Overview
Sorbent Module Development: You take ownership of developing and maturing innovative sorbent modules from concept phase (TRL0) to early-stage product readiness (TRL5), enabling the next generation of Climeworks CO₂ collector products.
Testing & Characterization: You lead in-house and external development, testing, and characterization of sorbent modules or their sub-elements, understanding how physicochemical properties affect final product performance. You ensure a smooth transition to manufacturing and operations, including defining product requirements at a depth consistent with the technology maturity.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: You collaborate closely with internal experts in testing, product design, and sorbent/process development to create high-performance sorbent module solutions, and you contribute to the development of new testing methods.
Responsibilities
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with internal teams to create high-performance sorbent module solutions and contribute to new testing methods.
Stakeholder & Project Management: Drive efficient collaboration across functions and with external partners, align on priorities, and manage technical and non-technical risks.
External Partnerships & Technical Leadership: Serve as a key technical expert in collaborations with external partners, ensuring DAC-specific requirements are met.
Contract & Scope Management: Collaborate with the legal team to ensure contracts with third parties align with the technical scope of work.
IP & Scientific Contribution: Evaluate relevant scientific literature and patents and contribute to new intellectual property generation.
Qualifications
Educational Background: Advanced degree in engineering or materials science; PhD is a plus but not required.
R&D and Industry Experience: 5+ years in research and development, with at least 2 outside academia and proven delivery of technologies into industrial manufacturing environments.
Materials & Application Expertise: Skilled in immobilizing sorbents or catalysts in 3D structures and understanding how their properties influence system performance.
Experimental Methods & Characterization: Experience with DOE and material/structural characterization techniques.
Working Style & Ownership: Initiative-driven, results-focused, hands-on throughout the full development cycle—lab to high-level evaluations.
Communication & Project Leadership: Ability to collaborate across teams and lead both in-house and external projects.
Language & Travel Flexibility: Fluent in English; occasional travel up to 10%; additional languages are a plus.
Our promise
Our promise: At Climeworks, you are accepted for who you are, and we are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply – regardless of background, identity, or experience. If this sounds like you, don’t hold back. If you think you’d make a great fit for this role, we’d love to hear from you, even if you don’t check every single box. Let’s tackle one of humankind’s greatest challenges together.
What we offer
Time Off : 25 paid vacation days every year, plus public holidays.
Flexibility : Hybrid work setup and up to 4 weeks of remote work annually within any EU country.
Ownership : Fair base pay paired with an equity package – because your contributions matter.
Family Support : Inclusive parental leave.
Continuous Learning : Dedicated budget to invest in your professional growth.
Referral Rewards : Bonuses for successful referrals.
Salary : Salary ranges based on seniority and location market median; actual compensation depends on skills and experience.
Formalities : This position is based in Opfikon, Zurich, and we ask that you work onsite at least three days per week.
Working Arrangement : The percentage in the job title indicates flexibility—full-time or part-time options available.
We do not accept candidate profiles through recruitment agencies.
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