Process Engineer - Thermal Waste Gas Treatment (TAR/RTO)

Agap2 is a European engineering and operational consulting group founded in 2005 and specialized in industry. We operate in the Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Medical Devices, Energy, Infrastructure, Transportation, Chemicals, and Information Technology sectors.

As a consultant, you will support our clients in the successful execution of their projects by providing your technical expertise and engineering know-how.

You are adaptable, proactive, and motivated to work in diverse industrial environments, contributing to high-impact engineering projects for leading international companies.

We are currently looking for a Process Engineer – Thermal Waste Gas Treatment (TAR / RTO) to support engineering and compliance activities for pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing facilities in Switzerland. This position focuses on ensuring that thermal emission control systems and process exhaust treatments are designed, integrated, and maintained in compliance with environmental and GMP requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

Main tasks:

Process Engineering & Exhaust Treatment

• Develop, review, and execute process designs, P&IDs, and technical specifications for Thermal Air Purification systems (TAR / TNV) , with a strong focus on Regenerative Thermal Oxidation (RTO) .
• Lead engineering activities for emission control systems, including the integration of downstream equipment like gas scrubbers for halogenated compounds.
• Perform capacity calculations, solvent load assessments (VOC frachts), and safety calculations regarding the Lower Explosion Limit (LEL / UEG) .
• Define and implement process safety strategies, safety mixing lines, and ATEX zoning for explosive process exhaust gases.
• Ensure all exhaust treatment activities comply with environmental legislation (e.g., TA Luft), regulatory guidelines, and client quality standards.

Project Execution & Commissioning

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, EHS (Environmental, Health & Safety), Plant Engineering, Quality Assurance, and Automation/SPS.
• Support commissioning and qualification activities to ensure system readiness before commercial manufacturing.
• Participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) , Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) , equipment qualification (IQ/OQ), and startup activities for TAR systems.
• Provide technical expertise during the transition from batch-operated pharma processes to continuous thermal destruction systems.
• Contribute to project planning and ensure engineering deliverables are completed according to project timelines.

Continuous Improvement & Compliance

• Analyze emission and manufacturing data to identify opportunities for energy integration, heat recovery, and process optimization.
• Investigate system deviations, support CAPA implementation, and contribute to change control activities regarding utilities and exhaust lines.
• Maintain technical and validation documentation in accordance with GMP requirements and company quality systems.
• Support internal and external audits and regulatory inspections by providing environmental compliance documentation and technical expertise.
• Work closely with project managers, clients, and equipment vendors to ensure compliant, safe, and efficient waste gas treatment operations.

Required qualifications:

Education

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering (Verfahrenstechnik), Thermal Engineering , Environmental Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of experience in thermal process engineering, industrial emission control, or utility engineering within the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or life sciences industry.
• Deep experience with thermal oxidizers ( RTO / TAR / TNV ) and solvent-laden (VOC) process air.
• Experience working within engineering consulting or supporting multiple client projects is an advantage.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of process safety, explosion protection (ATEX) , and volatile organic compound (VOC) handling.
• Familiarity with GMP regulations, Annex 15 , and basic pharmaceutical qualification principles (IQ/OQ).
• Knowledge of process lifecycle, mass & energy balances, and statistical analysis of system performance.
• Experience with deviation investigations, CAPAs, change controls, and risk management methodologies (e.g., FMEA / HAZOP).
• Familiarity with automated control systems (SPS/SCADA) and safety instrumented systems is a plus.

Languages

• Fluent English; a fluent German level is also mandatory.

Benefits:

• Joining a group with strong development potential that aims to improve your employability on challenging and varied projects.
• Joining a structure that has been established in Switzerland for a long time with a client portfolio that includes leaders in the sector.
• Having a sustainable job with stability and access to a real collaboration.
• Benefit from training with accredited and certified centers.
• Having a local management team to support you in the achievement of your missions and in the development of your career.
• Being part of a dynamic, committed team with real human values that we live by every day.

Only applications from Swiss and EU citizens will be considered. Please note that due to Brexit we are no longer accepting applications from the UK.