Lead Process Chemical Engineer - Upscaling Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis

NitroVolt

NitroVolt is a Danish startup on a mission to revolutionize ammonia production. Ammonia is a critical chemical in modern society, and its global yearly production amounts to nearly 180 million tons and carries a significant carbon footprint: 2% of the world energy consumption is used to produce ammonia, and 1.5% of carbon dioxide emissions come from it.

As a spinout from the Technical University of Denmark, NitroVolt is pioneering a groundbreaking technology based on a process for the electrosynthesis of ammonia at room temperature. Our vision is to provide turn-key solutions for local green ammonia production using water, air, and electricity. Safety, sustainability, and economic viability are at the core of our mission.

Recently, we transitioned from a lab-scale reactor to a prototype cell, and are now designing our prototype stack. The next phase involves scaling up further through a roadmap of progressively larger demonstration units at our partner sites.

What will you do?

As a Lead Process Chemical Engineer, your role is pivotal in implementing and upscaling our process. You’ll design the balance of plant for our in-house prototype and external demonstration units. Your work will blend technical leadership with project management, collaborating closely with the team, suppliers, and partners.

Your role in our team: job duties and responsibilities

As a Lead Process Chemical Engineer at NitroVolt, here’s what your exciting journey will entail:

• Design and Development

• Lead the design and construction of the balance of plant for our cutting-edge electrochemical stacks.

• Scale up from prototypes to demonstration units, ensuring scalability and efficiency.

• Collaboration and Innovation

• Work closely with multidisciplinary design teams, fostering quick feedback loops with R&D and business units.

• Be at the forefront of innovation, solving both technical and business challenges.

• Project Management

• Participate in tendering, contracting, and commercial management for individual projects.

• Prepare reports and deliver compelling presentations to showcase project achievements.

• Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent NitroVolt in direct contact with partners, driving the development of project deliverables.

• Ensure alignment with safety, sustainability, and compliance standards.

• Process Documentation and Excellence

• Keep process documentation up-to-date and accessible.

• Champion digitalization and technical competence within the discipline.

Who you are

At NitroVolt, we value more than just technical expertise. We’re looking for individuals who embody the following soft skills. You’re driven, fueled by challenges and motivated to push boundaries. Anticipating needs and taking initiative is second nature to you; waiting for instructions isn’t an option. The status quo doesn’t satisfy you; curiosity fuels your exploration and innovation. Collaboration is in your DNA; you understand that great achievements happen when everyone works together. As a startup team member, you embrace change, pivot readily, and navigate uncharted waters. Learning goes both ways; you’re open to sharing insights with the team and learning from others. Dynamic settings energize you; our fast-paced environment is where you thrive. Most importantly, you’re here to make a difference – your work will shape NitroVolt’s global success in decarbonizing ammonia production. Honesty, ethics, and accountability matter deeply to you. And finally, working with diverse nationalities and appreciating different perspectives excites you.

Required qualifications and experience

• A master degree in chemical or process engineering, and 7+ years of process development experience

• Alternatively, a PhD degree in chemical or process engineering, and 3+ years of process development experience.

• Extensive hands-on experience working with industrial gasses (hydrogen, ammonia, etc.). You won’t just design processes but also coordinate and assist in building the plant.

• Experience in areas such as hydrogen, electrolysis, fuel cells, energy transition, oil and gas, carbon capture, or similar chemical sectors is highly desirable.

• Previous leadership roles in projects are a strong advantage.

• General knowledge of local and international standards, as well as legal and regulatory requirements, is necessary.

• Proficient in reading and preparing project drawings, including plans, sections, and bills of materials.

• Very good English skills are essential (knowledge of Danish is considered a benefit but not mandatory).

• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, suppliers, and stakeholders.

Working Conditions

• Location: Your primary workplace will be our headquarters at the Alfa Laval Innovation House in Søborg, greater Copenhagen, Denmark. Here, you’ll be part of a vibrant hub housing 20+ innovative startups focused on energy, water, food, and digitalization.

• Diverse Responsibilities: Expect a mix of office work and hands-on construction of the plants. You’ll be at the forefront of turning ideas into reality.

• Flexible Hours: We believe in work-life balance. Enjoy flexible working hours that suit your productivity and lifestyle.

• Partial Remote Work: Embrace the freedom of working remotely 1-2 days a week. Our flexible, self-organized approach allows you to find your optimal work environment.

• Travel Opportunities: Occasionally, you’ll travel for projects and customer assignments mostly within Denmark.

• Start Date: Your exciting journey begins on August 1st, 2024 (flexibility of +/- 1 month).

Our Benefits

• Free Gym Access: you will enjoy access to the gym at our Alfa Laval site in Søborg.

• Canteen Access: you will get access to our on-site canteen at competitive prices starting from breakfast through lunch and take-away dinner.

• Personal Development: we encourage continuous learning and offer individual development opportunities depending on the specific role and interests.

• Stock Options: as part of our compensation package, team members will be granted stock options in the company, allowing them to become shareholders in the startup.

• Smooth Transition: relocating can be daunting, especially if candidates are moving from another country. If you’re not currently in Denmark, don’t worry! We’ll assist you with a seamless relocation process.

Why NitroVolt?

• Join a highly motivated team committed to green ammonia production.

• Be part of a startup that values innovation, sustainability, and safety.

• Contribute to a mission that matters – creating a cleaner, more sustainable world.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now and be part of the ammonia revolution!

Further information and application

Please don't hesitate to contact us for more information. All interested candidates, irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background, are encouraged to apply. We always look for both experience and potential, so if you think you have what it takes to join us, apply now! Applications should include:

• Cover letter motivating the application (max one page).

• Curriculum vitae.

• Copies of relevant transcript of records (e.g., BSc, MSc and PhD).

• Names and e-mail addresses or telephone numbers of 2-3 references.

Application process

• Initial screening based on the application.

• Two 30 min online interviews one seeking culture fit and and one technical fit.

• Strength assessment test (CliftonStrengths).

• Half-day in-person interview, incl. technical interview and lunch with the team.