A Technologist on mechanics and material science for the hydrogen sector

Fondazione Bruno Kessler

FBK is a research institution devoted to excellence in research in numerous disciplines and designated to the role of keeping the Autonomous Province of Trento in the mainstream of European and international research. Each research area is assigned to a specific research Centre, of which there are eleven totals. Information regarding the research Centers, their activities and production are available at the FBK website. Workplace Description The Centre on Sustainable Energy (SE) supports the development of devices and methods for generation, storage, and distribution of energy solutions at low environmental impact. This will be done in the perspective of energy sustainability, of systems and solutions that respect the environment and the quality of life, of solutions with a lower impact on health and on environmental pollution levels. The ground for the Centre on “Sustainable Energy” is based on the Decarbonization targets, which will demand for more flexibility of the energy system, through new gas and power grids and using energy vectors and storage solutions, as enablers for the wide penetration of renewables. The Center SE is providing support through scientific excellence to the industrial sector and to territorial institutions.

Full Time

Italy, Trento-Rovereto

Posted 4 months ago

The HYdrogen Technologies and Resilient Energy Systems unit (HyRES) is a dedicated research and development unit at the forefront of advancing hydrogen technology and resilient energy systems. With a primary focus on hydrogen, the unit works diligently to innovate the future energy grid, making it more intelligent and capable of integrating renewable sources. Ensuring energy resilience and security is a central goal, particularly in collaboration with industrial partners. Its research encompasses various aspects, including hydrogen production, storage and final uses, all with the overarching aim of reducing the carbon footprint of energy systems and positively impacting the energy market, making it more sustainable and secure for the future.

HYRES unit is involved in the following European projects and industrial consultancy:

AMON

The project will develop an innovative system to convert ammonia into electric power using a solid oxide fuel cell. The project’s key focus is designing critical components, such as the fuel cell, ammonia cracker, ammonia burner, and anode gas recirculation. Additionally, the project will engineer the balance of the plant, validate compliance with ammonia use, and manufacture an overall ammonia fuel cell system.

PROMETEO

The Prometeo’s prototype will be based on high-temperature solid oxide electrolysis (SOE) and innovative thermal energy storage (TES). TES will optimize intermittent solar heat in hydrogen production, ensuring the heat stays hot enough to drive the solid oxide electrolysis at low cost and high efficiency. The Prometeo prototype will consider three industrial applications as end-users.

Industrial consultants and others granted projects concerning characterization activities on low and high-temperature fuel and electrolyzer cells.

Job Description

HyRES unit is looking for a technologist specialized in the H2 sector who will support the projects and activities as mentioned above with the following activities:

Development of the mechanical aspect of test benches, prototypes and systems within the projects and consultants in FBK
Define with the H2 teams the technical requirements for products and components regarding material and mechanical features
Perform market research and screening for prototyping of devices and components
Support the H2 team with the type and specification of material processing and sealing drawings.
Manage the prototyping activity within the projects
Participate in the risk analysis process and certification process (for voluntary and mandatory normative)
Perform R&D activities in strict collaboration with the researchers
Support and collaborate with the H2 team for equipment supply and preparation of requirements.
Develop technical files for the test bench and H2 system
Produce reports, deliverables, and technical reviews
Participate and/or lead the writing of scientific papers and patents

Job Requirements

The ideal candidate should have:

MSc in Mechanics, Mechatronics or analogous.
Strong knowledge of material science and material compatibility in Oil&gas or H2 sector.
Know-how in static and dynamic structural mechanics
Proven experience in CAD drawing.
Experience in sealing concepts (O-ring, gasket, material, and compression torques)
Teamwork approach, good communication and relational skills.
Good knowledge of written and spoken English
Self-motivation and result orientation

Furthermore, the following elements will be positively evaluated:

PhD in related fields.
Proven experience in the Hydrogen sector focuses on hydrogen production technology (electrolyzer, methane cracking and SMR), hydrogen handling (transport, distribution, and storage) and hydrogen uses (burner, boiler, fuel cell, etc.).
Familiarity with RCS about mechanical drawing and material processing.

Employment

Type of contract: fixed-term contract

Working hours: full-time (38 h per week)

Gross annual salary:about € 36.200 – € 41.400 depending on background and expertise in the field.

Start date:March/April 2024

Duration: 24 months

Benefits: flexi-time, company subsidized cafeteria or meal vouchers, internal car park, welcome office support for visa formalities, accommodation, supplementary pension and health funds, training courses, public transport, sports facilities, language course fees. Further details at https://www.fbk.eu/en/work-with-us/

Workplace: Povo and Rovereto – Trento

How to apply?

Interested candidates must submit their application by completing the online form. Please make sure that your application contains the following attachments (in pdf format):