Field Engineer (Chemical Plant)

CSG Talent; Karlsruhe; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

CSG Talent invites applications for an on-site Field Operator in the Karlsruhe area to support commissioning and early operations of a new industrial plant. This hands-on role involves working with engineering, control room, and maintenance teams to ensure safe, stable plant performance.

Ideal candidates will have hands-on experience in chemical processing environments, be based in Germany or within commuting distance of Karlsruhe, and hold relevant technical training.

Qualifications

• Hands-on field operator experience in chemical/processing environments.
• Strong safety mindset with adherence to procedures.
• Ability to communicate clearly with control room and maintenance teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine field rounds and equipment inspections across pumps, valves, vessels, and piping.
• Identify and report abnormal operating conditions (e.g. leaks, vibration, temperature deviations).
• Support plant start-up and shutdown activities, including line preparation and equipment isolation.
• Carry out sampling activities and maintain accurate sample records.
• Operate manual and field level equipment, including pumps, valves, and filtration systems.
• Maintain field logs and shift handovers for continuity between teams.
• Follow safety, environmental, and operational procedures at all times.

Skills

Hands-on operation

Safety mindset

Clear communication

Following procedures

Team collaboration

Education

Technical or vocational training (e.g. plant operator, industrial technician)

Additional training in chemical handling or industrial safety

Job description

Karlsruhe Area, Germany | On-site | 7-8 Month Contract

We are working with a pioneering company at the forefront of the energy transition, supporting the scale up of an advanced processing facility in Germany. As the plant moves from commissioning into early operations, they are looking to bring on a Field Operator to play a key role in ensuring safe, stable, and efficient plant performance.

This is a hands-on position suited to individuals who thrive in operational environments and want to be part of building and running a first of its kind industrial process.

Due to the on site nature of the role and project timelines, candidates must already be based in Germany or within commuting distance of the Karlsruhe area, and must hold valid working rights in Germany. Unfortunately, relocation or visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

The Opportunity

This is a unique chance to join a high growth, technology led business at a critical stage of development. You will be directly involved in commissioning and early operations, working closely with engineering, control room, and maintenance teams to bring the plant online and optimise performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct routine field rounds and equipment inspections across pumps, valves, vessels, and piping


• Identify and report abnormal operating conditions (e.g. leaks, vibration, temperature deviations)


• Support plant start-up and shutdown activities, including line preparation and equipment isolation


• Carry out sampling activities (liquids, solids, slurries) and maintain accurate sample records


• Operate manual and field level equipment, including pumps, valves, and filtration systems


• Maintain clear and consistent communication with the Control Room and engineering teams


• Follow all safety, environmental, and operational procedures, ensuring compliance at all times


• Assist with troubleshooting and commissioning activities, providing real-time field feedback


• Maintain field logs and shift handovers, ensuring continuity between teams


• Support general housekeeping and site readiness to maintain a safe working environment

Experience & Background

• Experience as a Field Operator, Plant Operator, or similar hands on operations role in a chemical / processing plant


• Background in chemical processing, mining, utilities, or pilot plant environments is advantageous


• Exposure to plant commissioning or start up environments is highly desirable

Skills & Competencies

• Strong hands on equipment knowledge and mechanical awareness


• Ability to identify and respond to abnormal operating conditions


• Clear communicator, able to work effectively with control room and technical teams


• Comfortable following structured procedures and instructions


• Strong safety mindset and discipline

Qualifications

• Technical or vocational training (e.g. plant operator, industrial technician)


• Additional training in chemical handling or industrial safety is beneficial

Why Apply?

• Be part of a cutting-edge industrial project within the energy transition


• Gain exposure to commissioning and early stage operations of a new plant


• Work within a highly collaborative, technical environment


• Opportunity to transition into a long term, permanent role as the plant scale