Senior R&D Engineer – Thermofluids

About the role

As a (Senior) R&D Engineer Thermofluids you will lead the design and development of innovative mud delivery, extraction, and cooling systems for ultra‑deep laser drilling. You will work closely with the founding technical team and a multidisciplinary group of engineers, geologists, and scientists to make deep drilling faster and more cost‑effective.

Key responsibilities

• Conceptualise, design and prototype novel thermofluid systems for mud delivery, extraction and cooling.
• Collaborate with engineers, geologists and scientists to integrate fluid solutions into drilling operations.
• Own the modelling stack: select, implement and maintain CFD and multiphase simulation tools.
• Design and build benchtop rigs and instrumentation (pressure, flow, temperature) for experimental validation.
• Analyse experimental data to calibrate models and drive continuous improvement.

Required profile

• Deep expertise in thermofluids, including CFD, multiphase heat transfer, rheology and fluid dynamics.
• Proven ability to establish and manage modelling and simulation toolsets.
• Experiment‑driven R&D mindset with experience designing and operating laboratory rigs.
• Prior exposure to mud systems, geothermal, oil & gas or deep‑mining environments is a plus.
• Degree in Mechanical, Thermal or Fluids Engineering; PhD preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication in English.
• Willingness to reside in the greater Munich area.

Required skills

• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Multiphase heat‑transfer analysis
• Rheology and thermofluid dynamics
• Modelling and simulation software
• Benchtop rig design and instrumentation (pressure, flow, temperature measurement)
• Experimental data analysis and model calibration

What we offer

• Opportunity to impact Europe’s resource and energy sovereignty.
• Human‑centred culture with supportive colleagues.
• Strong sense of community through team events and activities.
• Highly competitive compensation and benefits package.