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 [jobs@hycaheat.com](mailto:jobs@hycaheat.com).