R&D Principal/Project Engineer

Updated: 2 months ago
Location: Porsgrunn, TELEMARK
Job Type: FullTime

Hydro is a global fully integrated aluminium company with a strong commitment to shaping a sustainable future. In doing so, we want to create more viable societies by developing natural resources into products and solutions in innovative and efficient ways to industries that matter. In December 2021 we announced our plans to develop and industrialize HalZero , a new CO2-emission free process to produce primary aluminium. In December 2023 we announced that started building a HalZero Test Facility  in Porsgrunn and we were recognized as an Energy Transition Changemaker at COP28 . The development of HalZero is one of several pillars  in Hydro’s commitment to become a supplier of near-zero CO2 aluminium.

The work towards near-zero CO2 aluminium is headed by the Technology and Operational Support (TOS) unit in Hydro Aluminium Metal. TOS comprises around 220 highly skilled employees in Norway and Germany, with the main task to support commercial and operational units in improving profitability and sustainability. TOS maintains a focus on the short and medium term - while also having longer term technology development as a core activity. The HalZero development is one example of our long term activities.

We are now looking for a skilled R&D Principal/Project Engineer to join our Technology Development team. This position will actively contribute to Hydro’s sustainability agenda, particularly towards our near-zero CO2 aluminium activities and HalZero specifically. The candidate holding this position will be part of a multi-disciplinary team of technologists that work together towards an industrialized HalZero process. The candidate may also be included in other existing and future projects in TOS and Hydro. 


What we offer 

  • Being part of a world class technology development unit  

  • Challenging tasks from day one with early responsibilities within projects 

  • A chance to actively shape your field of expertise and promote your career through professional and personal development 

  • Opportunity to be part of an exiting journey towards a novel industrialized primary aluminium production process 

  • Work in an open, cooperative interdisciplinary team culture with flat hierarchies, allowing to contribute with your own ideas and take responsibility  

  • Attractive location at Herøya Industrial Park in Porsgrunn in a large R&D environment 

Main responsibilities 
As R&D Chemical Engineer your main responsibility is to participate in projects particularly related to Hydro’s sustainability agenda with a special focus on HalZero. This includes projects for development, evaluation, testing, qualification and implementation of both internally and externally developed technology solutions. 

Main tasks are: 

  • Participate in or lead projects related to HalZero 

  • Work together with both internal and external partners/stakeholders  

  • Take part in design, planning and operating relevant technology test facilities 

Desired Qualifications  

  • MSc/PhD in Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Physics, Nanotechnology, Inorganic Chemistry, Process Engineering, Metallurgy or Electrochemistry 

  • Minimum 10 years experience in relevant field 

  • Competence within and experience from one or several points below; 

  • corrosive process media (gas/liquid) and molten salt handling is a significant benefit 

  • materials (refractories, metals, coatings, …) for harsh environments 

  • industrial process development and operation is beneficial 

  • technology piloting, comprising everything from initial design to operation, is beneficial 

  • practical laboratory work (work in lab/development of procedures or techniques) is beneficial 

  • Project management experience, ideally from R&D-projects, is an advantage 

  • Fluency in written and spoken English. Fluency in spoken Norwegian is an advantage

Who are you?  

As a person you are curious and creative with well-developed problem-solving skills. You enjoy working and collaborating in teams, and to share competence with others. You are structured and practical in your approach with attention to details and safety, and perform well also under pressure. You communicate effectively with different stakeholders both internally and externally.

Health, safety and the environment (HSE) are an integral part of Hydro's daily operations. It is our responsibility to protect the health and safety of our employees, and contribute to sustainable development in the local communities in which we operate. We are therefore looking for employees who will contribute positively to this, through healthy and conscious HSE attitudes and actions.

Additional Information  
Office location will be in Porsgrunn.
Some travel is expected.

Please enclose a cover letter and copies of relevant academic transcripts, diplomas, certificates etc. Only applications received through our online system will be considered, not via e-mail. As part of our recruitment process, we use Semac for background check.