Process Engineer
About the job
- Academic bachelor's-level education and at least 3 years of engineering experience.
- A degree in an applicable engineering or science discipline.
- Specialized expertise and experience in process design, including mass and heat balance calculations, process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagram development, process hazard analysis/environmental hazard analysis, pressure safety valve design, and commissioning and start-up.
- Communication skills, including consultation, listening, and responding clearly with reasoned arguments.
- Excellent written English for preparing reports and findings of subprojects.
- Perform process studies and basic process engineering tasks during pre-projects.
- Perform detailed process engineering tasks during project implementation.
- Develop and execute commissioning and start-up plans during project execution, bringing projects into the operation phase.
- Act as a subject matter expert to provide guidance and advice to peers.
- For small projects, act as Opportunity Manager to initiate and develop project scope through the Define phase, after which the Project Manager normally takes over and the Process Engineer may act as process design engineer.
- Lead projects through the early Evaluate and Select development stages and take ownership of the business delivery aspects of the project.
- Lead small project teams in the pre-project phase and be responsible for quality, planning, and timely delivery.
- A master's-level academic background and at least 5 years of engineering experience.
- A degree in Chemical Engineering.
- Dutch language skills for preparing reports and findings of subprojects.
- Managerial skills, including managing employees from a non-hierarchical position.
- Proven experience leading a project team during the front-end engineering phase.
- Knowledge of research methods, techniques, and guidelines in quality, safety, and the environment.
- Ability to create alternate plans to achieve targets in a dynamic environment.
- A results-driven, outcome-focused, action-oriented approach with a collaborative operating style.
- A self-steering and proactive approach to shared risk taking.
- Data-based decision making, problem solving, prioritization, and risk-based management skills.
About the company
Ketjen provides advanced catalyst solutions for the petrochemical, refining, and specialty chemicals industries. It offers three divisions: Fluidized Catalytic Cracking catalysts to boost high-octane gasoline and propylene production, Clean Fuels and Hydroprocessing catalysts for hydrotreating and hydrocracking (including renewable fuels), and Performance Catalyst & Curative Solutions, with Albemarle retaining ownership of PCS. Notable technologies include the QUASAR platform for hydrotreating and SaFeGuard to protect FCC units from iron poisoning, with collaborations with ExxonMobil, SK Energy, and Eurecat. Ketjen serves 25+ markets worldwide and aims to help customers improve efficiency, yields, and sustainability, including renewable fuels like SAF and renewable diesel and plastics recycling programs.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Houston, Texas
Founded
2023
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- KPS closed its controlling acquisition on March 2, 2026, backing Ketjen operationally.
- André Lanning became CEO on April 15, 2026, bringing 10 years refining-catalyst experience.
- Imubit pilots began May 12, 2026, extending Ketjen’s digital services into AI optimization.
What critics are saying
- Albemarle kept PCS on March 2, 2026, stripping Ketjen of adjacent specialty-catalyst cross-sell.
- Ketjen’s March 2026 KPS buyout leaves minority Albemarle ownership and split incentives.
- Pilot Imubit deployments stay limited to North America and Europe, delaying revenue scaling beyond 2026.
What makes Ketjen unique
- Ketjen and Aramco signed a March 24, 2026 FCC joint development agreement.
- Ketjen’s iKet Connect platform fuses catalyst models, lab data, and refinery telemetry.
