A Technologist in the field of engineering in the Hydrogen sector

Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK) is a private research institution devoted to excellence in research across numerous disciplines and designed to keep the Autonomous Province of Trento in the mainstream of European and international research. Each research area is assigned to a specific research center, for a total of twelve. Information regarding the research centers, their activities and production is available at http://www.fbk.eu/research-centers.

Workplace 

The Centre for Sustainable Energy (SE) supports the development of efficient devices and methods for generating, storing, and distributing energy solutions with low environmental impact. This is achieved by taking an energy sustainability approach that respects the environment and quality of life, while minimising health and environmental pollution. The ground for the Centre on "Sustainable Energy" is based on the Decarbonization targets, which will require more flexibility in the energy system through new gas and power grids, using energy vectors and storage solutions to enable the broad penetration of renewable energy sources.
The HYdrogen Technologies and Resilient Energy Systems unit (HyRES) is a dedicated research and development unit at the forefront of advancing hydrogen technology and resilient energy systems. With a primary focus on hydrogen, the unit works diligently to innovate the future energy grid, making it more intelligent and capable of integrating renewable sources.  A central goal is to ensure energy resilience and security, particularly in collaboration with industrial partners. The unit's research encompasses various aspects, including hydrogen production, storage and end uses, all with the overarching aim of reducing the carbon footprint of energy systems and positively impacting the energy market, making it more sustainable and secure for the future. 
The HYRES unit is involved in several European, national and industry-funded projects concerning hydrogen technologies, including the characterisation of low- and high-temperature fuel cells and electrolysers, energy system modelling, techno-economic assessment and sustainability analysis.

FBK actively seeks diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is also committed to promoting gender equality. To promote the inclusion of disabled staff as per law 68/99, the Foundation is available and interested in evaluating the applications received for technical-scientific domains that do not correspond exactly to this call.
 

Job Description

The HyRES Unit is seeking a technology for the Engineering area, focused on Balance of Plant (BOP) and components for the H2 sector, covering design, procurement, and commissioning of demos, prototypes, and internal test benches.
The successful candidate will contribute to the following tasks: 

  • Support the Head of Unit in defining the specifications for equipment, instrumentation and facility, acting as supervisor of the asset within the ENGINEERING competence area;
  • Support the definition of the infrastructure scheme for the center's novel facility, through continuous confrontation with suppliers and contractors;
  • Participate in engineering activities focused on developing PFDs and P&IDs for H2 systems (electrolyzers, fuel cell, compressors, etc.);
  • Lead the activities on process modelling for the sizing and design of H2 plant and process; 
  • Support and collaborate with the H2 team for equipment supply and preparation of requirements for equipment and components across H2 activities and projects;
  • Support process safety engineering activities, including HAZOP and HAZID studies, consequence analysis, and the definition of risk mitigation measures for hydrogen systems.
  • Follow the development of prototypes and demos, including commissioning and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT);
  • Develop technical files for test benches, prototypes and H2 systems;
  • Produce reports, deliverables, and technical reviews;
  • Participate in and/or lead the writing of scientific papers and patents;
  • Participate in preparing project proposals.

The ideal candidate should have:

  • MSc in Engineering (process, energy, chemical, mechanical or similar);
  • Know-how in equipment sizing with particular focus on oil&gas equipment and plants (to be applied to the H2 sector);
  • Know-how in modelling tools for process engineering (ASPEN, Gproms, etc…);
  • Familiarity and experience with European RCS (Regulations, Codes and Standards) focusing on mandatory legislation and their requirements (Pressure Equipment Directive, Machinery Directive, ATEX Directive, etc.) for the H2 sector;
  • Good knowledge of written and spoken English.
  • Proven experience in writing technical reports;
  • Teamwork approach, good communication and relational skills;
  • Self-motivation and result orientation.

Furthermore, the following elements will be positively evaluated:

  • PhD or at least 3 years of experience in the field related to the call;
  • Proven experience in the Hydrogen sector focused on hydrogen production technology (electrolysis, methane cracking and SMR), hydrogen handling (transport, distribution, and storage) and hydrogen uses (burner, boiler, fuel cell, etc.) or in sizing equipment for Oil&gas (with focus on gas handling, as purification, compression, etc.)


Employment

Type of contract: fixed-term contract
Working hours: Full time (38 h per week)
Start date: October 2026
Duration: 24 months with the possibility of extending the contract depending on funding
Workplace: Povo (Trento) and Rovereto
Gross annual salary: From €41.245,00 to €47.182,01 depending on background and expertise in the field, plus objectives achievements bonus
Benefits: flexi-time, company subsidized cafeteria or meal vouchers, internal car park, welcome office support for visa formalities and for research in accommodation, accommodation etc., supplementary pension and health fund, social security (SANIFONDS), family-work balance, free training courses, support on bank account opening, discount on public transport, sport, language course fees, counseling and psychological support service. More info at https://www.fbk.eu/en/work-with-us/

Application

Interested candidates are requested to submit their application by completing the online form (https://jobs.fbk.eu/). Please make sure that your application contains the following attachments (in pdf format):

  • Detailed CV including relevant past experiences (as an attached document in PDF format);
  • Cover Letter (explaining your motivation for this specific position).

Application deadline: 31/08/2026

Please read our Recruitment Regulations before completing your application.

For further information or technical issues regarding the application, please contact the People Innovation for Research Department  at jobs@fbk.eu.