Senior Engineer, Membrane development

Ohmium Operations Private Limited; Chikkaballapura; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Ohmium Operations Private Limited is seeking a research leader to design advanced PFSA membranes for PEM water electrolysis. You will tailor polymer architecture and thickness, balance conductivity with gas crossover, and optimize ionomer dispersions.

You will characterize membranes with EIS, IEC, water uptake and mechanical tests while advancing lab-to-pilot scale activities. The role requires a PhD in Chemical Engineering/Polymer Science with hands-on electrochemical methods, durability under

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering/Polymer Chemistry/Polymer Engineering or related field with 1+ year industry exp.
• Experience with electrochemical methods: EIS, polarization curves, conductivity cells, gas crossover.
• Background in PFSA ionomer chemistry, EW and degradation mechanisms required.
• Membrane durability under high differential pressure and dynamic operation essential.
• Hydrocarbons or PFAS-free ionomer exposure is desirable.
• Publications or patents in ion-exchange membranes are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop PFSA membranes by tailoring polymer architecture and thickness.
• Develop advanced structure and composite membranes balancing conductivity and gas crossover.
• Optimize ionomer dispersions: solvent systems, EW, solids content and rheology.
• Measure proton conductivity, IEC, water uptake, swelling, tensile and creep.
• Run tests to evaluate mechanical, chemical, thermal and electrochemical properties.
• Perform accelerated stress tests and analyze degradation mechanisms.
• Use FTIR, NMR, TGA, DSC, DMA, SAXS/WAXS, SEM/EDX and XPS to relate structure to performance.
• Assess H2/O2 crossover in single-cell and short-stack tests at MEA level.
• Transfer lab processes to pilot roll-to-roll casting/coating; define specs and QC.
• Identify failure modes in post-operated MEA and qualify membrane tech through testing.

Skills

Electrochemistry

Polymer chemistry

Membrane science

Materials characterization

Problem solving

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering/Polymer Chemistry/Polymer Engineering

M.Sc./M.Tech in related field + 3+ yrs industry exp

Tools

EIS

NMR

FTIR

XPS

SAXS/WAXS

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 H₂/O₂ 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 and execute on 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 up every day with a strong perspective, to drive results and be the BEST in Green Energy.

Skills

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

Education

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.

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Working for a dynamic company like Ohmium will provide you with the opportunity to join an organization which is accelerating the growth of green hydrogen production around the world. You can help deploy tangible real-word solutions to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from high carbon sectors such as energy, transport, steel, and cement production.