Petrochemical Engineer – Sustainability & Environmental Affairs

The aviation sector, recognized to be a “hard to abate” sector in term of decarbonisation, is seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with manufacturers and airlines announcing “zero-emission” objectives in a close future (2050). Low carbon cycle aviation fuels appear to be central to reach this target. This role, with profound petrochemical or electrochemical experience, is acting as the technical expert in the ecosystem & stakeholder development of low carbon cycle aviation fuels (or sustainable aviation fuels) in China.

B. Main Activities

• Interface with local stakeholders (from research centers to producers), gather the industry insights and make strategic value propositions, so s to understand their technology and growth plans and explore ways of collaborations to support their development 

• Support Airbus China in assessing the reality and potential of different pathways for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), evaluating the chemical, thermochemical or physical route to produce fuel from any given energy and feedstock sources

• Responsible for coupling fundamental chemical & petrochemical knowledge and engineering skills to map local upstream capabilities 

• Strategize the engagement plan with technical solution owners & developers

• Assess the technical feasibility and economic viability of emerging projects worldwide for SAF production (Maturity of the technology, scalability), by monitoring and analysis of scientific and technological developments 

• Establish research collaborations, evaluate and manage costs and schedule of research programmes

• Assess different pathways/projects based on relevant key performance indicators, including life-cycle analysis considerations 

• Advise and support airline customers and other stakeholders (airports, fuel producers, Airbus departments) to ensure the energy figures / environmental benefits of the new energy pathways are clearly spoken out

• Participate in cross-team environment to ensure smooth technology understanding

• Document results, prepare reports, and present work deliverables

• Leverage and work cooperatively with others to efficiently achieve team & company results

C. Outputs

• Technical assessments for potential SAF projects in China

• Evaluation of potential investment opportunities

• SAF working group technical leadership 

D. Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s Degree in the field of Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering or similar 

• Experience: 10&43; years’ experience in the chemical industry, petrochemical industry or oil refining; Experience in material and energy flow charts analysis with detailed knowledge of process and plants equipment being a plus; knowledge on ASTM, No. 3 Jet Fuel or SAF being a plus

• Basic Skills: Good mastering of both written and spoken English (English as working language)

Certifications: relevant certificates in the petrochemical field

• Soft Skills: strong interpersonal & communication skill; ability to work well independently and in a team environment; pioneer spirit and intrapreneurship; experience of working in a cross-cultural and highly matrixed organisation; demonstrated experience in conflict management and multi-task capability

• Technical Skills: Good computer software skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or equivalent Google Suite tools)

The position requires a moderate level of travel (40-60) and associated personal flexibility