Senior Process Engineer (Technology)

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Avantium is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to advance the FDCA-YXY technology from lab to flagship scale in Amsterdam within the Technology and Engineering group. You will lead R&D and process scale-up, develop conceptual process designs, size equipment, and optimize CAPEX and OPEX while coordinating with lab, pilot plant, engineering teams and the FDCA-YXY Flagship plant, including vendor trials. The role requires eight to ten years in process engineering at an R&D or technology driven company, a Master’s or PhD in Chemical Engineering, and a solid grounding in reaction engineering, heat and mass transfer, crystallization and process safety. Proficiency in Aspen Plus or HYSYS, process modelling, data analytics, and proven project leadership are essential. To apply, tailor your CV to emphasize design and scale-up impact, show cross functional collaboration and quantified outcomes, and prepare to discuss KPI-driven results. Applications via the website; questions to Sil Bartlema.

Avantium is a pioneer in the field of sustainable technologies for a fossil-free future. We are looking for a Technologist in the Technology and Engineering group, to work in the Technology team. The team focuses on developing and improving the process to produce the biobased monomer 2,5-Furan Dicarboxylic Acid (FDCA-YXY technology). The team is part of the Renewable Polymers Business Unit.

What will you do? 

As a Senior Process Engineer, you are expected to continuously improve the existing FDCA-YXY technology and further develop the next generation of the technology.

You will be a key member of the Technology Team, based in Amsterdam. You will be a key player in the execution of projects regarding FDCA-YXY process R&D, process design and scale-up. You will need to interact with colleagues in the lab, pilot plant, engineering team and Avantium’s FDCA-YXY Flagship plant, to oversee process R&D, develop conceptual process designs of new ideas, design and size equipment, and optimize the processes in terms of CAPEX & OPEX. The role also requires steady state and dynamic modelling of chemical processes and equipment using Aspen Plus and Hysys.

Furthermore, as a Senior Process Engineer, you will be required to lead projects and vendor trials, set clear objectives, deliver within defined timelines, manage multiple stakeholders, with regular and clear reporting, with a positive outlook and creative mindset.

Requirements:

Education and basis

• PhD or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in process engineering within an R&D and technology driven company.
• Strong foundation in chemical engineering fundamentals like reaction engineering, mass & heat transfer, fluid dynamics, crystallization, process safety.

Process Design and Scale-up

• Proven experience in conceptual process design, preliminary equipment design. Mass energy balance, Process flow diagrams development.
• Experience with the scale-up of processes and equipment.

Process Modelling and Analysis

• Proficiency in process simulation and modeling software, preferably Aspen Plus and HYSYS.
• Experience with statistical analysis tools such as JMP, or similar.
• Excellent analytical skills, data analysis with the ability to analyze key performance indicators.
• Well versed in process optimization, root cause analysis, and problem-solving.

Project leadership

• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Experience in leading process validation and optimization trials in lab, pilot plant scale.

Communication and Collaboration

• Experience in communication and working with external companies for equipment designs, external trials etc.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, with pilot plant team, licensing team, engineering teams.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor junior engineers and production staff.

What do we offer?

Avantium is a small company with a big impact. Whilst contributing to a circular economy, we offer you a unique chance to learn a lot: in science, business and management, leading people and operations, market strategies, quality and last but not least safety. Learning paths can be steep, not depending on predefined career paths and development tracks. You are in the lead of your career, what you bring to the table will be noticed and taking initiative is rewarded and recognized. We have an informal result-oriented culture, a flat organization and we recognize and celebrate the many cultures that we represent. On top of that we offer good primary and secondary benefits. 

Join us and our partners in transitioning to a fossil-free world, transforming their sustainability pledges into actionable proof points!

Interested? 

Let us know by applying through the website. If you have any questions, you can reach our HR Business partner Sil Bartlema at [email protected] . 

At Avantium, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and strive to create a supportive and inclusive work environment.