Your Job
A a Process Engineer – Separation Technology, you will develop, design, and support the implementation of process plant solutions with a strong focus on distillation/rectification systems. The role covers the full engineering lifecycle—from concept development and process simulation through equipment sizing and plant commissioning—primarily for plants producing bioethanol, ethanol, and solvent recovery applications.
A key part of the role is translating deep process engineering expertise into customer value, connecting technical decisions to economics and financial outcomes.
- This role is intended to develop competitively advantaged concept designs that create measurable value for customers when executed.
- The position requires strong cross-functional collaboration and an ability to build networks to leverage the broader Koch knowledge base.
What You Will Do
Process & Concept Engineering
- Develop process concepts and provide process engineering in close collaboration with customers.
- Perform process and thermodynamic simulations.
- Create and maintain mass and energy balances.
Energy Integration & Optimization
- Design and evaluate energy integration concepts, including heat recovery and overall energy efficiency improvements.
- Conduct process optimization and debottlenecking studies.
- Assess concepts for thermal and electrical heating of plants.
Plant & Equipment Engineering
- Engineer, size, and specify process plants, unit operations, and equipment including:
- Columns and separation equipment- Pumps- Heat exchangers- Related process equipment and systems
- Develop and evaluate methods, strategies, and calculation approaches for plant and equipment design.
- Analyze customer requirements and translate them into project specifications.
Execution Support & Commissioning
- Support projects through planning, construction, and commissioning/start-up activities.
Collaboration, Innovation & External Engagement
- Drive innovation management, including identification, evaluation, and implementation of new processes and applications.
- Collaborate across Koch, especially with Koch Engineered Solutions (KES).
- Build partnerships with universities, research institutes, labs, and other external networks.
- Represent the organization at technical conferences, trade fairs, and professional events.
- Establish and leverage knowledge networks internally and externally to accelerate learning and results.
Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
Values & Ways of Working
- Strong alignment with Koch’s core principles and PBM ().
Technical Expertise
- Demonstrated experience in process engineering, particularly:
- Thermal process engineering with emphasis on distillation/rectification
- Thermodynamics and heat transfer
- Experience in solvent recovery is preferred.
- Strong understanding of process plant engineering (industrial plant design context).
- Advanced capability in process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen or ChemCAD).
Business & Customer Orientation
- Proven ability to connect engineering/technology decisions with customer economics and financial targets.
- Outcome-oriented mindset (focus on results rather than activities).
- Ability to communicate effectively with international customers.
Education
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemical Technology, or comparable.
Language & Mobility
- Fluent German and English (spoken and written).
- Willingness to travel.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
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