Process system engineer

Overview

Your mission

You will be the work package lead of some systems in Thorizon Pioneer related to nuclear processes and as such responsible for all activities related to designing those systems in Thorizon Pioneer design and safety case. In close collaboration with internal functions – thermohydraulics, neutronics, … – you will coordinate studies you need and move the design of your system from a concept to a concrete object. Reporting to the Pioneer Project Director and Pioneer Architect, you will ensure the integration of your system within the overall reactor and manage the interface with the other systems. You will manage potential collaboration with subcontractors on design first and then on realization. In collaboration with the Safety team, you will be accountable for ensuring your system is safe and defend your case towards the regulators.

You have strong experience in process engineering, with a focus on the nuclear environment as a strong plus. You know how to design process flow diagrams and define requirements for associated equipment. You are skilled in sizing safe and high‑performance processes, including establishing process schemes, performing material balance calculations, sizing equipment, and drafting technical specifications. You also know how to design P&IDs and author operating procedures or functional notes to ensure seamless transition from concept to realization.

You are able to self‑define your weekly routine. You have a strong spirit of team effort and as such able to maneuver in cross‑functional teams. You have a high level of communication skills and stakeholder management.

This role is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands or in Lyon, France.

In This Role You Will

• Define, validate and verify (functional) requirements for specific systems related to process of Thorizon Pioneer, optimise the design to deliver on those requirements, and manage trade‑offs in the design envelope (e.g., reliability, performance, lifetime, costs) while continuously ensuring maximum safety and prepare for the realization of this system
• Develop and review Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) to define the overall process architecture and material/energy balances
• Design and validate Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) to ensure accurate representation of equipment, instrumentation, and control logic for safe and efficient operations
• Work in cross‑functional team in Pioneer project (typically a project‑based team of ~3–6 engineers from different disciplines such as nuclear engineering, core physics, thermalhydraulics, chemistry)
• Conduct engineering work for your work package (e.g., component and system design, computer models and analyses to simulate safety and performance)
• Initiate projects with our expert engineers that support you with analyses, validation, verification and qualification
• Select, qualify and manage external contractors that support you in your mission
• Deliver system documentation, prepare design reviews, and ensure system integration
• Build documentation and presentation to enable licensing discussion with safety authorities
• Support program management by coordinating meetings, communicating with external partners, and leading specific projects
• Participate in meetings with regulators with the aim of defending in‑house positions and contribute to maintaining an active dialogue with regulators (in particular ASNR, ANVS and FANC)
• Work very closely with Pioneer Architect, Functional leads and team, the program office, COO, CTO, and the rest of the teams in Lyon and Amsterdam
• Report to the Pioneer Project Director, in the COO line

About You

• Master's degree and proven working experience in process engineering, preferably in nuclear (10 years)
• Experience with system engineering approaches is a plus
• Knowledge and understanding of these disciplines are mandatory to succeed in the role: mechanical, neutronic, chemistry (corrosion), thermodynamic, structural
• All‑round engineer that uniquely combines content expertise, great communication and interpersonal skills:
  • You can strategically connect the dots between design drivers in a complex multi‑disciplinary project. You can zoom in and out, connecting strategy and objectives to concrete requirements, roadmaps, and actions.
• You are a solution‑oriented go‑getter who positively drives forward
• You have strong stakeholder management skills and take ownership of deliverables
• Excited by pioneering and a pathfinder for the design. You are a fast learner that has the potential to lead complex topics
• Excellent communicator (clear is kind) in English, both spoken and written. French and/or Dutch would be considered a strong plus
• Willing to travel between Lyon and Amsterdam
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with drive for quality and accuracy
• Inspired by an organization with a large variety of people, with different experiences and background, and have the ability to adjust your management style depending on the situation and the people involved
• Eager to learn and like challenges

What you can expect from us

• Dynamic and ambitious team of nuclear technology professionals that are committed to solving today’s energy challenges
• Unique experience in a fast‑growing VC‑backed deep tech start‑up
• Opportunity to work on a game‑changing technology that reduces our carbon footprint and nuclear waste streams
• Competitive salary and an employee profit‑sharing plan
• International work experience
• Office in the heart of Amsterdam or Lyon next to the Central station