About Us:
We are an ambitious, early-stage startup based in Munich, poised to make a significant environmental impact. Our mission is to combat PFAS contamination ("forever chemicals") in aqueous streams using our proprietary electrochemical oxidation technology.
We have successfully developed and tested our small-scale MVP reactor prototype and are now seeking a passionate and experienced Water Treatment System Design Engineer to bring our groundbreaking solution from prototype to a pilot system and further to a market-ready, scalable system.
Join us in tackling one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time and making the world a better place to live!
The Role:
As Water Treatment System Design Engineer, you will be a pivotal member of our core team. You will own the product design and technical execution for our PFAS destruction system, bridging the gap between our core technology, market needs, and engineering reality.
This is a hands-on role requiring deep technical expertise in water treatment systems design, combined with strategic product thinking and the ability to manage development efforts and external partners in a fast-paced startup environment. You will be instrumental in shaping the product that defines our company.
Initially you will take the lead in transforming functional requirements into robust 3D CAD models and full-scale skids ready for pilot deployment. Management responsibilities are expected to evolve as the company grows.
Responsibilities:
* CAD Design & Engineering: Utilize your hands-on CAD expertise for creating detailed 3D models and 2D drawings of the water treatment system, including the overall system layout, process skid, enclosure, and individual components such as the electrochemical reactor, pumps, valves, piping, tanks, manifolds, frames, panels and instrumentation. Ensure designs and detailed technical drawings are optimized for manufacturability, assembly, and maintenance, supporting the transition from pilot to commercial scale.
* System Design & Optimization: Lead the technical design and iteration of the complete electrochemical oxidation system (reactor, balance of plant including pumps, piping, power supply, sensors, controls – SCADA ,PLCs, etc. and all supporting components, subsystems and infrastructure for the primary system) from the current MVP stage towards commercial viability.
* CFD Simulation: Ideally you can apply your hands-on CFD expertise to model and optimize reactor performance (hydrodynamics, mass transfer, reaction kinetics). Guide simulation efforts using relevant tools.
* Technical Specification: Develop and manage detailed technical specifications for the reactor, components, and the overall system.
* Prototyping & Testing: Oversee the building, testing, and validation of system prototypes, working closely with the technical/founding team.
* External Partner Management: Select, manage, and oversee external engineering firms, consultants, and manufacturers for design support, component sourcing, and fabrication. Budget responsibility for these activities will evolve with the role.
* Cross-functional Collaboration: Work intimately with founders, R&D scientists, and commercial teams to ensure alignment between technology capabilities, product features, and market requirements.
* Market & Customer Insight: Engage with potential customers and partners to gather insights, validate requirements, and ensure product-market fit.
* Compliance & Standards: Ensure the product design adheres to relevant industry standards and regulations for water treatment, chemical processing, and electrical safety.
* Team Evolution: Contribute significantly as a technical leader from day one, with the potential to build and lead a product design/engineering team as the company scales.
* IP Generation: Contribute to the generation of intellectual property (patent applications).
Qualifications (Must-Haves):
* MSc or PhD in Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
* Minimum 3-5+ years of relevant industry experience, with proven success in designing, developing, and launching complex hardware products/systems, preferably in water treatment, chemical processing, food processing or electrochemical applications.
* Proven hands-on CAD expertise, including proficiency with industry-standard CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Inventor, AutoCAD Plant 3D, or similar) for creating detailed 3D models, assemblies, and 2D manufacturing drawings of complex systems, piping layouts (P&ID to 3D), and individual mechanical components, specifically in the context of designing process equipment or water treatment systems.
* Deep technical understanding and practical experience in designing electrochemical reactors/cells and integrating associated system elements (pumps, fluid handling, power electronics, instrumentation & control).
* Experience scaling a hardware product from prototype through to manufacturing.
* Proven experience managing projects and relationships with external engineering partners, suppliers, and contract manufacturers.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to design and decision-making.
* Excellent communication and collaboration skills in both technical documentation and team settings.
* Adaptable, proactive, and results-oriented mindset, comfortable working in the dynamic and resource-constrained environment of an early-stage startup.
* Willingness to work 100% on-site in Munich, Germany. This is not a remote position.
* Working proficiency in English is essential.
Qualifications (Nice-to-Haves):
* Hands-on experience with CFD simulation tools. Proficiency with commercial packages like Ansys (e.g., Fluent), COMSOL Multiphysics, and familiarity or experience with open-source tools such as OpenFOAM is highly desirable. Application focus should be on reactor design, fluid dynamics, or mass transfer problems.
* Experience with PLC integration and control cabinet layouts
* Direct experience with PFAS remediation technologies - RO, GAC, IOX, etc.
* Specific experience with electrochemical oxidation processes.
* Familiarity with product management frameworks and methodologies.
* Working proficiency in German.
What We Offer:
* A unique opportunity to shape a cutting-edge product with a significant positive environmental impact.
* A dynamic, purpose-driven work environment with a flat hierarchy in a high-potential startup located in Munich.
* Competitive compensation package including a fixed salary and performance-based variable component (personal and company goals).
* The chance to build something meaningful from the ground up.
Ready to make a difference?
If you are a highly motivated technical expert passionate about environmental solutions and possess the unique blend of skills we need, we encourage you to apply! Please submit your CV, a design folder from previous projects (without violating non-disclosure agreements), and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are the perfect fit for this role to: team@suiki.xyz.
We are looking to fill this position within the next 3 months.