Operations Engineer, DSL-01 - Delfzijl

Operations Engineer, DSL-01 · Imagine a role where you are not stepping into a mature plant, but into the birth of one. Where you help translate engineering into operational reality, shape commissioning from the ground up, and stand at the control panel when a brand-new SAF facil ...

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Operations Engineer, DSL-01

Imagine a role where you are not stepping into a mature plant, but into the birth of one. Where you help translate engineering into operational reality, shape commissioning from the ground up, and stand at the control panel when a brand-new SAF facility comes to life for the very first time. Where your curiosity for process, performance, and reliability directly influences plant stability, energy efficiency, and product quality from day one.

If you are an engineer who wants to combine technical depth with real operational impact, and who gets excited about building, troubleshooting, optimizing and continuously improving in a brand-new industrial environment: read on. This opportunity might be exactly what you're looking for.

About the role

As Operations Engineer DSL-01, you play a pivotal role across three critical phases of the plant lifecycle:

Until Ready for Startup (RFSU)
You support the Plant Manager in ensuring the facility is fully operationally ready when construction is complete. You help align and sharpen the Commissioning & Startup (CSU) plan together with technology licensors and construction partners, contribute to the development of SOPs, and support the implementation of the Asset Management plan with maintenance partners.

You provide technical and engineering input to the Operator Training Simulator (OTS) developer and laboratory partners, ensuring both the control room and lab are fully aligned with the process design and operational philosophy. Your goal: when DSL-01 is mechanically complete, operations are truly ready to start.

From RFSU through Commercial Operation Date (COD)
You actively support commissioning and startup activities, including catalyst loading supervision, process stability monitoring, and product quality control. You help deliver a successful facility performance test within six months of RFSU.

During this phase, you troubleshoot process and equipment issues, collaborate closely with operators and maintenance, and ensure safe and stable ramp-up of production.

From COD onwards
You focus on optimizing plant availability, maximizing SAF production, and minimizing energy and utility consumption. You identify throughput limitations and lead debottlenecking initiatives, engineer small modifications yourself, and supervise contractors for larger modifications or expansions.

You also:

• Develop and improve systems, equipment and processes to enhance plant performance.

• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical and process-related issues.

• Monitor reliability of rotating and static equipment (pumps, compressors, heat exchangers).

• Support feedstock development, suitability assessments and blending model optimization.

• Maintain up-to-date feedstock procurement and processing specifications.

• Manage small to medium-sized capital projects (budgeting, scheduling, execution).

• Participate in HAZOPs, LOPA and safety reviews.

• Support investigations into safety or environmental incidents and implement improvements.

This is not a narrow process engineering role. It is a broad plant engineering position at the intersection of operations, maintenance, safety, supply chain, and continuous improvement, in one of Europe's most innovative SAF facilities.

Your profile*

As a growing company in a rapidly developing industry, we are looking for someone who likes to play an active role in building out our business and is not afraid of change. Ideally, you recognise yourself in the following:

• You hold a BSc or MSc in Chemical Engineering (preferred) or Mechanical Engineering and bring at least 2 years of experience in a running industrial plant (oleochemical, petrochemical, biodiesel, HVO/SAF or similar).

• You have experience with commissioning & startup and understand how theory translates into plant reality.

• You are technically curious, analytical and thorough.

• You genuinely want to understand the process, the equipment and the root causes behind issues.

• You have experience with safety methodologies (HAZOP, risk assessments, audits) and are comfortable operating in a highly regulated industrial environment.

• You communicate easily across disciplines: operators, maintenance teams, supply chain, contractors and management.

• You speak and write Dutch fluently, enabling you to connect with the production team, and you are energized by being part of a plant that is still taking shape.

What we offer

Besides that, we offer:

· 30 paid holidays + 2 for choosing sustainable travel options for your holidays

· Contribute to a sustainable organization (BCorp)

· Attractive bonus scheme

· €5.000,- dedicated budget every 3 years for professional development

· A great opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary, committed, and talented team.

· Work where it feels best for you: we offer flexible (hybrid in-office) working arrangements

· Generous employer pension contribution

· Paid Volunteering Day

· Access to our electric company boat (also available for private use), free lunch, and lots of social activities – all part of the deal

About SkyNRG

At SkyNRG, we are on a mission to revolutionize the aviation industry by making sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) the new standard. As pioneers in this field, we are dedicated to reducing the carbon footprint of air travel and leading the charge towards a more sustainable future.

Founded on the principles of innovation, sustainability, and excellence, SkyNRG collaborates with airlines, governments, and other stakeholders to create scalable, sustainable fuel solutions. Our commitment goes beyond producing SAF; we aim to reshape the aviation fuel supply chain, ensuring that sustainability is embedded at every level.

SkyNRG is a dynamic scale-up, offering the excitement and growth opportunities of a startup with the stability and ambition of a well-established company. As a member of our team, you will have the unique chance to shape the future of sustainable aviation fuel from the ground up. Your contributions will have a direct impact on our success and the industry as a whole.

Why join a scale-up like SkyNRG:

• Innovation-Driven Culture: Be part of a team that encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking to solve complex challenges.

• Rapid Growth Opportunities: As a scale-up, we offer significant opportunities for career advancement and personal development.

• Dynamic Work Environment: Enjoy a fast-paced, collaborative atmosphere where your ideas and initiatives are valued and supported.

• Sustainability Impact: Contribute to a mission that makes a real difference in reducing the aviation industry's carbon footprint and promoting environmental responsibility.

• Industry Leadership: Work alongside industry leaders and experts who are dedicated to setting new standards for sustainable aviation.

Our team comprises around 100 passionate professionals from diverse backgrounds, all united by a common goal: to drive the future of sustainable aviation. We value creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and pragmatic problem-solving. At SkyNRG, you will find a dynamic and collaborative environment where your ideas can flourish and make a tangible impact on the world.

Is this you?

Are you ready to take your career to new heights with SkyNRG? Explore our opportunities and become part of a pioneering force in sustainable aviation. Together, we can create a cleaner, more sustainable future. [adjust as you wish]

For more information about SkyNRG visit

Please do not contact us for sales purposes or intermediary services.

SkyNRG is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take seriously our responsibility to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.