Technician (f/m/d) – Energy Conversion & Hydrogen Technologies

AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH; Wien; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH in Vienna is seeking a skilled Ingenious Partner to maintain and advance our experimental research infrastructure for energy conversion and hydrogen technologies. You will work hands-on with PVD systems, characterization tools, and electrolyzer test stands, building new test environments and developing Python-based measurement software.

The role requires a technical degree, CAD and 3D printing experience, and strong Python skills for data acquisition and

Qualifications

• Completed technical degree (HTL, Fachhochschule, or equivalent).
• Practical experience in building, operating and maintaining laboratory or industrial equipment is an advantage.
• Experience in CAD design including 3D printing, manufacturing and mechanical engineering.
• Solid Python programming skills with measurement automation, instrument control, data acquisition, or scientific data processing.
• Basic understanding of electrochemical processes, thin-film technologies, or materials characterization methods is a plus, but enthusiasm and willingness to learn are valued.
• Structured, reliable, independent working style with a hands-on mentality and troubleshooting complex systems.
• Strong team orientation and good communication skills in an international research environment.
• Very good command of English; German is an advantage for day-to-day communication.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate our experimental infrastructure (PVD systems, materials characterization equipment, electrolyzer test stands).
• Design and build up new experimental test stands with scientists and engineers.
• Develop Python-based measurement and automation software, data acquisition routines, and instrument control interfaces.
• Manage procurement of laboratory consumables, materials, and technical components with organized inventory.
• Coordinate with external suppliers for equipment repairs, calibrations, and upgrades; maintain technical documentation.
• Contribute to a safe, organized laboratory environment by adhering to safety regulations and onboarding new team members.
• Work independently, bridging hands-on hardware with software-based solutions to resolve issues.

Skills

Python programming

CAD software

3D printing

Measurement automation

Instrument control

Data acquisition

Scientific data processing

English

German

Education

Technical degree (HTL / Fachhochschule)

University degree welcome

Tools

NumPy

Matplotlib

Pandas

Job description

AIT Austrian Institute of Technology is Austria’s largest Research and Technology Organisation (RTO). We aim to transform scientific excellence into innovation with impact. Together with our partners, we develop technologies and solutions for a sustainable, resilient, and digitalized future, strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and technological sovereignty. Our international teams combine cutting‑edge research with strong implementation expertise to create measurable value for industry and society.

The Center for Energy is looking for new Ingenious Partners for our location in Vienna (Giefinggasse, 1210). The Center for Energy conducts applied research across the full spectrum of future energy technologies - from electrochemical energy conversion and storage to advanced materials and system integration. Our experimental research infrastructure includes state‑of‑the‑art vacuum‑and chemical‑deposition systems, materials characterization tools, and electrolyzer test stands, enabling cutting‑edge work on hydrogen technologies and beyond.

Energy Conversion & Hydrogen Technologies research team, within our Competence Unit “Power and Renewable Gas”, focuses on advancing electrochemical energy conversion technologies, with a particular focus on hydrogen production via electrolysis and the development of functional thin‑film materials. We combine experimental depth with a strong systems perspective, working across the full chain from material synthesis and characterization to device testing and integration. We are looking for a skilled and motivated colleague who will play a key role in maintaining and advancing our experimental research infrastructure, work hands‑on with sophisticated equipment, support our scientists in building up new test environments, and contribute their technical expertise to our dynamic and collaborative research group.

CENTER FOR ENERGY

• You are responsible for the maintenance and operation of our experimental infrastructure, including physical vapor deposition (PVD) systems, materials characterization equipment (e.g. XRD, SEM, electrochemical workstations), and electrolyzer test stands — ensuring reliable and safe operation.
• You actively support the design and build‑up of new experimental test stands, working closely with scientists and engineers to translate research requirements into functional laboratory setups.
• You develop and maintain Python‑based measurement and automation software, including data acquisition routines, instrument control interfaces, and data processing scripts that support the team’s experimental workflows.
• You manage the procurement process for laboratory consumables, materials, and technical components — including preparation of orders, tracking of deliveries, and maintaining an organized inventory of laboratory supplies.
• You coordinate with external suppliers and service providers for equipment repairs, calibrations, and upgrades, and maintain up‑to‑date technical documentation for all systems under your responsibility.
• You contribute to a safe and well‑organized laboratory environment by adhering to safety regulations, performing routine checks, and supporting the introduction of new team members into laboratory procedures.
• You work independently and proactively, identifying and resolving technical issues across a broad range of systems, bridging the gap between hands‑on hardware work and software‑based solutions.

Your Qualifications As An Ingenious Partner

• Completed technical degree (HTL, Fachhochschule, or equivalent) in mechatronics, electrical engineering or a comparable field; a university degree in a relevant discipline is equally welcome.
• Practical experience in building, operating and maintaining laboratory or industrial equipment is an advantage
• Experience in design including practical skills with CAD software and 3D‑printing, manufacturing and mechanical engineering
• Solid Python programming skills, with experience in measurement automation, instrument control, microcontrollers, data acquisition, or scientific data processing; familiarity with common libraries (NumPy, Matplotlib, pandas) is an advantage
• Basic understanding of electrochemical processes, thin‑film technologies, or materials characterization methods is a plus, but enthusiasm and willingness to learn are equally valued
• Structured, reliable, and independent working style combined with a hands‑on mentality and genuine enjoyment of troubleshooting complex technical systems
• Strong team orientation and good communication skills; you enjoy working in an international and interdisciplinary research environment
• Verygood command of English; German language skills are an advantage for day‑to‑day communication

What To Expect

The minimum gross annual salary on a full‑time basis (38,5 h / week) according to the collective agreement is EUR 46.592,--. The actual salary will be determined individually, based on your qualifications and experience. In addition, we offer company benefits, flexible working conditions, individual training and career opportunities.

At AIT, we create an inclusive and family‑friendly working environment that promotes equal opportunities and actively strengthens diversity across our workforce and in leadership positions. Among other initiatives, we are committed to increasing the proportion of women in our company and therefore particularly welcome applications from female applicants.

For Further Information Please Contact

Dr. Theodoros Dimopoulos, Theodoros.dimopoulos(at)ait.ac.at