Head of Engineering - Water & Wastewater Treatment Systems

Head of Engineering - Water & Wastewater Treatment Systems

Location: Oberhaching (south of Munich, Bavaria, Germany, 100% On-site)

About PFASuiki

PFASuiki is a startup driven by a clear purpose: to create a world free from persistent “forever chemicals” by setting the global standard for safe, sustainable PFAS destruction. Through our advanced electrochemical oxidation technology, we enable industries and communities to eliminate PFAS directly at the source - transforming contaminated streams into safe water, ensuring regulatory compliance, and protecting human and environmental health for generations to come.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a visionary Head of Engineering to own the full engineering lifecycle, from early pilot platforms to fully deployable, commercial-ready systems. This role demands deep expertise across flow optimisation, hydraulic design, controls and sensing strategy, system integration, industrialisation, and manufacturability. You will convert laboratory and pilot findings into standardised, modular, end-to-end engineering solutions deployable across diverse water markets (industrial, chemical, pharmaceutical, landfill, and municipal wastewater).

You will shape the architecture of PFASuiki’s PFAS destruction systems, optimise them for reliable performance, and ensure they are cost-effective, safe, compliant, easy to install, and easy to operate.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the transition from prototypes and pilot units (TRL 5–6) to industrial-grade systems suitable for global deployment.
• Own all system-level design: hydraulics, flow pattern optimisation, mixing behaviour, mass transfer, power distribution, and electrode configuration.
• Develop control philosophies, automation strategies, and sensor/monitoring frameworks that ensure stable, high-performance operation.
• Maintain and evolve PFDs, P&IDs, mass and energy balances, functional specifications, and full engineering documentation packages.
• Ensure that system architecture supports integration into broader treatment trains, including upstream/downstream modules, safety systems, pre/post-treatment, skid-mounted units, and customer SCADA interfaces.
• Translate bench-scale and pilot learnings into repeatable, modular, manufacturable designs.
• Define engineering standards, design rules, and documentation structures for scalable production.
• Optimise system geometry, flow paths, instrumentation, and layout for ease of deployment, commissioning efficiency, and operator usability.
• Drive DFMA (Design for Manufacturing & Assembly) and DFSC (Design for Service & Commissioning).
• Architect the automation, real-time monitoring, and control logic required for safe, efficient electrochemical operation.
• Define the sensing package (flow, pressure, conductivity, oxidation-reduction indicators, temperature, safety sensors) and ensure accurate, stable data acquisition.
• Develop alarm philosophies, fault-handling routines, and remote monitoring capabilities.
• Ensure seamless integration with customer DCS/SCADA systems.
• Work closely with fabricators, machine builders, component suppliers, and integrators.
• Specify mechanical, electrical, and control components that balance reliability, cost, longevity, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee assembly, FAT, quality procedures, and supply chain readiness for pilot and early commercial units.

Performance, Reliability & Lifecycle Responsibility

• Own system reliability and lifecycle engineering.
• Analyse data from bench tests, pilots, and field installations to drive iterative improvement and optimisation.
• Ensure designs are robust across diverse water matrices (industrial wastewater, chemical effluents, pharma residues, landfill leachate).
• Implement structured feedback loops to refine flow patterns, energy usage, electrode efficiency, and control algorithms.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure designs meet CE, electrical, pressure, and safety standards.
• Lead or support HAZID, HAZOP, FMEA, DSEAR/ATEX assessments and ensure all engineering decisions incorporate safety and regulatory requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Technology Development to translate electrochemical R&D results into engineered systems.
• Partner with Application Engineering on field requirements, pilot setups, and customer-facing technical discussions.
• Support Business Development in late-stage discussions by defining technical boundaries, deployment constraints, and cost drivers.

Experience & Qualifications

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Chemical, Mechanical, Process Engineering, or related discipline.
• 8+ years of engineering experience in complex water/wastewater systems, ideally spanning industrial, chemical, pharma, or hazardous waste sectors.
• Demonstrated success optimising flow dynamics, hydraulics, mixing, and control systems in treatment technologies or electrochemical.
• Proven track record translating bench-scale and pilot-scale technology into commercial, deployable, industry-ready products.
• Experience with standard instrumentation, safety systems, automation standards, and electrical compliance in the EU.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks and the Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE environment.
• Fluency in German; professional English proficiency.

Skills & Attributes

• Deep understanding of process engineering, water treatment integration, and real-world operational constraints.
• Strong technical leadership with the ability to convert R&D innovation into practical engineering outputs.
• Excellent communicator who simplifies complex engineering into clear decisions for internal and external audiences.
• Creative, analytical problem-solver with structured thinking.
• Collaborative leader who thrives in fast-paced, evolving environments.

What Success Looks Like in the First 12 Months

• A well-defined, optimised, and documented system design ready for commercialisation.
• One or more pilots operating reliably with closed engineering feedback loops.
• Clear standards for flow optimisation, instrumentation, control logic, and hydraulic design.
• Supplier ecosystem defined and manufacturing partners aligned for early production.
• Bench and pilot learnings fully translated into an industrial design that is modular, scalable, and compliant.
• PFASuiki positioned to move confidently from pilot delivery to market-ready installations.

What we Offer

• The opportunity to solve one of the world's most critical environmental crises – your work will have a measurable, positive impact on global health.
• A dynamic, innovative, and collaborative work culture in Munich where your ideas directly shape the product roadmap and company strategy.
• A competitive compensation package including a strong fixed salary and a performance-based variable component (incl. public transportation allowance and lunch subsidies).
• Direct involvement in setting the market standard for PFAS destruction technologies.
• Opportunities for professional growth with unparalleled exposure to the full lifecycle of disruptive technology – from R&D to global commercial execution.

If you are a passionate Head of Engineering with the unique blend of deep process expertise, commercial instinct, and the drive to make “forever chemicals” a problem of the past, we want to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant expertise and motivation to apply@pfasuiki.com.