CPG Process Engineer at the Geothermal Energy and Geofluids Group

The ETH Zürich Geothermal Energy & Geofluids Group (GEG) investigates reactive fluid and (geothermal) energy transfer in the Earth’s crust as well as geologic CO2 sequestration to help reduce climate change and promote sustainable energy utilization. The GEG group employs 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 Prof. Martin Saar - founder and chair of the GEG group) is CO2-Plume Geothermal (CPG), which turns CCS into CCUS by extracting geothermal energy from the CO2 whilst ultimately geologically sequestering all injected CO2. A CPG Process Engineering / postdoc position is becoming available on the 1st of November 2023 or later upon agreement, to advance this technology.

We are seeking an individual who is highly motivated to drive the development and optimization of surface facilities for CPG, ranging from conceptual engineering to techno-economics. As CPG Process Engineer you will contribute to coupled surface - subsurface optimization of CPG, 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 CPG techno-economics. Your conceptual engineering capability will lead to innovative field development plans and integration opportunities with users of the power produced by CPG. Leveraging your expertise and modeling insights, your innovative thinking extends the state-of-the-art of CPG technology and drives the development of high-value CPG projects together with industry partners.

You have a university degree (MSc or PhD) in Mechanical/Chemical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or equivalent technical subject and (preferably) 4 years of process engineering experience in the oil and gas (or similar) 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 and analyzing/recommending results to maximize asset performance. Ensured alignment of scope and inputs to cost estimating model
• Strong 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
• Participated design reviews and risk assessments
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
• Self-motivated team player with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multicultural environment
• Fluency in English is required

The following experience is a plus

• rotating equipment
• geothermal power plant design
• CCS / CCUS projects
• flow assurance / surface network modelling (e.g. Petex IPM Suite)
• data analytics and visualization (use of Python or equivalent) 
• 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 4-year period, depending on the project and employee performance.