Stefan Lindner
Senior Process Engineer | Plant Optimization & Chemical Engineering
Cologne
Professional Summary
Senior Process Engineer with extensive background in continuous and batch chemical manufacturing, process simulation, and plant debottlenecking. Proven record in executing large-scale process optimization, capital revamp projects, and rigorous process safety management within complex operating environments.
Professional Experience
RheinChem Synthetics GmbH
Cologne, Germany
Lead Process Engineer
Mar 2019 – Present
- Lead continuous process optimization for three large-scale specialty polymer synthesis trains with an annual throughput exceeding 120,000 metric tons.
- Steer process hazard analyses (HAZOP) and safety integrity level (SIL) assessments across capital expenditure projects totaling 18 million euros.
- Spearheaded a heat integration retrofit that lowered steam consumption by 14 percent and cut operational carbon emissions across the site.
- Mentor a team of seven process and operations engineers in debottlenecking strategies and predictive plant modeling.
AlveoTech Process Solutions
Leverkusen, Germany
Senior Process Engineer
Aug 2012 – Feb 2019
- Supervised basic and detail engineering packages for petrochemical distillation and solvent recovery units.
- Modeled steady-state and dynamic plant operations in Aspen Plus to eliminate column hydraulic instabilities and improve product purity to 99.8 percent.
- Coordinated commissioning and startup activities for a 45 million euro greenfield batch synthesis facility, completing validation two weeks ahead of schedule.
- Standardized piping and instrumentation diagram (P&ID) review procedures, reducing field engineering change notices by 22 percent.
Novis Petrochem AG
Wesseling, Germany
Process Engineer
Apr 2006 – Jul 2012
- Managed routine debottlenecking and process troubleshooting for catalytic reforming and olefin separation units.
- Formulated equipment specifications and sizing calculations for heat exchangers, pressure vessels, and control valves.
- Developed mass and energy balances that identified thermal inefficiencies, generating recurring annual energy savings of 420,000 euros.
Education
RWTH Aachen University
Diplom-Ingenieur · Process Engineering (Verfahrenstechnik) · Aachen, Germany · 1.4 · Oct 1985 – Jul 1991
Specialized in chemical reaction engineering, fluid dynamics, and continuous separation processes. Completed final research thesis on thermal integration in multi-column distillation systems.
Selected Projects
Industrial Electrification and Decarbonization Initiative
Apr 2023 – Nov 2024
- Directed engineering design and equipment procurement for a continuous distillation electrification project replacing high-pressure steam reboilers.
- Formulated digital control strategy and automated interlocks in compliance with IEC 61511 standards, decreasing transient start-up cycle times by 30 percent.
Core Competencies
Process Simulation (Aspen Plus)
P&ID & PFD Development
Mass & Energy Balances
HAZOP & SIL Assessment
Distillation & Separation Systems
Plant Commissioning & Startup
Thermal Integration & Pinch Analysis
Equipment Sizing & Specification
Lean Six Sigma
Functional Safety (IEC 61511)
Languages
German
C2
English
C1
Certifications
Certified Functional Safety Expert (SIS / IEC 61511)
TÜV Rheinland · May 2018
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Six Sigma Europe Institute · Sept 2014
Volunteering
German Association of Chemical Engineers (VDI Cologne Chapter)
Cologne, Germany · Jan 2017 – Present
- Industry Mentor
- Deliver guest seminars on process safety fundamentals and career transitions for graduate engineering students.