Hydroprocessing Technology Engineer

Hydroprocessing Technology Engineer

Axens

Rueil-Malmaison, Lyon or Nantes, France

CONTEXT:

The mission of our Business Division, Technology and Technical Support (T&TS), is to propose to our clients sustainable and low-carbon solutions, which correspond to state-of-the-art technologies, processes, catalysts, adsorbents and services for a large range of applications, notably in refining and petro-chemistry. The T&TS Business Division is responsible for the performance of Axens’ products in customer units, and responsible for maintaining the competitiveness of our offer in a moving and challenging market. The Technology Engineer position is at the crossroads of Axens core jobs, mixing technical support, sales support and development of new products.

The Responsible VGO Hydroprocessing Product Line is part of the Sustainable Conversion & Hydroprocessing group. It oversees the development and sales of technologies and products related to the Hydroprocessing and Hydrocracking of vacuum distillates. The missions of Technology Engineers consist of:

• Preparing, clarifying and defending technical proposals for catalyst replacements and licensing projects in refineries around the world.
• Designing grass-roots units, revamping existing assets or replacing products, by providing innovative and efficient solutions.
• Supporting our customers, by monitoring the performance of our products and providing technical assistance for units in operation.
• Promoting Axens technologies and services through marketing actions.
• Adapting and enhancing Axens’ offer in the field of VGO Hydroprocessing, answering market needs.

Axens is looking for a Technology Engineer in the field of Sustainable Conversion & Hydroprocessing, particularly for the Hydroprocessing and Hydrocracking of vacuum distillates and renewable feedstocks. You will be supporting the sales of catalyst and licensing technology, in close collaboration with the Commercial Business Division and with other Axens departments.

MAIN ACTIVITIES:

In the Sustainable Conversion & Hydroprocessing Group, you will be in charge of:

• Analyzing customers’ needs in a competitive context, to deliver the best technical solution.
• Preparing technical proposals (for technologies and/or catalysts), answering customer requests. You will make technological choices and propose technical solutions associated with guarantees. You will estimate the best catalysts or process configuration, associated with the sizing and the economics of the project.
• Contributing to the commercial success by supporting the Regional Sales Managers around the globe, in the preparation and the defense of the offer in front of the client.
• Promoting Axens’ technologies, catalysts and services through marketing actions: use of marketing documents, presentations in various seminars and events.
• Following up a portfolio of clients’ units and maintaining frequent technical relationship with the clients (performance review, on-site technical visits, troubleshooting…)
• Carrying out on-site spot missions (from a few days to a few weeks) at clients’ facilities: unit inspection and start-up, performance test, catalyst replacement and activation, troubleshooting.
• Participating in the collection, monitoring and synthesis of industrial plant data, to continuously improve the solutions proposed to ours clients.
• Leading or contributing to conceptual studies or projects for Axens’ clients: optimization studies, energy efficiency studies, unit repurposing studies.

KNOWLEDGE AND REQUIREMENTS:

Degree: Master’s degree or PhD, in Catalysis or Chemical engineering.

Work experience: You have significant experience (more than 5 years) in refining, preferably in hydrotreating and hydrocracking processes. Experience in process enhancement, technology improvement or/and unit performance management and optimization will be well regarded.

SKILLS:

You thrive in a collaborative environment and possess strong listening skills, enabling effective communication with Axens’ customers and various internal entities. You excel in building relationships in multi-cultural environments and have a persuasive ability, particularly in the context of commercial support activities.

You know how to analyze complex datasets with clarity, precision, and a practical approach. You have a solution-oriented mindset, and you have the ability to develop innovative solutions for customers.

Being fluent in English is a must for this position. Flexibility for short-term travel is required.