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Energy & Sustainability Engineer

SABIC • Netherlands • Added on Aug 14, 2026
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This role centers on driving the energy transition within a heavy industrial setting. You will analyze complex chemical processes and utilities—such as steam and cooling systems—to uncover efficiency gains. Beyond analysis, you will take ownership of translating high-level Net Zero objectives into practical engineering projects, managing them from initial concept through to physical realization on-site.

Working for a global chemicals leader means your engineering decisions directly influence the decarbonization of a carbon-intensive sector. By implementing pinch analyses and process electrification, you contribute to a tangible reduction in global industrial emissions. This position bridges the gap between theoretical sustainability reporting and the hard engineering required to make circularity and carbon neutrality a reality in large-scale manufacturing.

This suits someone who possesses a solid technical foundation in chemical engineering and thrives on solving thermodynamic puzzles. You should be a pragmatic problem-solver who enjoys working between the data-heavy world of ISO 50001 and the practical realities of industrial CAPEX projects.

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What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary focus of this role is the decarbonization of chemical installations through technical process optimization. You will lead the analysis of utilities such as steam, cooling, and electricity to identify energy-saving opportunities. A major part of the mission involves managing the ISO 50001 Energy Management System, ensuring all industrial processes align with international efficiency standards. Beyond monitoring, you will be responsible for leading multidisciplinary CAPEX projects focused on sustainability. This includes developing business cases for cutting-edge technologies like hydrogen applications, heat pumps, and carbon capture. You will also ensure site-level compliance with European regulations like the ETS, EED, and CSRD, translating these legal requirements into operational engineering targets.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates can expect deep exposure to advanced thermodynamic modeling and pinch analysis techniques applied to large-scale industrial systems. You will gain hands-on experience in the technical and financial validation of renewable energy integrations, including electrification and hydrogen projects, which are at the forefront of the global energy transition. Additionally, the role provides a unique opportunity to master the regulatory landscape of the EU. You will learn how to navigate CSRD and EU ETS compliance from a technical perspective, bridging the gap between corporate sustainability reporting and plant-level engineering. The exposure to global innovation hubs also offers a chance to see how regional energy strategies are scaled internationally.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate holds a technical degree in Chemical Engineering or Applied Physics and has 3 to 5 years of experience in the chemical industry. A deep understanding of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics is essential, as the role requires analyzing energy flows in complex utility systems. You should be comfortable with energy study methodologies like Pinch analysis. Soft skills are just as vital as technical expertise. You need to be a persuasive communicator who can present complex technical business cases to stakeholders ranging from plant operators to executive management. Experience with ISO 50001 certification and a working knowledge of environmental legislation like the Energy Efficiency Directive will be highly regarded.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, your application should highlight specific examples where your engineering interventions led to measurable energy or carbon reductions. Instead of just listing tasks, quantify the impact of your previous CAPEX projects in terms of CO2 avoided or GJ saved. Mention your familiarity with the Dutch and EU regulatory environment, as site compliance is a key part of the remit. Demonstrate an understanding of SABIC's 'Chemistry that Matters' philosophy by showing how you balance operational efficiency with environmental goals. Since this role involves presenting business cases, ensure your resume reflects an ability to translate technical data into financial and strategic value for a global manufacturing organization.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role is primarily focused on the E (Environmental) pillar of ESG, specifically targeting energy efficiency and greenhouse gas mitigation. You will be the technical driver behind the site's transition toward Net Zero emissions, looking at both direct process improvements and the integration of renewable energy sources. There is also a strong focus on circularity and resource efficiency. By optimizing raw material consumption and exploring carbon capture technologies, you will help the company shift away from traditional linear chemical production. Your work ensures that sustainability is not just a reporting exercise but is engineered into the very fabric of the production facility.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the main challenges is the complexity of heat integration in aging industrial assets, where retrofitting modern technology like heat pumps or electrification requires creative engineering solutions. Balancing the urgent need for sustainability investments with the strict financial ROI requirements of industrial business cases can also be a significant hurdle. Additionally, keeping pace with the rapidly evolving European regulatory landscape requires constant vigilance. Ensuring that a large-scale chemical site remains compliant with shifting ETS and CSRD requirements while maintaining production output is a high-pressure responsibility that demands both technical precision and organizational agility.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might start with analyzing energy consumption data from the plant to identify any anomalies in steam or electricity usage. You might then move into a project meeting for a new CAPEX initiative, discussing the technical feasibility of a process electrification project with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and maintenance staff. In the afternoon, you could be drafting a business case for a sustainable investment, calculating the carbon savings and payback period for a heat recovery system. The day often involves site visits to check on the progress of energy-saving modifications and meetings with management to report on progress toward Net Zero KPIs and ISO 50001 compliance.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

Given the scale of the organization, there are significant opportunities for lateral moves into global sustainability strategy or regional technical leadership roles. As companies increasingly prioritize the energy transition, expertise in industrial decarbonization is a high-demand skill set that can lead to senior management or principal engineering positions. Success in this role could lead to leading large-scale innovation projects across SABIC's global innovation hubs. There is also the potential to become a subject matter expert in specific emerging technologies like green hydrogen or carbon capture, positioning you as a key leader in the chemical industry's green transformation.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with Plant Operators and Production Managers to ensure energy management systems are effectively implemented on the shop floor. On the project side, you will collaborate with CAPEX Project Teams and technical specialists in thermodynamics and process engineering. Externally, you may engage with regulatory bodies and energy consultants regarding emissions reporting and site audits. You will also be a key partner for the site management team, providing the technical data and business justifications they need to approve major sustainability investments and strategic energy roadmaps.

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