Senior R&D Engineer

At ZeroAvia, we’re clean sky thinkers. For the world to achieve truly clean, guilt-free flight, we need a scalable solution; hydrogen-electric powertrains. As a leader in zero-emission aviation and a UK Jet Zero Council member, we’re designing and commercialising hydrogen-powered solutions that will positively impact the future of aviation, global connectivity, and the world.

You will become a solution-focused champion in our high-velocity culture. We value results and efficiency and prioritise achieving our mission most effectively and innovatively possible. You’ll be part of our unified team to create solutions and solve problems. If you’re eager to take radical ownership and are unafraid to ask questions or challenge the status quo, then we want you to be part of our Clean Sky Thinking.

Please note: This role will be relocating from Discovery Park, Sandwich to Cotswold Airport, Kemble from Mid-End 2025. Only apply if you are happy with this arrangement.

The Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) Development Group of ZeroAvia is developing durable high-performing High Temperature MEAs using internally developed catalysts, electrode layers and GDEs (Gas Diffusion Electrodes). The MEA team aims to deliver a higher-performing and more durable MEA which will make a significant contribution into the specific power and lifetime goals of the future hydrogen energy system for use in larger, long-range aircraft. As a member of this team, you will be responsible for determining and optimizing the MEA assembly methods for newly developed catalyst electrodes and membranes.

Main responsibilities:

1. Leads and completes assigned technical activities aimed at the development and scaling of the MEA assembly methods, associated manufacturing processes, quality control, and MEA application conditions.
2. Establishes critical process parameters, defines optimum operating conditions and key quality indicators for manufacturing.
3. Develops standardized testing methods and procedures for MEA characterization with the MEA Test Engineer.
4. Analyses the testing data, generates proposals for the next development steps, and communicates to the technical community.
5. Develops new laboratory capabilities (equipment, methods), runs reproducibility and repeatability analysis and leads improvement activities. Prepares and executes equipment maintenance plan.
6. Documents experimental data/observations in technical notebooks or electronic files.
7. Develops an understanding of the IP landscape and takes part in generating new IP positions for the Company in the assigned technology.
8. Understands workplace safety and adheres to company Health and Safety Policy.
9. May assist in the development of other technical employees, contract workers, tech aides, etc.

Experience and qualifications:

1. MSc in Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering
2. 5+ years of practical experience in the development of membrane electrode assemblies for fuel cells
3. Strong understanding of the MEA manufacturing processes from lab scale to pre-production.
4. Understanding of technology trends and demonstration of knowledge, skills, abilities in areas related to hydrogen fuel cells.
5. Able to create detailed project plans and work breakdown structures for projects.
6. Possesses and applies problem-solving skills.
7. Strong technical and non-technical communication skills.
8. Interpersonal and team skills necessary to perform effectively in a variety of cross-functional team situations.

Diversity and Inclusion:

ZeroAvia is an equal opportunity employer and as a young company in the aviation industry, we value diversity and need people of different backgrounds that bring a plethora of skills, perspectives, and mindsets to the table that can spur originality, imagination, and creativity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.