Cathode Design Engineer

Hydro is a global aluminium company with production, sales and trading activities throughout the value chain, from bauxite, alumina and energy generation to the production of primary aluminium and extruded products as well as recycling. Based in Norway, the company has 31,000 employees involved in activities in more than 40 countries on all continents. Rooted in more than a century of experience in renewable energy production, technology development and progressive partnerships, Hydro is committed to strengthening the viability of the customers and communities we serve.

Technology and Operational Support (TOS) is responsible for technology development for primary production of aluminium. Hydro, as a world leader within aluminium production technology, endlessly pushes the performance of the electrolysis technology towards world-leading low energy consumption and environmental footprint. The challenging work to develop, qualify and manage such technology is the responsibility of TOS. In Årdal, TOS has full-scale testing facilities as well as laboratories where we can bring ideas, theory, and academic knowledge into technological solutions.

Challenges that will make you grow:

You will be part of a team that develops aluminium electrolysis cell technology to secure efficiency and optimal operation and implements new technology at Hydro's smelters in Norway and abroad. In your position you will develop skills and work dedicated towards the cathodes of the electrolysis cell. Through your experience within the field of high temperature chemistry, materials, mechanics, thermal design, and thermo-electrics you will work on subassemblies and concepts, as well as on full thermo-electrical simulations of the cathodes for our plants. The role carries responsibilities along the full lifecycle of the electrolysis cell, starting with idea generation, design, engineering, production follow-up, operational monitoring and post-operative inspection i.e., autopsies.

We can offer:

• Exciting challenges, teamwork across disciplines, room to influence through flexible and varied working day extending from the office area to the operational floor at the plants.
• The opportunity to work with top researchers and experts in the aluminium industry.
• A friendly and international work environment.
• Active participation in the whole workflow through initiation, planning, and execution of technology development projects.
• Possibilities for rotation within your area of expertise and at different locations.
• Project management responsibility, where the right candidate will have the possibility to develop into operational, technological, or general management positions, alternatively the possibility to expand the area of responsibility within the position to cover a larger technical field or project portfolio.
• International opportunities through technical support assignments, project activities and shorter internships.

Qualifications that will help you get ahead:

• PhD or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Material Science or Mechanical Engineering.
• Data analytics skills (e.g. Python, PowerBi) is preferable.
• Creative, innovative, and curious with well-developed problem-solving skills.
• Structured, practical, and systematic with attention to detail.
• Capacity to work independently and under pressure, while sharing competence and issues with the team.
• Work in teams and collaborate across the organization.
• Good communication skills: Fluent in Norwegian and English, orally and written.

Other information

This position is open for both recent university graduates and applicants with several years of work experience.
The position will require some business travel in connection with operational support assignments at our plants, both in Norway and abroad.

Location: Øvre Årdal
Application Deadline: 31st March 2024

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact:

• Hiring manager
  Anders Lilleby, Group Manager Cell Technology
  +47 91854217
• Recruiter
  Siri Romsbotn, HR Specialist
  +47 46433363