Mechanical Engineer

VIDA Bioenergy; Breda; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Inclusive workplace

27 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Flexible working hours

Career development opportunities

International work environment

Job summary

VIDA Bioenergy in Breda, Netherlands, is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join the Project Management & Engineering team. The role covers design, optimization, and support of bioenergy processes across anaerobic digestion, gasification, pyrolysis and fermentation, with exposure to international projects.

You will lead mechanical design activities for static and rotating equipment, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and ensure safe, compliant, and efficient plant performance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in mechanical engineering roles.
• Strong technical background in mechanical engineering within agile environments.
• Experience with project management stage gate processes and deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and support mechanical processes for bioenergy applications.
• Lead mechanical design activities for static and rotating equipment.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering activities (process, E&I, civil, automation).
• Develop high-level plot plans in early project stages and write technical specs/datasheets.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Teamwork

Travel availability

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Are you an experienced Mechanical Engineer with at least 10 years of expertise, looking for a challenging role with direct impact and international scope? At VIDA, a company committed to driving sustainable bioenergy solutions, we are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join The VIDA Project Management & Engineering team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a growing business and organization at the forefront of the energy transition, where sustainability, circularity and innovation are key drivers of our success.

Why choose VIDA?

VIDA is a leader in bioenergy solutions, specializing in the sustainable transformation of biomass into renewable energy. VIDA is developing an asset base in The Netherlands, United Kingdom, and potentially other European countries. With a clear focus on sustainability, we provide innovative solutions that support the global shift towards renewable energy sources. At VIDA, our core values: Passion, Innovation, Integrity, Collaboration, and Responsibility shape everything we do.

Working with us means joining a dynamic, diverse, and inclusive workplace where growth, teamwork, and making a meaningful impact are at the heart of our mission. Based in Breda*, you will have the opportunity to be part of an international company that values its employees, fosters collaboration, and drives progress in renewable energy.

Your role as E&I Engineer

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Process Engineer to join our bioenergy team. You will be responsible for designing, optimizing, and supporting processes that convert organic materials into renewable energy, including biogas, biofuels, and heat/power. This role involves working across multiple technologies such as anaerobic digestion, gasification, pyrolysis, and fermentation, contributing to sustainable energy solutions. You will work closely with project teams, business development, operations, and external stakeholders to ensure efficient, safe, and sustainable bioenergy processes. You will report directly to VP Projects & Engineering and functionally to project managers and/or operations managers.

What you’ll do

• Regulatory compliance and safety
• Ensure compliance of Dutch regulations such as WBDA
• Ensure compliance with European regulations such as PED, CE marking and ATEX
• Be the focal point in material selection for all applications in our plants and projects
• Promote safe design principles and participate in risk assessment reviews
• Lead mechanical design activities for both static and rotating equipment
• Coordinate the mechanical activities within multidisciplinary engineering teams (process, E&I, civil, and automation)
• Develop high level plot plans during very early stages of the project
• Develop and review technical specifications, datasheets and piping specifications
• Operations & Maintenance support
• Provide technical support to operational sites
• Lead root cause analysis for mechanical failures and implement corrective actions
• Support the development and improvement of preventive maintenance strategies together with the production sites
• Liaise with vendors and technology providers to remain up to date on new developments in the biogas industry
• Analyze plant performance and lead reliability improvement
• Identify optimization opportunities such as life cycle cost reductions

What we’re looking for

• University degree (bachelors or masters) in Mechanical Engineering or relevant discipline with combination of qualifications and experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience, in both green and brown field project development and execution or maintenance.
• Strong technical background with a solid track record of mechanical engineering in a highly agile environment.
• Working understanding of project management stage gate processes and deliverable management.
• Hands-on, inquisitive, resourceful.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to work with different cultures and travel to various locations in Europe (e.g. project location, vendors, contractors, etc.)
• Experience in the renewable natural gas industry is a plus.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in Dutch required.

What we offer

• A competitive salary package reflecting your experience and skills.
• A supportive and inclusive workplace that values your input and development.
• 27 days of paid annual leave.
• A good pension scheme to secure your future.
• Flexible working hours to support a healthy work-life balance.
• Development and training opportunities tailored to your career growth, e.g. into an Innovation Expert, Engineering Management, Project Management or Operations Management role.
• A vibrant, international work environment where your contributions will make a tangible impact.

About VIDA

VIDA is at the forefront of the global energy transition, developing sustainable bioenergy solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers and the world. Through innovation and collaboration, we are building a cleaner, greener future.

* VIDA bioenergy has established its Central Office in Breda, Noord-Brabant in a location that is convenient to reach with public transport and by car.