R&D Engineer – Thermal Systems & Product Development

R&D Engineer – Thermal Systems & Product Development (m / f / d)About CowaCowa Thermal Solutions develops highly compact thermal energy storage solutions enabling the replacement of fossil heating systems with heat pumps in space-constrained buildings. Our technology is based on patented, salt-based phase change materials (PCM) and is being commercialized together with leading HVAC OEM partners across Europe.As Cowa moves from technology validation into commercialization and scale-up, we are strengthening our R&D team with a senior, hands-on engineer covering system engineering, applied R&D and product development.Your RoleAs R&D Engineer – Thermal Systems & Product Development, you will play a key role in shaping Cowa’s system-level technology and translating it into scalable, market-ready products. You will operate at the interface of R&D, system engineering and product development, while also contributing to publicly funded research projects and grant activities.You will work closely with materials development, product management, testing and OEM partners and report directly to the CTO.Your ResponsibilitiesR&D & System EngineeringDesign and optimize PCM-based thermal storage systems for heat pump applications (temperature levels, sizing, operating strategies)Perform thermodynamic modelling and system-level simulationsDevelop and optimize heat transfer and system integration conceptsTranslate system-level insights into clear technical requirements for product developmentProvide system-level input to the material development and validationProduct DevelopmentActively contribute to product development from prototype to series-ready productWork closely with Product Management to align technical solutions with market and OEM requirementsSupport industrialization activities (design-to-cost, design-for-manufacturing, design-for-integration)Testing, Validation & OEM ProjectsDefine validation strategies and test requirementsClosely collaborate with internal and external testing engineers on laboratory and field testsAnalyze test and pilot results and translate findings into product and system improvementsProvide technical support for OEM development projects and pilot installationsResearch Projects & GrantsContribute to the definition, execution and reporting of publicly funded research and innovation projectsSupport grant applications and project proposals together with the CTOCoordinate technical work packages with academic and industrial partnersEnsure alignment between research activities and Cowa’s product and technology roadmapYour ProfileRequiredMSc or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Physics or similarProven experience with heat pump systems and their integration into building energy systemsStrong background in thermodynamics and heat transferExperience with modelling and simulation tools (e.g. Matlab, Python, Modelica, COMSOL or similar)Experience in applied R&D and product-oriented engineeringStructured, independent and solution-oriented working styleStrong communication skills for collaboration with internal teams and external partnersNice to HaveIndustry experience in HVAC, energy systems or thermal storageExperience with publicly funded research projects and grant managementExposure to product industrialization and OEM collaborationExperience working with academic institutions or research centersWhat We OfferA key technical role in a deep-tech company entering commercialization and scale-upHigh level of ownership and direct influence on technology and productsClose collaboration with world-class chemists, engineers and leading HVAC OEMsInvolvement in industrial and publicly funded research projectsFlat hierarchy, short decision paths and strong technical focusCompetitive compensation and flexible working conditions jid6b56f32a jit0207a jiy26a