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 holistic approach. We guide companies in their carbon removal strategies, offering tailored portfolios of nature-based and engineered approaches to help achieve net-zero goals.
Operating the world's first two DAC plants in Iceland, Climeworks is committed to delivering high-quality carbon removal, supported by over 15 years of pioneering research, development, and deployment. By advancing the most reliable solutions in the market, we accelerate the global transition to net zero and unlock economic value for businesses, governments, and society.
We foster a dynamic environment and are building a globally purpose-driven team. We seek disruptive thinkers, passionate achievers, and inspiring leaders ready to tackle the world’s greatest challenges. Will you join us?
Your Mission
In this role, you will:
- 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 and designing complex experimental campaigns to de-risk technologies and accelerate development timelines.
- Cross-Functional Influence: Serve as a key interface between sorbent science, process engineering, mechanical design, and industrialization, ensuring seamless integration of material and process properties into mechanical systems while promoting collaboration across functions for scaling technologies.
- Innovation & IP Strategy: Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for differentiation and contribute to Climeworks’ intellectual property portfolio and innovation strategy.
- Mentorship & Technical Excellence: Mentor both senior and junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, creativity, and continuous learning while setting engineering standards and ensuring best practices.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Program Leadership: Lead strategic initiatives and cross-functional programs, managing both technical and non-technical risks, aligning stakeholders, and ensuring delivery against ambitious goals.
Your Story
Requirements
- Expertise & Education: 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 involving steam, vacuum, and thermal systems.
- Innovation Track Record: Proven history of leading hardware development innovation from lab-scale prototypes to industrial systems, thriving in ambiguity, and solving complex engineering challenges with creativity and rigor.
- Technical Mastery: Deep knowledge in design-for-manufacture, industrialization, and scaling of hardware systems, proficiency in CAD tools (preferably SolidWorks), and experience with sorbents, adsorption/desorption processes, or thermal separation technologies.
- Leadership & Collaboration: A trusted technical leader who inspires teams, drives alignment across disciplines, communicates effectively with diverse stakeholders, and brings an entrepreneurial mindset.
What We Offer
- Time Off: Enjoy 25 paid vacation days each year, in addition to public holidays.
- Flexibility: Work in a way that suits you best with a hybrid setup and up to 4 weeks of remote work annually within any EU country.
- Ownership: Competitive base pay paired with an equity package because your contributions matter.
- Family Support: Inclusive parental leave benefits.
- Continuous Learning: A dedicated budget to invest in your professional growth.
- Referral Rewards: Earn bonuses for successfully referring candidates to help grow our team.
Salary ranges are determined based on the level of seniority and the market median for similar positions, with individual compensation reflecting your skills, experience, and the value you bring to the team.
Formalities
This position is based in Opfikon, Zurich, with an expectation to work onsite at least three days per week. The percentage in the job title indicates flexibility—choose full-time or part-time based on what works best for you.
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.