Process Engineer – Design & PLC

Hyca Heat; Germany (OH); On-site; USD 62,907 - 85,782; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive compensation package

Opportunity to impact the company

Work in a passionate team

Job summary

Hyca Heat, a German deep-tech startup, is seeking a Process Engineer to develop innovative hybrid process-heat systems. This position involves design, engineering, and automation, requiring a strong background in CAD and PLC programming. The role is hybrid, based in Jülich, offering the chance to contribute to advanced heating technology and be part of a passionate founding team.

Successful candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in thermodynamics, with fluency in German and English. Apply to be part of a transformation in industrial energy.

Qualifications

• Degree in process engineering, mechanical engineering, energy technology, or related field.
• Solid experience in CAD design of components and assemblies.
• Sound knowledge of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics.
• Business-fluent in German (C1/C2) and excellent English.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineering of components and assemblies using CAD.
• Development and testing of hybrid heating systems.
• PLC programming and commissioning of control systems.
• Integration of instrumentation and control systems.

Skills

CAD design

PLC programming

Thermodynamics understanding

Fluid dynamics knowledge

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Process Engineering or related field

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT

Siemens TIA Portal

Job description

Help us decarbonize industrial process heat. We are a small, highly motivated founding team — looking for exceptional people who want to make a real impact.

Process Engineer – Design & Automation / PLC (m/f/d) – Shape our hybrid process-heat systems from design to control

About Hyca Heat

Hyca Heat is a German deep-tech startup at the forefront of the industrial energy transition. We are developing a globally unique, patented heating technology that combines highly efficient catalytic combustion with electric heating. Our mission is to decarbonize the process-heat industry and to give our customers energy security and cost advantages through intelligent, flexible and emission-free systems.

As part of our founding team, you will play a key role in turning our vision into reality. We are a team of experienced engineers, entrepreneurs and scientists working passionately on one of the greatest challenges of our time.

What awaits you: Your mission at Hyca Heat

We are looking for a Process Engineer with design and automation expertise (m/f/d) to strengthen our team in Jülich. This is a hybrid position with typically 1–2 home-office days per week (depending on current tasks).

You will work at the interface of design, process engineering and automation, advancing our hybrid industrial process-heat systems (steam generators, thermal-oil heaters, thermal process plants) from mechanical design through CAD engineering to PLC-based control.

Your responsibilities:

• Design and engineering of our components and assemblies (heat exchangers, heating registers, enclosures, container layouts) using CAD – from initial concepts to production-ready drawings.
• Development and testing of our hybrid heating systems, including pre-dimensioning, prototype construction and system testing.
• PLC programming and commissioning of control and safety systems (ideally Beckhoff TwinCAT and/or Siemens TIA Portal).
• Integration of instrumentation and control (I&C) as well as sensors and actuators into our systems.

What you should definitely bring (must-haves):

• Degree or technician qualification: Completed degree (Bachelor's/Master's) or technician qualification in process engineering, mechanical engineering, energy technology, automation engineering or a related field.
• Design experience: Solid experience in CAD design of components and assemblies, with a good understanding of function, manufacturability and assembly.
• Technical understanding: Sound knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics or process engineering, and the ability to translate technical relationships into robust designs.
• Language skills: Business-fluent German (C1/C2) as well as excellent English for communication within the team, with customers and international suppliers.
• Artificial intelligence: Openness to integrating and using AI tools.

What also excites us (preferred skills):

• PLC programming: Experience programming and commissioning controllers with Beckhoff (TwinCAT) and/or Siemens (TIA Portal / Step 7).
• Experience with safety technology (e.g. TwinSAFE, SIL assessment, burner control units).
• Professional experience with burner/heating systems, thermal systems, catalysts or gas-carrying components.
• A self-reliant and self-motivated way of working as well as excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

We know that a CV doesn't capture the whole person. If you're unsure whether your profile is a perfect fit: just apply and give us a chance to get to know you!

What we offer:

• Maximum impact: Your work is not a small part of a large whole – what you do really matters!
• A unique challenge: Work at the interface of deep-tech hardware, renewable energy and artificial intelligence.
• Responsibility and growth: Take on responsibility from day one and grow with the company.
• A strong team: Become part of a highly motivated and experienced founding team with a clear vision.
• An attractive compensation package: We offer a competitive salary and the option to participate in the company's success (VSOP).

*Please note that this is a hybrid role requiring partial on-site presence in Jülich (Germany).*

Our application process

We take the application process particularly seriously, because in a small startup team every individual matters a great deal and the team fit has to be right.

• Short introductory interview (10-min online call)
• Job interview (45-min online call)
• On-site appointment in Jülich and working on a relevant task that simulates the actual work (2 h).
• Meet the team and reference check
• Decision

At Hyca Heat we place great value on inclusive ways of working and diverse teams. We therefore encourage applications from a range of underrepresented demographic groups.

Ready for the challenge?

Then send us your application documents (CV and a short cover letter explaining why this role excites you) to [[e-mail]](mailto:[e-mail]).