Process Engineer- Separation Technology (m,f,d)

Process Engineer – Separation Technology

A process engineer with a strong focus on distillation/rectification systems will develop, design, and support the implementation of process plant solutions. 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop process concepts and provide process engineering in close collaboration with customers.
• Perform process and thermodynamic simulations.
• Create and maintain mass and energy balances.
• 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.
• Engineer, size, and specify process plants, unit operations, and equipment, including columns, pumps, heat exchangers, and related process systems.
• Develop and evaluate methods, strategies, and calculation approaches for plant and equipment design.
• Analyze customer requirements and translate them into project specifications.
• Support projects through planning, construction, and commissioning/start‑up activities.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Strong alignment with Koch’s core principles and PBM (Principle Based Management™).
• 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).
• 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.
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemical Technology, or comparable field.
• Fluent in German and English (spoken and written).
• Willingness to travel.

Values & Ways of Working

• Strong alignment with Koch’s core principles and PBM (Principle Based Management™).