Fully aligned with the global challenges of the energy transition, Sweetch Energy is working toward a carbon-neutral world by developing a large-scale electricity generation technology that harnesses osmotic energy, naturally produced when freshwater meets seawater.
Our INOD® technology will enable us to generate clean electricity competitively from a massively available yet untapped energy source: osmotic energy.
We collaborate closely with major industrial partners such as the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR) and EDF Hydro to deploy these solutions at scale. The first pilot osmotic power plant, located at the mouth of the Rhône River, aims to demonstrate the potential of this technology under real-world conditions.
Driven by a commitment to push the boundaries of renewable energy, our team combines scientific expertise with industrial vision.
You will lead the Material Development team (equivalent level to Product Development Lead) while also performing the hands-on role of Material Process Engineer. Your mission: finalize the formulation of bio-based membranes, define and industrialize functionalization/coating/drying processes from lab to pre-series, ensure cost-quality-performance, and deliver industrial specifications ready for production.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Leadership: Drive the materials roadmap (TRL 5 → 7/8), prioritize projects, manage the team (objectives, rituals, KPIs), and coordinate Materials ↔ Product ↔ Process ↔ Validation.
Formulation & Specifications: Finalize formulations (modified cellulose, additives) and lock in material specifications: rheology, drying parameters, basis weight, porosity, water absorption, mechanical/chemical resistance.
Process Engineering (Ownership): Design functionalization/coating processes (R2R or batch), define design of experiments (DoE), process window and critical parameters (temperature, speed, tension, atmosphere), establish Cp/Cpk control plans and pilot capability.
Scale-up & Transfer: Prepare and conduct pilot batches, write production instructions/SOPs, lead FAT/SAT, supervise inter-site qualification (suppliers/contract manufacturers), structure repeatability/reproducibility and lot-to-lot traceability.
Reliability & Aging: Validate accelerated and representative aging protocols (pH, temperature, salinity), recommend safety margins and re-validation plans.
Quality & Compliance: Deploy MSA/SPC within the team, acceptance criteria, material dossiers, EHS requirements (solvents, emissions, ATEX if applicable), and contribute to ISO/CE compliance efforts.
Sourcing & Partners: Source and qualify cellulose, porous substrates, solvents/additives; evaluate technology/process (coating, surface treatment), negotiate supplier priorities and milestones; manage audits.
Cost & Sustainability: Drive cost-down initiatives (yields, materials, process), integrate LCA/eco-design, propose replacement options (low-VOC, bio-based).
Documentation & Governance: Maintain the reference repository (specs, 2D schematics, recipes, PFC/PCP, test reports), conduct milestone reviews (Gates), and manage ECR/ECO for materials and processes.
Engineer/PhD in polymer chemistry, physical chemistry, materials science, or process engineering.
Minimum 10 years of experience in membrane/film/coating production process development with industrial scale-up, including ≥4 years in technical team management.
Proven expertise in formulation and rheology, coating/casting processes (R2R/batch), drying, and industrial qualification (DoE, SPC, Cp/Cpk, MSA).
Strong knowledge of inorganic chemistry/interfaces and material compatibilities (polymers, solvents, additives); experience with cellulose-based materials is highly valued.
Experienced in supplier management (FAT/SAT, audits, recipe/process transfer), quality documentation, and EHS requirements.
Leadership, hands-on approach, and decision-making in uncertain contexts; ability to balance performance/cost/manufacturability and align cross-functional teams.
Professional English (international suppliers, documentation).