DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER IN OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF EXPERIMENTAL CONCENTRATING SOLAR ENERGY FACILITIES

Description

The IMDEA Energy Institute is seeking a Development Engineer to join their High-Temperature Processes Unit. This role involves the operation, maintenance, and supervision of experimental infrastructures focused on concentrating solar power research.

Tasks

• Operation and maintenance of the unit's experimental research infrastructures (high-flux solar simulators, heliostat solar fields, etc.)
• Coordination and supervision of design, manufacturing, assembly, and commissioning tasks for technological components and prototypes
• Technical management: Coordination and supervision of daily tasks and technical activities carried out within the facilities
• Documentation and safety: Creation, updating, and management of technical documentation and safety protocols associated with experimental devices, specifically regarding the prototypes developed at the center
• Scientific support: Providing ongoing technical support to the scientific activities of the High-Temperature Processes Unit

Requirements

• To be in possession of Official university Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, Energy Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or closely related fields.
• A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in roles related to the operation, maintenance, or technical management of facilities.
• To value specific experience in Solar or High-Temperature Facilities: Proven experience in operating heliostat fields, solar receivers, high-flux solar simulators, or complex high-temperature industrial and thermal systems.
• English Language Proficiency: Fluency in English (minimum B2 certified level or equivalent), both spoken and written, for technical management within international projects.
• Instrumentation and Automation Knowledge: Familiarity or hands-on experience with software and hardware tools for process control and experimental facilities (e.g., LabVIEW, SCADA systems, PLCs, MATLAB, or similar).
• Occupational Risk Prevention (ORP) Training: Specific training in laboratory or industrial plant safety, as well as experience drafting safe work procedures and managing thermal/chemical risks.
• Experiment-Oriented PhD: Possession of a PhD in relevant fields, with particular value placed on thesis projects that involved the physical design, assembly, operation, or maintenance of test rigs or pilot plants.

Selection Criteria

• Adequacy of the candidate's training and experience to the requested profile.
• Work experience related to the profile of the job position.
• Knowledge of English.
• Motivation for accomplishing high-quality and maintainable software systems for research.