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Are you passionate about tackling climate change? Eager to make a real impact on the environment? Well, look no further - you’re in the perfect place!

We are looking for a strong believer in climate action to help our diverse team successfully build and test our electric heater, which can fully replace fossil fuel flames. As a Materials Engineer/Ceramic Expert (f/m/d), you will bring expertise to our team in the design, analysis and manufacturing of ceramic materials, preferably high-temperature oxide ceramics. You will work closely with our core engineering team to better understand the failure mechanisms of our zirconia-based resistive heating elements and other ceramic components, do in-depth analysis/research on performance characteristics, and help us manufacture our ceramic components.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research on oxide ceramics for high-temperature heating applications, focusing on failure mechanisms such as creep and diffusion.
• Develop models to estimate the service lifetime of high-temperature ceramic materials under various manufacturing processes and operating conditions.
• Support the design, test and manufacturing activities by interpreting the results from a materials perspective.
• Help to build up an R&D manufacturing process for our ceramic components.
• Collaborate with external project partners and suppliers.
• Conduct experiments and tests for material micro-structure characterization and outsource them when appropriate.
• Support concept development with curiosity, creativity, and technical expertise.
• Explore innovative approaches, research existing knowledge, and engage in collaborative team discussions.

What you’ll be doing:

Within 1 month, you will:

• Get to know the team, their priorities, and our ways of working.
• Become familiar with your colleagues' roles and responsibilities.
• Gain an introduction to our technology and actively participate in our development processes.
• Develop an understanding of the boundary conditions and operating requirements for ceramic components used in our technology.

Within 3 months, you will:

• Propose improvements to our designs and processes.
• Take a leading role in addressing material-related questions and challenges.
• Assume responsibility for establishing an in-house R&D manufacturing line for ceramic components.

Within 6 months, you will:

• Mitigate material-related risks to enhance reliability and performance.
• Lead research projects and apply findings to advance our heating technology.
• Enhance the manufacturing quality of ceramic components.

What you’ll bring to the team:

• Master’s or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, (Electro)Chemistry, or a related field.
• In-depth understanding of ceramic materials, with a preference for expertise in high-temperature oxide ceramics.
• Familiarity with the mechanical, thermal, and microstructural properties of ceramic materials.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.

Even better if you have:

• Experience with material micro-structure characterization techniques, such as X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS).
• Hands-on experience in ceramic material manufacturing and testing.
• Proven track record in high-temperature ceramic research.

** Please note that this role can be structured as fully on-site or in hybrid mode, requiring a minimum of 3 days per week on-site in Offenburg, Germany. **

We understand that there's more to a person than what's on their CV. If you're unsure whether you have the right profile for the role… go ahead and hit the 'Apply' button and give it a try!

What's in it for you?

Working at HyperHeat

• We’re a climate tech startup. You’ll join us in our mission to fight climate change and make a real difference!
• You’ll learn all about our company, our story, our team, and our workflow, and you will receive comprehensive practical onboarding.
• We’re a small, close-knit crew that values teamwork, open chats, and a flat structure. You’ll work closely directly with the founders.
• We’re all about growth and learning, so we keep feedback positive and helpful.
• The team is led by supportive and approachable managers who recognize and reward your work.
• You’ll be part of a team that likes to work together, help each other, share insights and achieve success.
• We value everyone’s voice, with scheduled 1:1 and team calls to keep things running smoothly.
• We speak English here, so everyone’s on the same page and can communicate smoothly.

And some benefits to keep you happy:

• Opportunity for rapid professional growth and hands-on experience in a climate startup environment.
• Flexible working hours and remote work options tailored to your lifestyle.
• 30 days of annual leave for optimal, well-charged batteries.
• Annual Christmas dinner hosted by the founders.
• Laptop and accessories provided based on your preferences.
• Regular team-building activities.
• Access to a mental health support program.

Who we are:

Hyperheat is a young Climate Tech start-up with experienced founders and the goal of developing a renewable heat solution for energy-intensive industries. Basic industrial products, such as steel, cement, chemicals, glass, and paper, form the material basis of modern societies. However, the heat demand for their production is responsible for around 20% of human CO2 emissions (or 7,5 Gt CO2 each year) due to burning fossil fuels — therefore, it is one of the last major sectors without attractive, sustainable decarbonization solutions yet.

Hyperheat's products will provide a complete temperature range of up to 2000°C, making it a replacement for almost every gas burner in the industry. Our solution will be more cost-effective than the fossil state of the art, contributing to a new basis for global prosperity. At the heart of the development is a durable and cost-effective electric heater that can provide industrial process heat 24/7 from PV and wind power when combined with thermal storage.

Hiring Process

• Screening Interview with a team member (online call).
• Job Interview with the hiring manager (online call).
• Completion of a relevant take-home task to simulate actual work.
• Homework Interview (online call).
• Skill & Team interview with the team members (on-site at our office in Offenburg).
• Reference check involving two provided references.

At HyperHeat, we care deeply about inclusive working practices and diverse teams, so we particularly encourage applications from different under-represented demographics. If you’d prefer to work part-time or as a job-share, we’ll facilitate this wherever we can – whether to help you meet other commitments or to help you strike a great work-life balance. You're encouraged to apply even if your experience doesn't precisely match the job description.

Note: We currently do not offer visa sponsorships, so you already need a valid work visa for the EU to apply.