Description:
The Sustainable Fuel group is seeking a Junior Innovation Engineer in the context of an industrial project with Naturgy (VAUTORACK). The main objective of the project is the experimental validation of a rack of innovative reactors for the conversion of biogas and hydrogen to biomethane in a real-site. The work is part of a broader effort to transfer innovative catalytic reactor technology to the market.
As part of our interdisciplinary team, you will support experimental validation activities, contribute to process design and optimization, and be involved in the installation, integration with other process units, and start-up of the reactor system. You will also collaborate closely with our industrial partners to ensure alignment with real-world implementation needs.
This is a unique opportunity for a motivated early-career engineer to gain hands-on experience in a leading research environment working on biomethane technologies. You will work side by side with energy and industrial companies, gaining direct exposure to real-world innovation challenges and solutions. The position may also open the door to continued involvement in the project through the creation of a spin-off company currently under consideration
Responsibilities:
-Integration of the prototype into a biogas plant, including systems for biogas cleaning, compression, electrolysis, gas monitoring, and gas evacuation.
- Experimental validation of the prototype under real operating conditions, specifically at the EDAR Pinto wastewater treatment plant (Madrid).
- Incorporation of technical improvements based on experimental results, with focus on performance optimization and cost-effectiveness.
- Collaboration with the research team to scale up pilot-level innovations the market.
Qualifications and experience required
Essential:
Bachelors or Masters degree in Chemical Engineering or related fields, preferably with a focus on energy-related disciplines.
Proficiency of English, Catalan and/or Spanish languages
Interest in entrepreneurship and technology transfer, particularly the creation of spin-
offs.
Strong creative thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
Preferred:
Hands-on experience with experimental setups related to chemical reactions, catalysis, or gas conversion processes (e.g., biogas, hydrogen, CO).
Familiarity with gas processing technologies, including reactor systems, gas analytics and catalytic processes.
Additional training or experience in business-related areas (e.g., MBA modules, innovation management, or entrepreneurship programs).
Previous involvement in innovation, technology transfer, or startup ecosystems is a plus.
Required documents:
Applicants must submit the following documents by email to irecjobs@irec.cat and jguilera@irec.cat
Reference: Curriculum Vitae. ( IN THE TITLE OF THE EMAIL WRITE " VAUTORACK PROJECT")
Motivation letter with relevant experience, qualifications and value proposition related to the vacancy.
Offer of job position:
We offer a temporary position within the framework of the VAUTORACK industrial project, in collaboration with Naturgy. Salaries will be paid in accordance with IRECs salary policy, depending on the candidates qualifications and professional experience.