Mechanical Engineer

Are you excited to be at the forefront of climate action and sustainable energy storage innovation? AQUABATTERY is seeking a skilled Mechanical Engineer to join our product development team. In collaboration with a team of scientists and engineers, you will play an key role in the development of a groundbreaking saltwater flow battery technology and a long duration energy storage product. You will be working at our new office, R&D and manufacturing facility in Alphen a/d Rijn, the Netherlands, and delivering on our commercialization plan until 2025 and beyond.

• Perform design and structural analysis of innovative membrane stacks, including the assessment of material compression and layer interactions.
• Translate product design challenges into Finite Element Method (FEM) models, interpret analysis results, and propose design enhancements based on the outcomes.
• Conduct static and dynamic Finite Element Analyses (FEAs), both linear and non-linear, to design and analyze structural components within the stack.
• Establish connections between FEM analysis results and laboratory testing data to provide validated insights for product design improvements.
• Execute basic mechanical design calculations, such as determining the size and dimensions of stack components.
• Conduct mechanical tests to characterize polymer material behaviour and translate the results into material models.
• Prototype, build, test, and evaluate novel stack designs, while identifying and implementing improvements.
• Collaborate with a team of engineers and scientists to optimize membrane stack designs for efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Prepare technical reports, drawings, and presentations to document designs, analyses, and test results.
• Stay abreast of advancements in membrane stacks technology and incorporate new developments into designs.

Education and experience:

• An Applied Science or University degree (Bachelor's or Master's) in mechanical engineering, materials science, mechatronics, civil engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of relevant experience.

Knowledge and skills:

• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and structural mechanics (ideally in relation to membrane stack design)
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics, encompassing both analytical and FEM-based methodologies.
• Experience with FEM software (Ansys, COMSOL or similar).
• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written (near-fluent).
• Excellent communication (written and presentation) and cooperation skills.
• You work accurately, safely and with a solution-oriented attitude.

The following is considered a plus:

• Experience with manufacturing processes and cost planning.
• Familiarity with materials science and corrosion principles.
• Proficient in Dutch, both spoken and written.
• An affinity with different disciplines such as materials-, process-, (electro)chemical-, electrical-, and software engineering.

• Work at a fast-growing climate tech startup company with the mission to develop the world’s most sustainable long duration energy storage (LDES) enabling a net-zero power system.
• Be part of an enthusiastic and impact-driven team, motivated by delivering climate action and sustainability through technological innovation.
• Diverse weekly activities and active learning environment (ie.: knowledge sharing, presentations, team collaboration).
• Flexibility and emphasize on a good work-life balance.
• An open and multicultural environment with different nationalities where expressing opinions, sharing ideas and taking initiatives is encouraged.
• Good salary and attractive secondary benefits (ex.: pension, stock appreciation right).