System Process Engineer

We are Skytree

Skytree enables a transition to a world with cleaner Air for everyone. We do this by developing and deploying smart technology that captures atmospheric carbon dioxide, enabling its use or storage to combat climate change and aid society and businesses around the world.

Born out of the European Space Agency (ESA), we are a global team of highly talented scientists, engineers and business professionals, supported by an experienced management team. Our working culture is based on a dynamic and smart approach to business with an open and understanding attitude to others and a desire to expand the boundaries of what is possible.

As we enter a new phase of growth, we are looking for a System Process Engineer to continue on this journey with us.

Your role

To provide some context in which the role operates in: Skytree’s Technology organisation covers everything from Research & Development and Engineering to Testing. Together, these multidisciplinary teams drive the development of our cutting-edge Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology.

One of the fundamental teams within this Technology organisation is the Process Engineering Team, which is currently focused on two main challenges: 

• Process Design & optimization: This is all about designing a process - functionally including adsorbing, and desorbing the sorbent as well as logistically distributing it - in such a way to reach certain levels of productivity while having a process that’s energy efficient. It’s about finding that sweet spot.

• Real-World simulation: As we’re about to deploy our product, it’s key to configure our product in such a way that it clicks within the use case of our customer. While these can be different from customer to customer (e.g. whether there’s hot water available as an energy source, the voltages available, environmental conditions like humidity levels), they all affect the real-world performance of our product.

And that’s exactly where this role sits. You’ll be pivotal to the design, optimization and operationalization of our DAC systems. Your focus will shift dynamically between overall efficiency improvements and site-specific simulations tailored to particular customer use cases. As the System Process Engineering discipline is fundamental to our technology, you will work cross-functionally with Engineering, Procurement, Testing and Software & Automation.

Curious to find out how you’ll make an impact and what it is you’ll bring? Then read along. 

You’ll make an impact by

• Developing and managing Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) for DAC systems.

• Conducting detailed heat and mass balance calculations to optimize system efficiency.

• Establishing and maintaining a robust operating philosophy for DAC systems, ensuring alignment with project requirements.

• Collaborating with control engineers, R&D teams, and product designers to design and document the control philosophy for DAC systems.

• Working closely with other departments to integrate control systems into the overall product lifecycle.

• Leading HAZOP studies and other risk assessment processes for system safety and reliability.

• Collaborating with the certification department to ensure compliance with industry standards, certifications, and regulatory requirements applicable to process and operations for the DAC systems.

• Working with stakeholders to maintain documentation and secure necessary approvals.

• Partnering with R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to transition systems from development to production.

• Supporting troubleshooting, optimization, and scaling of processes during the development and commercialization phases.

• Identifying opportunities to enhance process design, efficiency, and safety based on system performance data and feedback.

Requirements

What we’re looking for

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related field.

• 5-8 years of experience in process engineering.

• Proven experience developing and managing PFDs, P&IDs, and heat and mass balances.

• Experience in process design related software such as HYSYS, Aspen Plus or Unisim.

• Hands-on experience with HAZOP studies and related safety and compliance frameworks.

• Strong understanding of process flows and mechanisms, thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, and fluid dynamics in processes.

• Experience developing operating and control philosophies for industrial systems.

• Familiarity with standards such as API, ASME, CE marking will be advantageous.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across multidisciplinary teams.

• Skills in detail design using CAD software (i.e. Inventor) will be advantageous.

What you can expect

Apart from working with great colleagues and a competitive package, you can also expect:

• A unique start-up environment offering organic professional and personal growth at one of the most innovative cleantech companies in Amsterdam!

• A diverse (38+ nationalities) and fun team to work with.

• Travel cost reimbursement (choose from an NS business card, lease bike, or 23ct p/km travel allowance).

• Recharge with 25 vacation days, plus a little extra when life throws something special your way.

• Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid work, with the option to work from home once a week.

• A vibrant office close to the Science Park train station (5 minute walk!), as well as close to the highway.

• Access to the Science Park and Amsterdam University cafeterias (and all the great and healthy meal options).

• Fun activities, organised by our very own Champagne Committee (e.g. a cooking class or Canal Adventures at the heart of the city centre).

• Stay fueled with tasty fruits and snacks - because work should be enjoyable too!

Questions?

Need some more info, or simply have a question for us? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Talent Acquisition Specialist Sjoerd Jacobs ([email protected]).