R&D Engineer

Join AQUABATTERY

Join AQUABATTERY today, a pioneering climate tech startup with a mission to commercialise an affordable, safe, and sustainable long duration energy storage (LDES) based on saltwater. Our innovative flow battery technology offers an LDES solution without relying on critical or toxic raw materials.

About the role

As an R&D Engineer at AQUABATTERY, you will play a key role in developing and scaling our innovative acid-base flow battery technology by designing experiments, optimizing electrochemical cell components, and contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy storage solutions.

What you’ll be doing

Research and development

• Define and prepare R&D projects in collaboration with the R&D Manager;
• Design and construct electrochemical membrane cells according to quality standards for material characterization and performance testing, scaling up from laboratory to commercial scale;
• Design and advise on the optimization of flow channel geometries and spacer materials to improve electrolyte flow and prevent membrane contact;
• Design and conduct experiments to understand and improve the performance of acid-base flow battery technology;
• Analyze raw materials and product parts using advanced material characterization techniques to ensure quality, performance, and compliance with industry standards;
• Analyze test data, troubleshoot performance issues, refine stack operating parameters, and collaborate on stack design improvements;
• Stay updated on advancements in membrane technology and acid-base flow battery systems.

Technical documentation

• Prepare comprehensive technical reports detailing experimental results, benchmark analyses, and literature/patent reviews;
• Document experimental procedures, data analysis methods, and findings in a clear and concise manner.

Collaboration

• Contribute to the development of intellectual property, such as patents and technical publications;
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, design, procurement, and marketing, to ensure seamless integration of research findings into product development.

Function requirements

We expect from you:

Education and experience

• MSc degree in Chemical Engineering, Physics, Material Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience);
• Industry experience in membrane technology or related field.

Knowledge and skills

• Proven experience in electrochemical systems and materials science including electrode materials;
• Strong hands-on laboratory skills, including experience with electrochemical techniques (CV, Tafel Plot, EIS, chronoamperometry-potentiometry);
• Strong analytical mindset, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Proficiency in English.

The following is considered a plus:

• Proficiency in Dutch;
• Experience in membrane technology, particularly bipolar membrane electrodialysis;
• Knowledge of electrocatalysis and battery materials;
• Experience in scaling up laboratory-scale experiments to pilot and commercial production.

Why AQUABATTERY?

• Fast-growing, impact-driven climate tech startup backed by investor;
• Multicultural, collaborative work environment;
• Competitive salary plus stock appreciation right (SARs);
• Work-life balance, including 25 vacation days and flexible work;
• Green pension scheme (50% company-covered) & collective health insurance discount;
• Company bike for commuting;
• Regular team events and opportunities to shape the future of clean energy.

About our company

AQUABATTERY is a climate tech start-up, based in the Netherlands. Our vision is to empower the transition to net-zero by providing the world’s most scalable, sustainable and safe long duration energy storage solution. We do so through our revolutionary technology, which enables the storage of electricity in just saltwater. The world will need high volumes of energy storage to enable reliance on renewable energy sources like solar PV and wind energy, even if the sun does not shine or the wind does not blow. Our technology has been successfully demonstrated through several pilot installations in the Netherlands and in Italy. Our international team reinforces our impact-focused culture every day; taking on challenges and celebrating successes together.