Eleanor joined the Esseco UK Engineering Team in October 2024, around the time that one of Esseco UK’s largest project to date was entering the crucial commissioning phase. Needless to say, Eleanor and her team found themselves at the heart of commissioning an experience that proved to be both technically challenging and demanding. In this interview, Eleanor shares why she chose Esseco UK, how she grew through hands-on learning, and why collaboration has been at the core of her journey so far.
Can you introduce yourself?
Hi, I’m Eleanor Humphreys and I’m a Process Engineer here at Esseco UK.
When did you start with Esseco?
Around five and a half months ago.
What brought you to Esseco UK?
I was moving from Liverpool to Leeds and looking for opportunities in the area. Esseco caught my attention because of its strong manufacturing base and the opportunity to work closely with the Operations and Maintenance teams which was something I hadn’t experienced before.
Among the places I interviewed, I particularly liked the and the way my manager explained the team and role in the initial stages. Although I was nervous coming from the oil and gas sector without experience on a chemical site, but I felt supported and welcomed. I started straight into commissioning and have loved being here ever since.
What does your role involve?
I joined right at the start of the commissioning phase. We worked on getting the plant up and running – setting systems up and getting them running, tuning control loops in instruments, learning about the new operating sequences of the plant, troubleshooting any issues. It was a steep learning curve, but invaluable. Now, we’re ensuring smooth operations and training the operations team to run the plant independently, and working on other designs and safety studies on plants around the site.
What has been the biggest project you’ve worked on?
The sulphur burner project has taken up most of my time. We’re now preparing to hand over to Operations, but there’s still plenty to do: completing the asset register, identifying critical spares, finalising procedures with various teams, completing MoCs for modifications we’re making to the plant. It’s detailed work but vital for efficient operations and cross-department collaboration.
What has the sulphur burner project meant to you professionally?
It’s given me incredible hands-on experience and examples for my IPD towards chartership. I’ve been involved in decision-making, problem-solving, and understanding complex system interactions. Working with a material like SO₂ added another layer of responsibility and safety awareness that was both challenging and enriching.
Do you remember your first impression of the company?
I was intimidated by the scale—large vessels, busy site activity, and being an upper-tier COMAH site, but I was also impressed. Ian gave me a technical drawing task as part of the interview, which was daunting but enlightening. Touring the site was like being a kid in a sweet shop. Even if I hadn’t got the job, it was good to see
Was there a moment that made you realise you wanted to stay?
During commissioning, when we were all in the thick of it in the control room—it felt like a community effort. Working alongside health and safety, maintenance, operations, EC&I, other process engineers —it was a collaborative atmosphere that made me feel truly part of the team.
How did it feel when everything finally worked?
Like scoring a goal in a football match. Everyone had invested so much, and when it finally ran, we had a “Wispa Day” celebration. It started as a joke around a chocolate bar in my drawer but became a team tradition. That shared success brought everyone closer.
Was engineering always your plan?
Not exactly. I originally wanted to be a marine biologist but realised early on I was too squeamish. But I enjoyed tinkering with my dad, he’d have me help him service the cars, redo the plumbing, fix anything broken around the house. I always loved maths and science, and I was encouraged by my parents to explore what engineering really is.
When did you realise you wanted to work in process engineering?
I did some inspiring work experiences—at a shipbuilders, Jaguar Land Rover, Unilever, and Airbus— and I found myself drawn to large-scale, collaborative engineering environments. I looked into various types of engineering (mechanical, aerospace, materials) but once I understood chemical engineering and its scope, I knew it was what I wanted to do.
What’s the value of working in a larger plant?
It exposes you to diverse people and knowledge. You learn from experienced professionals with different backgrounds, which potentially wouldn’t happen in a smaller setting.
Three words to describe Esseco UK or your team?
Experienced, tenacious, and passionate. Everyone here deeply cares about what they do. Even under pressure, the commitment to getting things right is constant.
What do you like to do when you aren’t at work?
I enjoy bouldering, but I’m afraid I’m a bit of an old soul. I do DIY jobs around the house, and for friends and family, and I read, do puzzles and jigsaws—though the cat doesn’t always help.
Has anyone inspired or supported you along the way?
My IChemE mentor—one of my university lecturers—was incredibly supportive. She helped me believe I could succeed at Esseco UK despite my doubts. She gave me the push I needed, and I’m grateful she did. And also my dad, he taught me a lot of practical skills which I still apply today, and he would always ask about what I was doing at work and university – though I still think he pretended to understand more than he actually did.
Eleanor’s journey is a clear example of how stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to rapid growth, deep learning and meaningful connection. From technical problem-solving to team traditions like “Wispa Day,” her story reflects the energy, resilience and collaborative spirit that define Esseco UK.
As part of the wider Esseco Group—alongside Esseco Industrial—Esseco UK continues to foster a dynamic environment where people like Eleanor can thrive and make a tangible impact.
As she continues her professional path, Eleanor brings curiosity, precision and a strong sense of purpose to everything she does—on site and beyond.
Thanks for your time, Eleanor! It was a pleasure to catch up with you.