- SaFeGuard cut iron poisoning in a 30-day trial, boosting FCC accessibility 77%.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Comprehensive benefits package
Remote Work Options
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Wellness Program
Mental Health Support
Gym Membership
Conference Attendance Budget
Professional Development Budget
Stock Options
Company Equity
Flexibile Work Hours
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
Paid Sick Leave
Hybrid Work Options
Phone/Internet Stipend
Home Office Stipend
Parental Leave
Family Planning Benefits
Fertility Treatment Support
Adoption Assistance
Childcare Support
Elder Care Support
Relocation Assistance
Employee Referral Bonus
Tuition Reimbursement
Professional Certification Support
Mentorship Program
Meal Benefits
Legal Services
Employee Discounts
Company Social Events
Company News
Ketjen and Imubit partner to bring ai-driven catalyst intelligence to refineries. May 13, 2026 / HOUSTON: Ketjen has partnered with Imubit to introduce advanced AI-powered catalyst intelligence solutions designed to enhance refinery performance, operational stability, and decision-making in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) and hydroprocessing units. The collaboration combines Ketjen's deep expertise in catalyst technologies, laboratory analysis, and optimization strategies with Imubit's real-time industrial AI platform capable of continuously learning from live refinery operations. Together, the companies aim to provide refiners with faster insights, predictive operational guidance, and improved process visibility through Ketjen's iKet Connect digital platform. By integrating live process data with advanced analytics and catalyst expertise, refinery operators will gain near-real-time recommendations tailored to current operating conditions. The system is designed to detect operational deviations early, quantify performance impacts, and support more informed decisions related to catalyst management, process optimization, and unit efficiency. The partnership reflects the growing role of digitalization and artificial intelligence in modern refining operations, where companies are increasingly seeking smarter tools to improve profitability, reliability, and sustainability in complex processing environments. Initial pilot projects are already underway with refinery customers across North America and Europe, with broader global expansion planned in the coming years. The initiative marks another significant step toward AI-enabled refining operations where real-time data, automation, and technical expertise work together to optimize industrial performance.
Ketjen Corporation, a catalyst and specialty chemicals company, has appointed André Lanning as chief executive officer, succeeding retiring CEO Michael J. Simmons. The Houston-based firm is backed by KPS Capital Partners. Lanning brings 35 years of senior management experience in the chemicals industry, including a decade in refining catalysts. He previously served as CEO of TFL Ledertechnik and Advanced Refining Technologies, a joint venture between WR Grace and Chevron. As CEO, Lanning will focus on accelerating Ketjen's strategic priorities and delivering solutions to customers worldwide. Ketjen serves global customers in 25 markets, providing catalyst solutions for petrochemical and refining industries. KPS Capital Partners manages approximately $19.1 billion in assets as of December 2025.
Ketjen and Aramco collaborate on FCC catalysts. Published by Ellie Brosnan, Editorial Assistant Hydrocarbon Engineering, Wednesday, 25 March 2026 10:00 Ketjen Corp. and Saudi Aramco Technologies Company (SATC), a subsidiary of Aramco, have entered into a joint development agreement (JDA) to co-develop, test, and deploy next-generation fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts and additives. The collaboration is designed to help elevate the performance of Aramco's refineries and affiliates by potentially optimising product yields and reducing environmental impact. This agreement brings together the technical expertise, research capabilities, and innovative ecosystems of both organisations. Through close collaboration, SATC and Ketjen will aim to help accelerate the development of proprietary FCC catalysts and additives. These advancements are expected to support enhancing refinery performance by increasing yield of high-value products such as gasoline and propylene, while helping to lower the environmental footprint of Aramco's refining operations. This strategic collaboration aims to combine Aramco's decades of innovation in refining catalysts with Ketjen's recognised expertise in FCC catalyst development, manufacturing excellence, and technical depth. By aligning Aramco's operational insights with Ketjen's R&D capabilities, the collaboration is expected to deliver precision-engineered solutions that enhance refinery performance, optimise resource utilisation, and advance Aramco's goals. Together, Ketjen and Aramco aim to set the stage for advancements in efficiency, yield optimisation, and environmental stewardship. Bob Leliveld, Chief Technology Officer at Ketjen, said: "With proven expertise in FCC catalyst innovation, Ketjen is proud to collaborate with a global energy leader like Aramco. This collaboration is expected to support the development of next-generation catalyst solutions, aligning with Aramco's global operational strategies and setting a new standard for efficiency and performance across the industry." Faisal Al-Otaibi, Director of Aramco's Research and Development Center, commented: "By co-developing next-generation catalysts and FCC solutions with Ketjen, we are not only optimising processes but also setting a new benchmark for the industry. This partnership is expected to accelerate our ability to unlock molecular-level efficiency, reduce emissions, and convert raw materials into higher-value products. Our collaboration with Ketjen reflects our ongoing focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence." Through this joint initiative, both companies reaffirm their efforts to help advance the refining industry. The JDA reflects a shared vision to potentially deliver technologies that help meet the evolving demands of the energy sector and address global market challenges. p>A podcast series for professionals in the downstream industry featuring short, insightful interviews. Subscribe on your favourite podcast app to start listening today. Embed article link: (copy the HTML code below):