Senior Process Engineer

VIDA Bioenergy; Breda; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days leave

Pension scheme

Flexible hours

Training & development

International environment

Job summary

VIDA Bioenergy is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to join the Project Management & Engineering team in Breda. You will design, optimize and support bioenergy processes including anaerobic digestion, gas cleaning and upgrading, and lead front-end studies.

The role requires at least 10 years of experience, leadership skills, and the ability to collaborate across cultures and international teams. The company offers a competitive package and international opportunities within Europe.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in process engineering across greenfield/brownfield projects
• Experience designing, developing, and executing anaerobic digestion (AD) projects
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Willingness to travel regularly between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, including sites and partners
• Fluent in English; Dutch language skills preferred

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize and support bioenergy processes (AD, gas cleaning, upgrading, wastewater treatment, drying, pelletizing)
• Lead Front End Loading studies (Feasibility, technology selection, Basis of Design, equipment sizing)
• Support basic/detailed engineering and commissioning phases of projects
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders
• Develop SOPs and training materials for plant operators

Skills

Process engineering

AD experience

Greenfield & brownfield

Leadership & communication

Travel willingness NL/UK

Cross-cultural collaboration

Project management

Safety & compliance

Innovative mindset

English fluent

Dutch preferred

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering or related

Job description

Are you an experienced Process 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 Sr. Process 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 Process 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

• Safety, Sustainability & Innovation
• Ensure processes comply with environmental regulations and safety standards.
• Be our Process Safety (PSM) expert
• Participate in HAZOPs, risk assessments and PSSR (pre-startup safety review).
• Investigate emerging technologies and process enhancements, with academic and industrial partners.
• Support new technology initiatives and pilot testing of novel solutions.
• Process Design & Optimization
• Develop and improve anaerobic digestion, gas cleaning, gas upgrading, wastewater treatment, drying and pelletizing processes.
• Lead and develop Front End Loading studies, such as Feasibility studies, Technology selection, Basis of Design, equipment selection and sizing.
• Develop and leverage Best Practices and standards across the VIDA organization
• Lead the development of SOPs and training materials for plant operators.

• Project Execution
• Support basic and detailed engineering and construction phases of bioenergy projects.
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams including mechanical, electrical, automation, and civil engineers, both internally and externally (e.g. with engineering contractor, (technology) vendors, and regulatory bodies).
• Lead the development of SOPs and training materials for plant operators.
• Develop and Lead commissioning activities.

• Operations & Business Support
• Lead RCA (root cause analysis) of recurring operational problems.
• Coaching operations staff, e.g. with process safety expertise, plant change review.
• Support M&A team with Technical Due Diligence expertise.

What we’re looking for

• University degree (Bachelor's or Master's) in Engineering or a related discipline, combined with relevant experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in process engineering, including both greenfield and brownfield project development and execution.
• Demonstrated experience in the design, development, and execution of anaerobic digestion (AD) projects is highly preferred.
• Experience with brownfield modifications, expansions, or optimization projects on operational AD facilities is considered a strong advantage.
• Working understanding of project management stage-gate processes and engineering deliverables.
• Hands-on, inquisitive, and resourceful mindset.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel regularly between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, including visits to operational sites, engineering contractors, technology providers, and other project stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively across different cultures and international teams.
• Experience in the renewable natural gas (RNG) or broader bioenergy industry is a plus.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in Dutch is preferred.

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.