Senior Engineer, Membrane development

Ohmium; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Ohmium is seeking a technically experienced membrane scientist to design and develop advanced PFSA membranes for PEM water electrolysis. You will tailor polymer architecture, assess conductivity and durability, and optimize ionomer dispersions while implementing comprehensive testing.

You will work with cross‑functional teams to translate performance requirements into robust qualification plans, transfer lab processes to pilot scale, and contribute to publications and patents in ion‑exchange

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or related field with 1+ years industry exp or MSc/ME with 3+ years exp
• Experience with electrochemical methods: EIS, polarization curves, conductivity cells, gas crossover measurement
• Working knowledge of PFSA ionomer chemistry: EW, phase-separated morphology, and degradation mechanisms
• Background in membrane durability under high differential pressure and dynamic operation
• Exposure to hydrocarbons or PFAS-free ionomer alternatives is preferred
• Track record of peer‑reviewed publications or patents in ion‑exchange membranes

Responsibilities

• Design and develop advanced PFSA membranes by tailoring polymer architecture and thickness
• Develop structure and composite membranes balancing conductivity and mechanical strength
• Optimize ionomer dispersions: solvent systems EW solids content rheology and annealing
• Measure proton conductivity, IEC, water uptake, swelling, tensile and creep properties
• Develop test methodologies to evaluate membrane properties and performance
• Run accelerated stress tests and assess degradation mechanisms

Skills

Chemical Characterization

Electrochemistry

Electrolysis

Emissions Analysis

Impedance Measurement

Membranes

Membrane Technologies

Molecular Characterization

Polymer Chemistry

Polymer Engineering

Resin Casting

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering/Polymer Chemistry/Polymer Engineering

M.S./M.Tech in Polymer chemistry/Polymer science and technology

M.E./M.Tech in Chemical Engineering

Tools

EIS instrumentation

Polarization curves setup

Conductivity cells

Job description

1. Design and develop advanced PFSA membranes by tailoring polymer architecture and membrane thickness through solution casting and coating processes to enhance PEM water electrolyzer performance and durability.

2. Develop advanced structure and composite membranes to balance conductivity, mechanical strength and gas crossover.

3. Optimize ionomer dispersions: solvent systems, equivalent weight (EW), solids content, rheology and annealing conditions.

4. Measure proton conductivity (in-plane and through-plane), IEC, water uptake, swelling, tensile and creep properties.

5. Develop and implement component-level test methodologies to evaluate and characterize membrane properties, including mechanical, chemical, thermal, and electrochemical performance.

6. Run accelerated stress tests: Fenton/OCV chemical degradation, fluoride release rate, mechanical cycling and pressure-differential tests.

7. Use characterization techniques like FTIR, NMR, TGA, DSC, DMA, SAXS/WAXS, SEM/EDX and XPS to relate structure to performance.

8. Assess H/O crossover and membrane behavior in single-cell and short-stack electrolyzer tests with the MEA level

9. Transfer lab processes to pilot roll-to-roll casting/coating with process engineering; define specs and QC methods.

10. Analyze the post operated MEA to identify the failure modes (Thinning, Pinholes and chemical attack etc.)

11. Qualify advanced membrane technologies through rigorous testing, reliability assessment, and performance verification under application-relevant operating conditions.

12. Develop and implement safe work practices for PFSA ionomer handling and testing.

13. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate membrane performance requirements into robust qualification plans and acceptance criteria.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED :

1. Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering/Polymer Chemistry/Polymer Engineering or a related field with 1+ years of industry experience or M.Sc./M.Tech (Polymer chemistry/Polymer science and technology) with 3+ years of industry experience

2. Experience with electrochemical methods: EIS, polarization curves, conductivity cells, gas crossover measurement.

3. Working knowledge of PFSA ionomer chemistry: EW, side-chain structure, phase-separated morphology, and degradation mechanisms is required.

4. Background in membrane durability under high differential pressure, high current density or dynamic operation is essential.

5. Exposure to hydrocarbons or PFAS-free ionomer alternatives is desired

6. Track record of peer-reviewed publications or patents in ion-exchange membranes is preferred.

Ohmium Culture :

At Ohmium, you are expected to embody and champion our core cultural values:

• Accountability:I own my tasks andexecuteon time.

Demonstrate strong accountability by owning deliverables and decisions, ensuring timely and consistent results.

• Teamwork:I will not let other teams fail.

Takes ownership beyond own team to support cross-team success and prevent failures, thereby fostering a collaborative work environment.

• Learning Mindset:I drive change and learn from mistakes.

Exhibits a strong growth mindset by proactively leading meaningful change and consistently learning from experience.

• Winning Attitude:I compete to win.

Showing upevery daywith a strong perspective, to drive results and be the BEST in Green Energy.

Skills:-

Chemical Characterization, Electrochemistry, Electrolysis, Emissions Analysis, Impedance Measurement, Membranes, Membrane Technologies, Molecular Characterization, Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Engineering, Resin Casting

Education: -

Master of Engineering / Master of Technology (M.E./ M.Tech) - Chemical Engineering, Master of Science (M.S) - Chemistry, PhD - Chemical Engineering

Ohmium is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.