R&D Engineer / Product Development - Climate Tech | Water Harvesting

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Flatgigs is recruiting for our innovative client based out of Dubai UAE:

A pioneering climate tech startup is revolutionizing atmospheric water harvesting and energy-efficient dehumidification through advanced material science and engineering. Their mission tackles global water scarcity while reducing the energy footprint of cooling systems with sustainable solutions.

An opportunity exists for an innovative and hands-on R&D Engineer to drive the development of atmospheric water harvesting technology, progressing projects from concept through to prototype stage. The successful candidate will contribute to transforming new ideas into high-performance systems by applying mechanical and thermal engineering principles to design, construct, and optimize practical solutions.

Position Highlights:

• Contribute to a team addressing global water security challenges.
• Develop tangible technology with significant humanitarian and environmental applications.
• Engage in the end-to-end development of next-generation water harvesting systems, from concept to prototype.
• Participate in a dynamic startup environment where contributions directly influence product development.
• Opportunity for equity participation and professional growth within a scaling organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technology Innovation: Responsibility for developing and testing advanced water harvesting technologies, including exploration of sorption-based, condensation-based, and hybrid methodologies.
• System Design & Product Development: Application of mechanical and thermal engineering principles for the design of high-performance systems, encompassing components such as heat exchangers and regeneration mechanisms.
• Prototyping & Testing: Design, construction, and testing of functional prototypes, translating conceptual designs into operational systems and gathering performance data for subsequent analysis.
• Optimization & Validation: Utilization of simulations and empirical testing to improve system performance, minimize energy consumption, and verify long-term operational reliability.
• Documentation & IP Filing: Maintenance of comprehensive records pertaining to R&D activities, experimental outcomes, and technical discoveries, including the preparation of technical documentation for intellectual property protection and patent applications.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of five years of relevant experience in Research & Development, product development, or systems engineering, preferably within the fields of water harvesting, HVAC, or climate technology.
• A thorough understanding of heat and mass transfer phenomena, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in prototype development, mechanical design, and system testing procedures.
• Familiarity with porous materials (e.g., Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs), silica gels) and the principles of adsorption/desorption cycles is advantageous.
• Proficiency with CAD software, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), or simulation tools such as COMSOL or ANSYS is considered a significant asset.
• An independent, resourceful, proactive, and solution-focused approach consistent with a startup environment.

Compensation and Benefits Package:

• A competitive salary package commensurate with the local cost of living.
• Eligibility for Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs) for qualified candidates.
• A standard five-day workweek with provision for flexible working hours.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Annual paid leave entitlement, including a round-trip air ticket to the employee's home country.
• Opportunity to work within a dynamic, mission-oriented team environment offering significant scope for professional development.