Senior Process Engineer / Concept Engineer Geothermal CCUS

The ETH Zürich Geothermal Energy & Geofluids Group (GEG) investigates reactive fluid and (geothermal) energy transfer in the Earth’s crust, employing computer simulations, laboratory experiments and field analyses to gain fundamental insights and to develop sustainable technologies that address society’s needs. One of these technologies (co-invented by Martin Saar) is CO2-Plume Geothermal (CPG), which turns CCS into CCUS by extracting geothermal energy using CO2 whilst simultaneously  sequestering all CO2. To advance emerging technologies like CPG, a Senior Process Engineer / Concept Engineer is needed, starting 1 April 2025 or later upon agreement.

We are seeking an individual who is highly motivated to drive the development and optimization of surface facilities for geothermal CCUS technologies like CPG, ranging from conceptual engineering to techno-economics. As Senior Process Engineer / Concept Engineer you will contribute to coupled surface - subsurface optimization, including the identification of novel methods for the seperation of impurities in the CO2 production stream, sizing of CO2 turbines and CO2 coolers and condensers, and techno-economics. Your conceptual engineering capability will lead to innovative field development plans and integration opportunities with users of the power produced. Leveraging your expertise and modeling insights, your innovative thinking extends the state-of-the- art of Geothermal CCUS technology and drives the development of high-value projects together with industry partners.

You have a university degree (MSc or PhD) in Geoscience, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or equivalent technical subject and at least 4 years of relevant experience in the industry, as well as:

• Experience in applying principles of mass and heat transfer to deliver innovative concept designs (Pre-FEED). As part of an integrated team, developed scope definition for various facility concepts to maximize asset performance, ensuring alignment of scope and inputs to cost estimating model
• Experience in numerical modeling / simulating multiphase-multicomponent fluid and energy transfer and thermodynamic processes using process simulation software (e.g., flowsheeting tools, PRO-II, Unisim, HYSYS, ChemPro, EES, etc.)
• Experience in delivering Equipment Lists, Flow Diagrams (Block, Process, Utility), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), Equipment Data Sheets, Layouts, Design Philosophies, Heat & Material Balances, Design Basis documentation, Optimization/Cost Reduction studies and benchmarking of facility designs
• Demonstrated Process Safety exposure in an asset or project (HAZOP / Process Safety Review / HEMP)
• Experience in techno-economics and identifying innovative solutions to add value to your projects
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams, with exposure to reservoir engineering, geology, production chemistry and production technology
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multicultural environment. Demonstrated coaching experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
• Experience in project management
• Fluency in English is required 

The following experience is a plus

• Rotating equipment
• Geothermal powerplant design
• CCS / CCU projects
• Flow assurance / surface network modelling (e.g. IPM Suite)
• Data analytics and visualization
• Technology field piloting experience
• Publishing research results in peer-reviewed journals

We offer a dynamic and exciting work environment at the cutting edge of emerging energy technology with the potential to deliver large-scale power while geologically sequestering CO2. The position is for one year with the strong possibility of yearly extensions during a 2- to 5-year period, depending on the project and employee performance.