Process Operator

We are hiring for our operations team at our pilot plant on the Brightlands Chemelot Campus!

The team is currently completing the latest round of pilot plant upgrades, ahead of our next programme of production and development campaigns through 2027, and we are looking to bring onboard two Process Operators to support the next steps of our journey towards commercialising Aerbio’s unique technology.

This is an opportunity for experienced operators looking for more than just running an established process. You will be closely involved in operating, improving, and developing a first-of-a-kind fermentation process, with the opportunity to influence how our plant and operating practices evolve.

---- Job Description ----

Job Title: Process Operator – Pilot Plant

Start date: December 2026

Work Location: Brightlands Chemelot campus, Geleen, Limburg (NL) - on site

Time commitment: 40 hours/wk non-shift and hybrid 2-shift pattern;  33.6 hours/wk on-5-shift

Remuneration: Competitive salary package, dependent on experience, qualifications and                                    applicable operator level

Working hours:

• Operational campaigns (shift):

• The pilot facility is generally operated in a hybrid 2-shift pattern;

• For some campaigns, due to the novelty of the process and high-flexibility-nature of the pilot facility, a 5-shift rota with 24/7 coverage is also required periodically.

• Technical support (non-shift):

• A standard 40-hour work week will be typical for periods when the pilot is not in operation (to be discussed at interview);

• Conventional working hours will be 08:00-16:30.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Operate, monitor, and maintain the pilot plant facility to ensure safe and efficient operation;
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and other ops team members to support process development and troubleshooting;
• Support plant safety, maintenance, scheduling, and logistics activities;
• Conduct experiments and tests to support the development and optimisation of the gas fermentation process;
• Maintain accurate records of plant operations, experiments, and data for analysis and reporting;
• Assist in the design and implementation of new equipment and processes;
• Develop and follow standard operating procedures and work instructions while ensuring compliance with the safety requirements of the site;
• Continuously identify areas for improvement and propose solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness;
• Sampling, sample preparation and sample analysis for QA/QC and R&D purposes;
• Perform inspection rounds and minor maintenance tasks to guarantee optimal operational functionality of pilot and lab installations.

Minimum Profile:

• Minimum of VAPRO B (MBO Level 3) or equivalent qualifications
• 3+ years experience working in a highly controlled operational environment (e.g. Chemical, Pharma, Feed/Food industries) working with potentially hazardous substances
• VCA-basic or equivalent
• Strong communication skills – Dutch and English language required
• Other: EU Driving License (e.g. NL Licence B), English and Dutch language fluency

Preferred Skills, Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• VAPRO C, D (MBO Level 4+)
• Fermentation experience, especially operation of various types of bioreactors from small to pilot scale;
• Experience with basic microbiology and sample analysis techniques;
• Experience working in a food/feed production environment
• First aid training;
• VCA-vol qualifications
• Ability to train other operators

Benefits and other details:

• Commuting allowance
• Training and development opportunities
• Company sponsored pensions plan