Pilot Plant Technician

Zymofix; Deinze; Sur place; EUR 45 000 - 65 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive salary

Scale-up environment

Flexible role development

Comprehensive health insurance and...

Career development opportunities

40h/week with 12 ADV and holidays

Résumé du poste

Zymofix, a Belgian startup, is seeking a Pilot Plant Technician to operate, maintain, and analyze pilot plant installations including substrate production, fermentation, and downstream processing.

You will manage preventive and reactive maintenance, assist with small construction projects, and coordinate with external contractors as the pilot plant scales. Fluency in English; Dutch a plus; strong hands-on technical skills and safety mindset required.

Qualifications

• A technical bachelor's degree or equivalent experience; degree in (electro)mechanics or biochemistry is a plus.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting skills, and basic electrical knowledge; basic knowledge of engines/motors is an additional asset.
• The ability to read and interpret technical documents, equipment manuals, and process diagrams.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a hands-on approach to technical challenges.
• Willingness and ability to work safely in hazardous environments with strict adherence to safety protocols; experience promoting a safety-first culture is a plus.
• Experience with lab analysis and working with microorganisms; knowledge of fermentation processes and hygiene practices is a plus.
• Fluency in English, both verbal and written; fluency in Dutch is a plus.

Responsabilités

• Operate, maintain, and analyze the pilot plant installations, covering substrate production, the fermentation section, laboratory analysis, and downstream processing.
• Produce fermentation substrates using a novel thermophysical pretreatment system.
• Cultivate microorganisms in pilot-scale solid-state fermenters.
• Manage and maintain the equipment/machine park, carrying out preventive and reactive maintenance, including troubleshooting.
• Assist with small-scale construction projects and coordinate with external contractors.
• Provide onsite assistance for larger new-build projects as the pilot plant expands.

Connaissances

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Electrical knowledge

Reading technical docs

Problem-solving

Safety awareness

Lab analysis knowledge

Fermentation knowledge

English fluency

Formation

Technical bachelor's degree or equivalent

Degree in electro-mechanics or biochemistry a plus

Description du poste

Zymofix is a dynamic and innovative startup dedicated to fostering sustainable and circular agriculture. We specialize in creating effective and economically viable microbial products designed to reduce farmers' reliance on agrochemicals while maintaining high productivity. Positioned at the forefront of sustainable agriculture, we are committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower farmers to grow healthy crops and improve yields without resorting to chemical fertilizers. Zymofix is planning the construction of an industrial-scale demonstration plant in 2027.

Job Description & Key Responsibilities

We are looking for a Pilot Plant Technician with a critical mindset to join our team. You will be responsible for:

• Operating, maintaining, and analyzing the existing pilot plant installations, covering substrate production, the fermentation section, laboratory analysis, and downstream processing.
• Production of fermentation substrates using a novel thermophysical pretreatment system.
• Cultivation of microorganisms in several pilot-scale solid-state fermenters.
• Managing and maintaining the equipment/machine park, carrying out both preventive and reactive maintenance, including troubleshooting technical issues.
• Assisting with small-scale construction projects (e.g. installing drying ovens, cleanroom ventilation), sometimes coordinating with external contractors.
• Providing onsite assistance for larger new-build projects as the pilot plant expands.

Qualifications

You might be our perfect match if you meet the requirements below. But don't worry if you don't tick every box, we dare you to apply anyway. You never know if there’s another role at Zymofix that's a better fit for your skills.

• A technical bachelor's degree, or equivalent through relevant experience; a degree specifically in (electro)mechanics, biochemistry, or a related field is a plus.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting skills, and basic electrical knowledge; basic knowledge of engines/motors is an additional asset.
• The ability to read and interpret technical documents, equipment manuals, and process diagrams.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a hands-on approach to technical challenges.
• Willingness and ability to work safely in hazardous environments (chemicals, high-pressure systems, pilot plants), with strict adherence to safety protocols; proven experience in this area, with a track record of promoting a safety-first culture and taking ownership of on-the-spot hazard assessments, is a plus.
• Experience with lab analysis and working with microorganisms; knowledge of fermentation processes and hygiene practices is a plus.
• Fluency in English, both verbal and written; fluency in Dutch is a plus.

The role requires strong technical skills, a high degree of independence, and the ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team. You draw energy from collective success.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• A true scale-up environment: plenty of flexibility in how your role develops, with room to grow.
• Innovative environment: The opportunity to work in a dynamic startup with a talented and passionate team.
• Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance and benefits package.
• Growth: Career development opportunities within a fast-growing company.
• You will work 40h/week and therefore have 12 ADV next to the 20 legal holidays

Zymofix is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. Join us in our mission to advance sustainable, circular agriculture and be part of a team shaping the future of farming.