Process Development Engineer (Food/Chemical)

Where will you be working?

Avebe is a leading cooperative of potato growers specializing in the extraction and development of high-quality potato-based ingredients for the food, feed, and industrial markets. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, Avebe transforms every part of the potato into valuable products such as starches and proteins that meet the growing demand for plant-based solutions worldwide. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Avebe operates internationally, combining cutting-edge research with a commitment to supporting its members and contributing to a more sustainable food system.

Department

The Process Innovation & Development department focuses on advancing and optimizing Avebe’s starch and protein processing technologies. With a team of 11 dedicated professionals, the department drives innovation through process modeling, pilot-scale experimentation, and the development of sustainable production methods that enhance product quality and efficiency across Avebe’s value chain.

The position

Avebe is seeking a Process Engineer/Food Technologist to lead the development, optimization, and support of production trials within food processing, with a particular focus on extrusion, powder handling, and dextrination. This position requires proven expertise in the production of flakes and granules to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality operations while driving continuous improvement and innovation. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills to collaborate effectively with stakeholders across the organization.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and optimise production processes with a focus on extrusion, powder handling, and dextrination technologies, ensuring scalability and reproducibility.
• Lead or participate in processing of flakes and granules (improvement) projects aimed at increasing throughput, reducing costs, and improving sustainability metrics.
• Plan and execute trials, tests, and validation studies for new raw materials, products, or equipment to confirm feasibility and performance.
• Analyse production data and process parameters to identify bottlenecks, trends, and opportunities for optimisation, and recommend data-driven solutions.
• Prepare, maintain, and update process documentation, including SOPs, work instructions, training materials, and process flow diagrams.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with key stakeholders such as Product Line Managers, Line Technologists, Production Managers, Quality Assurance, and R&D to ensure alignment of priorities and smooth implementation of changes.
• Support capital investment projects by providing process engineering expertise, from conceptual design through commissioning and start-up.
• Contribute to new product development and scale-up, working closely with R&D to transfer laboratory/pilot results to full-scale production.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, environmental, and food safety standards, actively contributing to audits and continuous improvement of quality systems.
• Train and mentor production staff and junior engineers on process engineering principles, best practices, and new technologies.
• Keep up-to-date with technological developments in food and chemical processing (especially extrusion, powder handling, and dextrination) and bring new ideas to improve competitiveness.

Education & experience      

• University diploma (at least HBO level) in Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Solid knowledge of process engineering principles in a food or chemical production environment.
• Proven expertise in flakes and granules production
• Preferably experience with extrusion, powder handling and dextrination processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a hands-on approach.
• Proven ability to communicate clearly and effectively with multiple stakeholders across technical and management levels.
• Experience with data analysis and process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma or similar) is a plus.
• Proficiency with process-related software and MS Office tools.
  
  Key Competencies
• Technical expertise in food/chemical production processes.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with Product Line Managers, Line Technologists, Production Managers and other stakeholders.
• Team player with good organisation and coordination abilities.
• Proactive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Safety and quality consciousness.

What we offer      

• A dynamic and challenging role within an innovative food production environment, where you will be at the forefront of process development and optimization.
• Extensive opportunities for professional growth and ongoing training, enabling you to expand your technical expertise and advance your career within a forward-thinking organization.
• A competitive compensation and benefits package commensurate with your experience and qualifications, reflecting our commitment to attracting and retaining top talent

More information?     

Do you have any additional questions on this vacancy? Please contact Dr Aleksandra Zderic (Manager Process Development & Design) 0650064521

Are you the one we're looking for? You can find the vacancy on careers.avebe.com
 
An assessment or social media check can be part of the procedure.

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