Process Engineer – Green Industrial Processes

Location:
Dresden / Cottbus

*Introduction*
Our client is an established international industrial group operating advanced purification and recycling facilities across Europe. Their Schwarzheide operation plays a crucial role in transforming by-products and complex chemical streams into valuable recovered materials used again by major chemical producers. Following significant multi-million-euro investment and continued long-term growth, the company is now expanding its engineering capability and seeking a Process Engineer to support, stabilise, and optimise the performance of two existing purification plants-while also contributing to the development of a new multipurpose unit that is currently in planning.

Why Work for our Client?
A business built around circular-economy innovation.
The company's core purpose is centred on recovering resources that would traditionally be disposed of, enabling major chemical producers to reduce waste, lower emissions, and reuse valuable materials. Instead of operating as a classic manufacturing site, the Schwarzheide operation specialises in purification, distillation, and recovery technologies that directly support a more sustainable, responsible chemical industry. This means your work has measurable environmental impact-improving yields, reducing waste streams, and helping large industrial partners operate more efficiently and sustainably.

An engineering role with unusually high influence and autonomy.
Unlike larger hierarchical organisations, this site operates with a flat structure and gives its engineers full ownership over troubleshooting, optimisation, and process improvements. You won't be limited to a narrow area of responsibility-your expertise will shape everything from day-to-day plant performance to long-term technology upgrades. With substantial investment already deployed and a third plant in development, you will directly influence how processes evolve, how equipment is selected, and how new capabilities are integrated into the site.

A site with serious investment, stability, and long-term strategic importance.
The Schwarzheide facility has seen major expansion in recent years, including the addition of a new purification line handling complex by-products from a leading chemical partner. The company continues to allocate significant capital to German operations and anticipates strong revenue growth in the coming years, underpinned by rising demand for advanced recycling solutions. For a Process Engineer, this means consistent project involvement, opportunities to work on new technologies, and the chance to grow with a site that is scaling its headcount and capabilities.

*Key Responsibilities
Process Engineering & Plant Support*

• Provide daily technical support to production units on site.
• Investigate process deviations, determine root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Prepare, maintain, and optimise engineering documentation (PFDs, P&IDs, operating instructions, mass/energy balances).
• Support troubleshooting during start-ups, shutdowns, and operational disturbances.

*Process Optimisation & Continuous Improvement*

• Analyse process performance and implement improvements related to throughput, yield, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.
• Drive optimisation initiatives across water treatment, thermal processes, solvent processing, waste streams, and energy utilisation.
• Support the introduction of new technologies and site upgrades.

*Project Engineering (Site-Based)*

• Contribute to capital projects from concept through commissioning.
• Prepare technical specifications for equipment and process modifications.
• Collaborate with site engineering, maintenance, automation, and contractors to ensure safe project execution.

*Safety, Compliance & Risk Management*

• Lead or participate in HAZOPs, ATEX assessments, SIL evaluations, and process safety reviews.
• Ensure process changes comply with Management of Change (MoC) procedures.
• Prepare technical documentation for CE marking, ATEX compliance, and environmental permitting.
• Support incident investigations and drive process safety improvements.

*Key Requirements*

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Energy Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong experience in process engineering within chemical, environmental, or energy-related industries.
• Solid background in process design, troubleshooting, and risk assessment.
• Experience with thermal processes, water treatment, pyrolysis, waste treatment, or similar technologies is advantageous.
• Practical involvement in commissioning or site-based project work.
• Proficiency in simulation tools such as Aspen Plus, ProSim Plus, HYSYS, or OLI.
• Competence with 3D design tools (Autodesk Plant 3D, Inventor, SolidWorks, AutoCAD).
• Strong skills in Excel, MS Project, and Visio.
• Fluent German and professional English required.

*Additional Information*
This is a fully on-site role supporting a 24/7 continuous operation alongside a dedicated team of engineers, operations specialists, and technical experts. The environment is fast-moving, varied, and hands-on-ideal for someone who thrives on solving real production challenges and driving improvements in a complex industrial setting. The role sits at the intersection of daily operational support, long-term optimisation, and capital project involvement, offering broad exposure and meaningful technical responsibility.

Salary: €70,000 to €80,000 base p/a + Bonus + Benefits

Please Note:
Due to the time of year, I will be out of the office until the 5th of January 2026 and will endeavour to respond to application as early as possible.