As a Senior Process Engineer in the insect industry at Protix, you will be responsible for development of cutting-edge technologies in insect processing. Furthermore, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing process improvements to ensure efficient and sustainable insect derived products as well as feedstock pre-processing. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives and maintain quality standards. The insect industry is a young and emerging market, where we still make giant leaps. As a senior process engineer, you will be one of the frontrunners of a new industry.

In the dynamic world of insect processing, a Senior Process Engineer is tasked with the continuous enhancement of the system’s efficiency, yield, sustainability, and overall product quality. This journey of continuous improvement is not a solitary one; it involves close collaboration with technologists and operational teams. Together, they delve into the exploration of new processing technologies, supporting both the established Bergen op Zoom facility and the new to build production sites in development. Core technologies are pasteurization, evaporation, drying, and separation processes.

The role is not just about improvement but also about creation—designing new processes or refining existing ones. It’s about bringing ideas to life through Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), 3D models, and functional specifications. Communication is key, aligning with stakeholders across various teams to ensure that process designs meet and exceed expectations. This role serves as the technical expert, fielding questions from suppliers and ensuring that every technical detail is addressed.

Cost management is a balancing act, crafting solutions that are both cost-effective and uncompromising in product quality, thus securing a competitive edge in the market. Staying up to date of industry regulations is crucial, as is ensuring that all processes adhere to the relevant standards and guidelines.

Collaboration extends beyond the immediate team, reaching out to those in equipment development, research and development, and production to drive multidisciplinary projects forward. Documentation is the map that guides this journey, accurately maintained to reflect the most current processes, procedures, and best practices.

Education is also a cornerstone of this role, providing training and support to production teams to ensure the seamless implementation of optimized processes. It’s about nurturing talent, guiding less experienced colleagues, and managing project teams, no matter the size.

Support doesn’t end with design; it extends to the execution, ensuring that improvements are not just planned but also realized within operational facilities. Project management enhances the full spectrum of development and improvement projects, from the initial planning stages to budgeting and overseeing the technical details.

This is a narrative of a professional who is not just part of the process but is integral to its evolution, driving the industry forward with every decision and innovation.

• Master's or PhD in ideally process engineering (or similar) 
• You have 10+ year work experience in a relevant role, such as process technologist, process engineer in a food/feed processing environment.  
• Fluent in English (both verbal and in writing) 
• You think and act on a high conceptual level while paying attention to details.  
• You have proficient knowledge of heating, evaporation, separation and/or drying processes 
• You can shape and structure projects in a self-sufficient manner.  
• Self-starting and entrepreneurial 
• You keep the bigger picture in mind and are goal driven 
• You are pro-active, good at working in multi-disciplinary teams and interested in working in a fast-moving work environment

• You will be part of our mission: 'Food in balance with nature! 
• A varied job where you can make a difference in a motivated and inspiring team. 
• An employee participation plan ("a piece of the Protix pie") 
• A fast paced, entrepreneurial and sustainable working environment 
• There is plenty of room to take on responsibility and develop yourself. 
• After 5 years you can take a 6 week sabbatical. We will pay 50% of your time off! 
• You will receive a mileage allowance of €0.23 per km, even if you travel by bike. Public transport is also fully reimbursed

Do you want to work for the future and be part of our revolution? We would love to connect with you! Apply and connect with us on LinkedIn to stay on top of our mission.