Working Student Process Engineering / R&D (f/m/x)

About Greenlyte

Greenlyte Carbon Technologies is developing a fossil-free fuel future through its patented direct air capture-to-fuels platform. The company says its technology has strong economic potential compared with existing methods and can even approach fossil-fuel price levels. Supported by leading European venture capital investors and backed by commercial agreements with Lufthansa and MB Energy, Greenlyte is preparing its first commercial sites to demonstrate viability within the next 12 months.

Role overview

As a Working Student in Process Engineering and R&D, you will work at the point where concepts become real equipment. Based onsite in Essen, you will support engineering and research teams in developing, running, and refining direct air capture systems. The role is practical and hands-on, with direct exposure to pilot-plant operations and the chance to contribute to technology that removes carbon from the air.

What you will do

• Assist with the day-to-day operation, upkeep, and refinement of DAC pilot plants and experimental systems.
• Create and update 3D CAD models as well as technical drawings for plant parts and test setups.
• Use P&IDs to understand process flow, trace connections, and document modifications accurately.
• Support the mechanical installation of new equipment such as piping, pumps, and solid-liquid separation units.
• Translate process ideas into functioning hardware and help bring carbon capture solutions into real-world use.
• Contribute new ideas to a team that values initiative and implements strong suggestions in the plant.

Growth plan for the first 12 months

During months 1 to 3, you will learn the plants, tools, and diagrams, and begin assisting with routine operations. From months 4 to 6, you will take charge of CAD-related tasks and support smaller integration assignments with team guidance. From months 7 to 12, you will handle defined workstreams on your own and suggest improvements to make the systems perform better.

What we are looking for

We welcome students who are currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical, Process, or Mechanical Engineering, or a similar technical discipline. You should understand process engineering fundamentals and fluid mechanics, be comfortable using CAD tools such as Fusion or Inventor, and be able to read and interpret P&IDs. A practical, self-driven mindset and a willingness to turn theory into practice are important. The role requires availability for 20 hours per week and motivation to contribute to sustainable technology.

Nice to have

Previous hands-on experience with pumps, piping, or solid-liquid separation from a lab, workshop, or internship would be an advantage. Exposure to direct air capture, chemical plant environments, or other sustainability-oriented technologies is also helpful. German language ability would support smoother coordination on the plant floor.

What we offer

• 20 days of annual leave in addition to public holidays.
• Meaningful responsibility from the start, with your work directly used in the company’s plants.
• A small, high-trust team with flat structures and little micromanagement.
• Guidance from engineers working on first-of-a-kind technology and the opportunity to learn quickly.
• Direct contribution to global decarbonization, with tangible results.
• A curious, supportive team culture that is serious about the mission and still enjoys working together.
• The opportunity to observe the rollout of the first commercial facilities over the next year.

Working conditions

This is an onsite role in Essen at the pilot plants. The working time is 20 hours per week, with flexibility to fit around your studies.

Application note

The company welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and focuses on potential. If you meet most of the essential criteria, you are encouraged to apply. Applications are being accepted through August, and feedback is planned by mid-August.

About the company

Greenlyte is an energy technology company focused on scalable, cost-competitive production of resilient e-fuels for heavy industry, aviation, and shipping. Its LiquidSolar™ technology converts CO₂ and renewable electricity into feedstocks for e-Methanol, e-Diesel, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Founded in 2022, the company has raised more than €55 million, secured 4 patents, and logged over 15,000 hours of system operation. More than 80 specialists are working with major industrial partners on the first commercial plants, and the long-term goal is to convert 100 million tonnes of CO₂ per year by 2050.