations and purpose-led professionals to help solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from advancing clean technologies to driving scientific discovery.
We understand that progress in these fields depends on people. Our role is to connect the right individuals with the right teams, whether that’s scientists in the lab, engineers on the ground, or leaders at the helm.
🚀 Our Mission
To support innovative organisations by delivering the talent they need to grow, evolve, and make a meaningful impact in their field.
🔎 Our Core Values
Challenge
We’re comfortable working in complex, technical spaces. We approach every brief with curiosity and care, asking the right questions to deliver people who can genuinely move your organisation forward.
Collaboration
We see recruitment as a partnership. That means open communication, transparency, and shared goals, whether you’re building a team or looking for your next role.
Commitment
We take pride in the work we do. We’re committed to high standards, long-term relationships, and doing what’s right for our clients, our candidates, and the industries we serve.
💡 Our Purpose
To contribute to a more sustainable and innovative future by helping organisations in science and technology attract and retain the talent they need to grow responsibly and with purpose.
🌍 Our Reach
Headquartered in South London, we work with clients and candidates across the UK, Europe, and the USA.
🔬 Areas of Expertise
Biotechnology
Pharmaceuticals
Chemicals & Materials
Food Technology
Clean Technology
Electric Vehicles & Sustainable Engineering
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