About the Role:
Aquature is looking for a motivated and experienced Electrochemical Engineer to join our innovative team in Antwerp, Belgium. In this role, you will be instrumental in scaling up and optimizing our cutting-edge bio-assisted electrolyser technology, which is at the forefront of sustainable wastewater treatment and hydrogen production. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in electrochemical process and reactor design, reaction engineering, and industrial scale-up, and will be driven by a passion for advancing sustainable technologies.

About Aquature:
Aquature is a trailblazing company dedicated to revolutionizing industrial wastewater treatment and hydrogen production through its proprietary bio-assisted electrolysis technology. Located at the Blue Chem incubator in the Port of Antwerp, Aquature is at the heart of Europe’s largest chemical cluster, with direct access to a vibrant ecosystem of partner companies, universities, and research centres. Our mission is to create sustainable, client oriented solutions that turn waste into valuable resources, contributing to the local circular economy and the global energy transition.

Tasks

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of chemical processes and reactors associated with bio-assisted electrolysis, integrated into wastewater treatment and resource and energy recovery processes.
• Support the design, construction, and operation of installations from laboratory to full demonstrator scale, including reactors, auxiliary engineering and control systems.
• Prepare and refine chemical processes for scale-up and ensure a smooth integration into large-scale industrial operations.
• Conduct process simulations, modeling, and experiments to validate and enhance the performance of bio-assisted electrolysers and wastewater treatment processes.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including biotechnologists, chemists and engineers, to develop a scaled up pilot plant going through critical evaluation every step along the way.
• Perform detailed process analysis, including mass and energy balances as well as mass transport flows, to identify areas for improvement and optimization.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards throughout the design and operation of chemical processes.
• Document processes, develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), and contribute to technical reports and presentations.

Requirements

• Degree in (Electro-)Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (Ph D preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of experience in design of chemical processes, reaction engineering, and scale-up, particularly in the context of electrolysis and wastewater treatment.
• Minimum 3 years of experience working in a pilot plant, manufacturing environment, or other industrial setting, with a strong understanding of chemical process design, unit operations, and equipment
• Strong expertise in electrochemistry (and related thermodynamical calculations), chemical reaction engineering, water chemistry, mass transfer and process control
• Knowledge in process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, CHEMCAD) and familiarity with fluid dynamics, thermodynamics (including dissolution and precipitation chemistry, catalysis) and modelling tools like MATLAB or Python.
• Proven record of designing and optimising electrochemical processes for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a hands-on approach to laboratory and pilot plant operations.
• Strong communication skills in English; proficiency in Dutch is a plus.
• A proactive, collaborative, and innovative mindset, with the ability to work effectively and alternatingly on solo-tasks and in cross-functional teams.
• A permission to work in Belgium without extra visa or sponsorship.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and options package.
• Opportunities for career development and personal development.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment fostering innovation and creativity.
• Flexible working hours and hybrid work options.
• Opportunity to develop impactful products that make the world a better place with every litre of wastewater electrolyzed

If you are a passionate electrochemical engineer with a strong drive to contribute to sustainable technology, we encourage you to apply. Your expertise in process engineering will be crucial in scaling up our innovative technology and making a significant impact on the environment. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, even if you don't meet all the qualifications, as we value a variety of perspectives and experiences.

Apply now to be part of Aquature’s mission to innovate and drive sustainable technological advancements in wastewater treatment and resource recovery!