Operations Engineer | DSL-01
Please note: For this role proficiency in both Dutch and English is required.
Operations Engineer | DSL-01
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.
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 evolving industry, we are looking for people who embrace change and are motivated to actively contribute to building and scaling our business. You are someone who feels comfortable in an entrepreneurial environment, takes ownership, and thrives when things are still developing.
You recognize yourself in the following:
Fluent in Dutch and English
Residing in or near Delfzijl
BSc or MSc in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering
Minimum 2 years’ experience in an operational industrial plant (oleochemical, petrochemical, biodiesel, HVO/SAF, or similar)
Experience with commissioning, startup, and translating theory into practice
Technically curious, analytical, and thorough
Knowledge of safety methodologies (HAZOP, risk assessments, audits)
Comfortable working in a highly regulated industrial environment
Strong communication across operators, maintenance, supply chain, contractors, and management.
About DSL-01
DSL-01 is SkyNRG’s frontrunning renewable fuels facility in Delfzijl, Netherlands. The plant will produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from residual fats and greases using the HEFA (Hydrotreated Esters and Fatty Acids) pathway, with additional renewable products like butane, propane, and naphtha as by-products.
DSL-01 is the first facility in Europe dedicated entirely to SAF and its by-products. Once operational, it will produce 100,000 tonnes of SAF and 35,000 tonnes of sustainable by-products per year, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by around 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
Construction started in 2026, with first fuel expected in 2028. The project includes the main facility, pipelines, and temporary work areas. At DSL-01, you will be part of a team building a state-of-the-art industrial plant from the ground up, contributing to a truly sustainable energy future.
Environmental and social responsibility are at the heart of DSL-01. We follow international frameworks and Dutch regulations to manage impacts on people, nature, and local communities. Safety, sustainability, and collaboration guide everything we do.
What we offer
As DSL-01 is still being built, many aspects of the plant, roles, and benefits are still being shaped. Our HR team is actively defining the full compensation and benefits package specifically for the Delfzijl facility. You can be assured that the final offer will be highly competitive and designed to reward your expertise, contribution, and impact as we bring this pioneering SAF plant to life.
We are committed to offering an attractive total package to ensure we attract the best talent in the market. This includes a competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and a range of benefits that support your personal and professional growth.
Is this you?
Are you ready to help build a plant from the ground up? Join a pioneering force in sustainable aviation and help create a cleaner, more sustainable future.
For more information about DSL-01 (part of the SkyNRG) visit www.SkyNRG.com.
📌 Please note: We do not accept sales inquiries or intermediary services.
At DSL-01 and SkyNRG as a whole, we deeply value inclusion and diversity. As an equal opportunity employer, we are dedicated to ensuring every applicant has a fair chance, irrespective of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or any other legally protected characteristics.