Help us decarbonize industrial process heat. We are a small, highly motivated founding team — looking for exceptional people who want to make a real impact.

Process Engineer – Design & Automation / PLC (m/f/d) – Shape our hybrid process-heat systems from design to control

About Hyca Heat

Hyca Heat is a German deep-tech startup at the forefront of the industrial energy transition. We are developing a globally unique, patented heating technology that combines highly efficient catalytic combustion with electric heating. Our mission is to decarbonize the process-heat industry and to give our customers energy security and cost advantages through intelligent, flexible and emission-free systems.

As part of our founding team, you will play a key role in turning our vision into reality. We are a team of experienced engineers, entrepreneurs and scientists working passionately on one of the greatest challenges of our time.

What awaits you: Your mission at Hyca Heat

We are looking for a Process Engineer with design and automation expertise (m/f/d) to strengthen our team in Jülich . This is a hybrid position with typically 1–2 home-office days per week (depending on current tasks).

You will work at the interface of design, process engineering and automation , advancing our hybrid industrial process-heat systems (steam generators, thermal-oil heaters, thermal process plants) from mechanical design through CAD engineering to PLC-based control.

Your responsibilities:

Design and engineering of our components and assemblies (heat exchangers, heating registers, enclosures, container layouts) using CAD – from initial concepts to production-ready drawings.
Development and testing of our hybrid heating systems, including pre-dimensioning, prototype construction and system testing.
PLC programming and commissioning of control and safety systems (ideally Beckhoff TwinCAT and/or Siemens TIA Portal).
Integration of instrumentation and control (I&C) as well as sensors and actuators into our systems.

What you should definitely bring (must-haves):

Degree or technician qualification: Completed degree (Bachelor's/Master's) or technician qualification in process engineering, mechanical engineering, energy technology, automation engineering or a related field.
Design experience: Solid experience in CAD design of components and assemblies, with a good understanding of function, manufacturability and assembly.
Technical understanding: Sound knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics or process engineering, and the ability to translate technical relationships into robust designs.
Language skills: Business-fluent German (C1/C2) as well as excellent English for communication within the team, with customers and international suppliers.
Artificial intelligence: Openness to integrating and using AI tools.

What also excites us (preferred skills):

PLC programming: Experience programming and commissioning controllers with Beckhoff (TwinCAT) and/or Siemens (TIA Portal / Step 7) .
Experience with safety technology (e.g. TwinSAFE, SIL assessment, burner control units).
Professional experience with burner/heating systems, thermal systems, catalysts or gas-carrying components .
A self-reliant and self-motivated way of working as well as excellent problem-solving and communication skills .

We know that a CV doesn't capture the whole person. If you're unsure whether your profile is a perfect fit: just apply and give us a chance to get to know you!

What we offer:

Maximum impact: Your work is not a small part of a large whole – what you do really matters!
A unique challenge: Work at the interface of deep-tech hardware, renewable energy and artificial intelligence.
Responsibility and growth: Take on responsibility from day one and grow with the company.
A strong team: Become part of a highly motivated and experienced founding team with a clear vision.
An attractive compensation package: We offer a competitive salary and the option to participate in the company's success (VSOP).

*Please note that this is a hybrid role requiring partial on-site presence in Jülich (Germany).*

Our application process

We take the application process particularly seriously, because in a small startup team every individual matters a great deal and the team fit has to be right.

Short introductory interview (10-min online call)
Job interview (45-min online call)
On-site appointment in Jülich and working on a relevant task that simulates the actual work (2 h).
Meet the team and reference check
Decision

At Hyca Heat we place great value on inclusive ways of working and diverse teams. We therefore encourage applications from a range of underrepresented demographic groups.

Ready for the challenge?

Then send us your application documents (CV and a short cover letter explaining why this role excites you) to ( )(mailto: ).

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