Production Engineer (m/f/d)

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Would you like to join a global, growing company that innovates for a more sustainable tomorrow? UPM could be the team for you. We are frontrunners in developing renewable alternatives to fossil-based materials. Besides enabling both businesses and consumers make more sustainable choices, we strive to create a positive UPM experience for all our employees around the world. We live by our values – trust and be trusted, achieve together, renew with courage. Together we can renew the everyday, for a future beyond fossils!

Learn more about us as a workplace upm.com/careers

We are now looking for a Production Engineer (m/f/d) in Leuna, Germany.

Greetings from your future manager

“We are commissioning the world’s most advanced biorefinery in Leuna. In our state-of-the-art, fully automated production facilities, you will produce biochemicals from sustainably sourced hardwood for the manufacture of recyclable everyday products and materials. Become part of our forward-looking business area and develop your skills in an innovative and exciting working environment. UPM invests in the sustainable chemistry of tomorrow—and in you as well.” – Falko Keck, Production Manager

What You’ll Do

  • Act as a key technical support for Production, ensuring safe, efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality operations
  • Support start-up and commissioning activities, ensuring safe and effective plant performance
  • Optimize plant performance by troubleshooting issues, supporting unplanned events, and driving continuous improvement
  • Apply engineering, process safety, and HSE principles in daily activities
  • Collaborate closely with operators, shift leaders, and technical experts to maintain smooth and reliable operations
  • Monitor and analyze KPIs and operational data to identify improvement opportunities and performance gaps
  • Lead root cause analysis and implement effective corrective and preventive actions
  • Maintain strong field presence, reinforcing adherence to procedures, safety standards, and operating discipline
  • Drive improvements in raw material efficiency (e.g., yield, waste reduction)
  • Ensure compliance with permits and regulations while contributing to overall site and system optimization

Who You Are

  • You have a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Process or Chemical Engineering, preferably with first manufacturing or engineering experience, or a very good Bachelor Professional degree with at least 5 years of experience in a chemical production plant
  • You have strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • You have strong communication and leadership skills
  • Preferably, you have experience in start-up and commissioning of chemical plants
  • Root cause investigation skills are preferred
  • Lean / Six Sigma skills are an asset
  • You are a team player
  • You are fluent in German and English

This Is What We Offer

  • A meaningful job: We have an inspiring purpose “We renew the everyday for a future beyond fossils”. Our work is impactful and transformative.
  • A caring community: Our community is built on great team spirit and shared commitment. We care about each other and the well-being of our colleagues. We support the work-life balance of all our employees.
  • Development opportunities: We offer you great opportunities to learn and grow throughout your career. We are an international, multi-business organization offering plenty of avenues for personal growth.
  • Responsible employer: Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to ambitious, science-based sustainability targets in all areas, from climate change mitigation to enhancing biodiversity. We foster diversity and inclusivity, offering a work environment in which everyone can be themselves.

Learn about our Rewarding and our Ways of working >

Additional Information

The position holder will report to Production Manager.

For further information about the role, please contact Falko Keck, Production Manager, at email falko.keck@upm.com.

Please apply via the link above and attach your CV and cover letter. Please note that we accept only applications submitted through our online application system.

For support with submitting your application, please contact our HR Service Center at careers@upm.com or tel. +49 4963 401 1522.

UPM Next Generation Renewables is a strategic growth business area of UPM, leading the industrial scale‑up of the bioeconomy. We produce advanced, wood‑based alternatives to fossil raw materials and enable customers to reduce emissions, meet sustainability targets and strengthen their competitive advantage. With pioneering biorefineries in Lappeenranta, Finland, and Leuna, Germany, we turn sustainably sourced wood and industry residues into renewable fuels and chemicals, such as renewable glycols, lignin‑based functional fillers, renewable diesel and bio‑naphtha. We accelerate the shift toward circular, fossil‑free value chains and set new standards for sustainable materials. www.upmbiochemicals.com

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