Get to Know Climeworks
Climeworks is a leading provider of high-quality carbon removal solutions, combining decades of expertise in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology with a comprehensive approach to carbon management.
We advise companies on their carbon removal strategies and provide tailored portfolios that incorporate both nature-based and engineered approaches. Our end-to-end services are designed to help businesses achieve their net-zero goals. As operators of the world’s first two DAC plants in Iceland, we demonstrate our dedication to effective carbon removal, supported by over 15 years of pioneering research, development, and deployment.
By advancing the most reliable solutions available, Climeworks accelerates the global transition to net-zero, unlocking economic value for businesses, governments, and society alike.
We foster a dynamic environment and are building a global, purpose-driven team. We seek innovative thinkers, passionate achievers, and inspiring leaders ready to confront the world’s greatest challenges.
Will you join us?
Your Mission
Job Description
- Strategic Technology Leadership: Lead the development of next-generation CO₂ collector system architectures, integrating sorbent and process requirements into scalable, manufacturable solutions.
- Advanced Prototyping & Validation: Drive the prototyping and testing of novel collector concepts and subsystems, overseeing the full lifecycle from ideation to final validation. Design and lead complex experimental campaigns to de-risk technologies and accelerate development timelines.
- Cross-Functional Influence: Act as a key interface between sorbent science, process engineering, mechanical design, and industrialization, ensuring seamless integration of material and process properties into mechanical systems.
- Innovation & IP Strategy: Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies, identifying opportunities for differentiation. Contribute to Climeworks’ intellectual property portfolio and help shape our innovation strategy.
- Mentorship & Technical Excellence: Mentor senior and junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, creativity, and continuous learning. Set engineering standards and ensure best practices in design, prototyping, and documentation.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Program Leadership: Lead strategic initiatives and cross-functional programs, managing technical and non-technical risks, aligning stakeholders, and ensuring delivery against ambitious goals.
Your Story
Requirements
- Expertise & Education: Hold an advanced degree (PhD or Master’s) in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related field, with 10+ years of experience in developing complex industrial equipment, ideally involving steam, vacuum, and thermal systems.
- Innovation Track Record: Proven history of leading innovation in hardware development, from lab-scale prototypes to industrial-scale systems. Thrive in ambiguity and excel in solving complex engineering challenges with creativity and rigor.
- Technical Mastery: Deep knowledge in design-for-manufacture, industrialization, and scaling of hardware systems, proficient in CAD tools (preferably SolidWorks), with experience in sorbents, adsorption/desorption processes, or thermal separation technologies.
- Leadership & Collaboration: A trusted technical leader who inspires teams and drives alignment across disciplines. Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders while bringing an entrepreneurial mindset to all endeavors.
At Climeworks, we embrace individuals for who they are and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply online using the form below, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Studies show that women and individuals from minority backgrounds often only apply for jobs when meeting 100% of the listed criteria. If this sounds like you, don’t hesitate. If you believe you would be a great fit for this role, we’d love to hear from you—without the need to meet every single qualification.
What We Offer
- Time Off: Enjoy 25 paid vacation days every year, plus public holidays.
- Flexibility: Work in a way that suits you best. We offer a hybrid work setup and up to 4 weeks of remote work annually within any EU country.
- Ownership: Competitive base salary 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: Help us grow our team and earn bonuses for your successful referrals.
At Climeworks, salary ranges are determined by the job's seniority level and the region’s market median, based on external benchmark surveys. Individual compensation will depend on your skills, experience, and the value you bring to the team.
Formalities
This position is based in Opfikon, Zurich, and we require you to work onsite at least three days per week.
The percentage in the job title signifies flexibility—choose between full-time or part-time based on what works for you.
Please note that we do not accept candidate profiles through recruitment agencies.