phelas Job Offers

We are seeking a highly motivated Junior Process Design Engineer to support the development of the phelas pilot plant and later development of serial product. You will work in close interaction with CTO, VP Engineering and other engineers from interfacing disciplines — with focus on achieving our development and scale-up milestones — to design and develop our technology and bring it to the next level. We expect you to learn fast and grow with the company as we expand the team, activities, and facilities. The ability to self-organize, critically prioritize, and being proactive and team-oriented are key attributes.

At phelas, we’re innovating the future of energy storage with Aurora and Catalyst. Aurora, our containerized Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) solution, is designed to reshape the energy storage landscape. Meanwhile, Catalyst, our trailblazing energy storage and green hydrogen planning tool, is streamlining the pathway to efficient, sustainable energy planning. Together, these solutions are igniting the transition to continuous, 24/7 renewable power, and you can be part of this challenging journey.

Support of plant concept development activities

• Build and/or refine static process simulation models for full LAES systems and/or for related sub-systems in close alignment with technical team members (CTO, VP Engineering and specialized equipment design and simulation experts).
• Execute case studies to quantify sensitivities w.r.t. design and/or operation parameter variations.
• Benchmark various (sub-)system concepts/topologies against each other.
• Translate recommendations/learnings from phelas’ proprietary techno-economic simulation model for realistic LAES use-cases into technical concept features and requirements.
• Inquire and include equipment-specific information from commercial vendors into process design to ensure feasibility of overall plant concept.
• Analyse simulation and case study results, summarize the implications and outcomes that are relevant for commercial LAES system design.

Support of plant engineering activities (in close collaboration with external EPC contractor)

• Align with all stakeholders on suitable modeling assumptions and operating point definitions to cover full operating envelope of LAES system and its components.
• Adapt process simulation models for all design-relevant operating points and generate accurate process stream data and equipment duties.
• Prepare process descriptions, process flow diagrams (incl. main control loops) and equipment lists.
• Prepare process data sheets and specifications for main equipment items/packaged units.
• Prepare energy and material balances for all relevant modes of operations.
• Ensure that process concept is clearly communicated to and correctly adopted by EPC contractor for further execution of plant engineering.
• Thoroughly review and comment on engineering documentation submitted by EPC contractor.
• Support EPC contractor as required with additional process information (e.g. for description of upset scenarios, start-up/shutdown)
• Prepare process-related input and participate in technical review meetings (e.g. technical risk assessments, HAZOP, 3D model reviews,…)

Support of technology development activities:

• Identify and specify suitable test setups at sub-system level that enable flexible and fast test data generation to support overall system, component and methods development.
• Take ownership and gain hands-on project management experience in the realization and operation of test stands, in collaboration with external partners.
• Develop dynamic process simulation models of sub-systems and/or overall LAES system levels.

Educational Background:

• Recent graduate of PhD or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related field, with thesis work focused on design, simulation and analysis of complex chemical, energy, or related systems.

Or

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related field, with 3-4 years of industrial experience as process design engineer in oil & gas, chemicals, industrial gases, or other relevant fields.

Technical Skills:

• Extensive experience with process simulation software such as Aspen HYSYS, UniSim, or similar tools.
• Ability to perform sensitivity analyses and benchmarking studies to evaluate system performance under varying conditions.
• Strong understanding of equipment design principles and the ability to incorporate equipment-specific information from vendors into process design.
• Experience in preparing process flow diagrams, equipment lists, process data sheets, and specifications.
• Solid knowledge of thermodynamics to independently perform energy and material balances for different operating states of an intrinsically dynamic energy storage system
• Familiarity with techno-economic modeling and simulation for process optimization and feasibility analysis.
• Familiarity with engineering documentation review processes and technical writing skills.
• Knowledge of dynamic process simulation and its application to technology development is a plus.

Soft Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, external partners, and vendors.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team in a dynamic startup environment.
• Proactive attitude towards learning and taking ownership of projects and tasks.
• Project management skills to oversee test setups and collaborate with external partners.

Additional Qualifications:

• Knowledge of safety standards and procedures related to process engineering (e.g., HAZOP, risk assessments) is desirable.
• Familiarity with CAD software and 3D modeling tools for technical review meetings is a plus.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements and standards applicable to energy storage systems is advantageous.

Personal Characteristics:

• • Enthusiasm for working in a deeptech startup environment with a passion for innovation and sustainable energy solutions.
  • Adaptability and willingness to embrace challenges in a fast-paced, evolving industry.
  • Strong sense of accountability and commitment to delivering high-quality results within project timelines.
  • Curiosity and eagerness to explore new technologies and methodologies in process design and engineering.

If you are interested in this position but your previous experience does not perfectly match every point in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway!

• phelas is a place to grow ideas and strive as a team. We can confidently say, best ideas win!
• Currently 20 people with over 10 nationalities, this is a place to shape our own work culture and serve global markets.
• Full-time employees participate in value increase of the company (employee stock programme)
• Having started at TUM (Technical University of Munich), we are connected well in the ecosystem and are surrounded with brightest minds.
• Speaking of Munich, we are based in a top10 worth-to-live-in cities in Europe.
• Flexible work hours. At phelas, we care about results and achieving our goals, not about being present 9-5.
• Hybrid workplace / home-office: As much as we enjoy on-site collaboration and working on hardware, we also know that diving deep into tasks is easier when undistracted.
• Transparent communication: This is the foundation of phelas’ positive work-environment. We share highs and lows and ensure effective flow of information.