Lead Process Engineer - Spray Drying - Food & Beverage

Lead Process Engineer
- Spray Drying
- Food & Beverage  Are you a seasoned process engineer with deep expertise in spray drying technology within the food industry? A global leader in specialized nutrition is seeking a lead expert to own and advance their spray drying capabilities. This is a unique opportunity based in Hoofddorp to play a critical role in producing infant formula and medical nutrition products, directly impacting the health of babies and patients worldwide.
The Process Engineer will join the Global Engineering team as the foremost authority on spray drying and evaporation. This position holds global responsibility for the technology across 12-14 manufacturing plants, focusing on industrialization, improving capacity, ensuring safety, and leading new capital investment projects. You will be a key member of the powder center of excellence, driving innovation and best practices across the organization.
Responsibilities   Lead the global spray drying category, owning the technology from an engineering perspective
Drive improvements in capacity, capability, and productivity for existing spray drying assets
Act as the lead expert for new investments in spray drying technology, from design to implementation
Ensure all processes and equipment adhere to the highest standards of food safety, hygienic design, and ATEX regulations
Train and develop the expertise of plant-level technicians, maintenance, and production staff
Collaborate within a center of excellence to enhance sustainability and energy efficiency
Conduct technical audits at manufacturing sites across the globe
Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, from plant teams to senior management
Translate complex technical data into clear, concise reports for strategic decision-making
Requirements   A minimum of 10 years of process engineering experience with a strong focus on spray drying technology
Specific expertise in spray drying for infant formula, medical nutrition, or the broader food & beverage industry is essential
Proven background in an industrial engineering environment, focused on large‑scale production rather than R&D
Deep understanding of spray dryer design parameters, process control, and safety systems like ATEX

Experience with related upstream processes like evaporation and filtration is highly beneficial
Demonstrated ability to manage high-level stakeholders and communicate complex topics effectively
Willingness and ability to travel internationally to support global manufacturing sites
Fluency in English is required
Offer  The gross annual salary for this position will be determined by your experience and skillset, with a total cash package ranging between €120.000 and €156.000, which includes holiday pay and a bonus. The rest of the compensation package, including a leased car, will be discussed in detail during the interview process.

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