Senior (Mechanical) Process Engineer

Welcome to tozero, Europe's leading deep-tech startup specializing in the recycling of lithium-ion batteries. Committed to accelerating decarbonization and transforming the material life-cycle, we’re actively crafting sustainable recycling solutions for a cleaner and more innovative future. ♻️

We are seeking an experienced (Mechanical) Process Engineer to join our engineering team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), plant design, heating systems design and analysis, and experience in the dimensioning and specification of process equipment. This role will focus on optimizing mechanical processes in industrial settings, improving efficiency, and contributing to the design, operation, and troubleshooting of process systems.

Tasks

🎯 Your role and responsibilities

• Conduct detailed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to analyze fluid flow, heat transfer, and pressure drops in various systems, including piping networks, heat exchangers, and process equipment. Provide recommendations for process optimization based on CFD results.
• Participate in the design and layout of process plants, including the selection and integration of mechanical equipment such as pumps, heat exchangers, compressors, and valves. Ensure designs meet industry standards and codes and are aligned with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. Properly define and document all procurement requirements for technical procurement team.
• Develop and refine process models to simulate plant operation using appropriate software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, ANSYS Fluent). Analyze process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping & instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) to identify areas for efficiency improvements and troubleshooting.
• Design and size key process equipment such as heat exchangers (e.g., shell-and-tube, plate, air-cooled), pumps, compressors, and other critical components based on performance criteria, ensuring optimal operation, efficiency, and reliability. Evaluate the performance of existing equipment, identify areas for improvement, and recommend modifications to enhance overall system efficiency.
• Perform sizing and selection of control valves, relief valves, and other process equipment to ensure accurate flow control, pressure regulation, and system safety. Develop and verify equipment specifications, ensuring compatibility with process requirements, industry standards, and operational safety for seamless system integration.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including team leads, electrical engineers, and controls engineers to ensure successful project execution from design through commissioning. Provide technical guidance during the installation, testing, and commissioning of new equipment or systems.
• Diagnose issues in existing systems and recommend corrective actions to improve performance, reliability, and safety. Provide support for process debottlenecking and troubleshooting of mechanical systems in operational plants.
• Prove your effective communication by regularly updating the CTO on key issues related to processes with concise reporting
• Contribute hands-on in the building of our future plant.

Requirements

🧰 What you should bring along

• Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, or related field. A Master's degree is a plus.

• Experience: 4+ years of experience in mechanical/process engineering within industrial sectors such as chemical, oil & gas, power generation, or manufacturing. Hands-on experience in CFD analysis, plant design, and equipment specification (e.g., heat exchangers, valves).

• Technical Skills:

• Proficient in CFD software (e.g., ANSYS Fluent).

• Familiarity with plant design software (e.g., AutoCAD Plant 3D, SolidWorks, or similar).

• Strong knowledge of heating system design tools (e.g., HTRI, Aspen EDR) and process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS).

• Solid understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer principles.

• Experience in welding is a plus.

• Soft Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and work under deadlines.

• High attention to detail and quality-oriented mindset.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: You will receive a lot of responsibility from day one, gaining deep insights into various parts of the company. Unleash free potentials and facilitate growth.

• Passion: A strong passion for sustainability and driving positive environmental impact through innovation.

Benefits

At tozero, we believe in providing a supportive and enriching work environment to help our team achieve top performance 🌟

• Dynamic Startup Environment: Thrive in a highly dynamic startup culture, collaborating with experts in the field and contributing to innovative projects that shape the future.
• Become a shareholder of the company: Your remuneration includes a VSOP package that makes the company's success your own.
• Maintain your Balance: Enjoy access to gyms, yoga sessions, and other sports and wellness institutions with our free WellPass subscription.
• Strive for Growth: Benefit from our learning & development budget in the amount of 600€ per annum to elevate your individual skillset.
• Jobticket: Conveniently commute to work and all around Germany with our fully subsidized Deutschlandticket.
• Free Snacks and Drinks in the Office: Stay energized throughout the day with a variety of snacks and beverages.

How to apply

1. Just send us your portfolio (CV is enough). If your profile matches our expectations we will get back to you with an invitation for a get-to-know call with Louis (Founder’s Associate) and/or Anna (Mechanical Prototyping Engineer).
2. In the second round you will face a more tech-focused conversation with our Senior Instrumentation & Control Engineer Djordje.
3. In the final stage you will have a call with our co-founder & CTO Ksenija.