Head of Process Development and Engineering, HalZero

Hydro is a global aluminium company striving to be a leader in working towards a sustainable December 2021 we announced our plans to develop and industrialize HalZero a new CO₂ emission-free process for producing primary aluminium.

The development of HalZero is one of three pillars in Hydros initiative to deliver aluminium with net-zero CO₂ emissions. HalZero is a new and innovative way to produce aluminium where no CO₂ is emitted during the production December 2025 we completed construction of the HalZero Test Facility in Porsgrunn. Industrializing the HalZero process requires extensive development including laboratory work design and operation of our Test Facility and pilots and engineering and construction of demo and full commercial plants.

The work towards CO₂ emission-free aluminium is led by the Technology Operational Support and Projects (TOP) unit in Hydro Aluminium Metal. TOP consists of 300 skilled employees in Norway and Germany whose main task is to support commercial and operational units in improving profitability and sustainability both in the short and long term. HalZero is strengthening its team in several areas to support the further development of the technology.

We are looking for a committed professional to take on the role of Head of Process Development and Engineering (PDE) to lead the this leadership position you will play a pivotal role in turning HalZeros breakthrough process technology into a safe scalable and fully integrated industrial plant.

What we offer you

• A key leadership role in a growing and innovative organization combiningadvanced process technology and industrial scale development
• Be part of major technologydevelopment and industrialization projects
• Join and shapea collaborative team with strong technical expertise

What you will be doing

In this role you will bridge technology development and full-scale project execution ensuring that validated process knowledge is translated into robust engineering design and plant architecture. You will lead the development of the plants process and systemsengineering framework system architecture and technical integration strategy working closely with technology development project teams and EPC partners.

As a member of the HalZero management team you will contribute to the technical direction execution strategy and long-term scalability of the HalZero platform.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead development of core process engineering deliverables (PFDs P&IDs design basis mass & energy balances) and translate validated process data into industrial plant design.
• Define and maintain the overall plant system architecture subsystem interfaces and requirements (URS/FRS/SRS) with full lifecycle traceability.
• Drive plant-wide process modelling and ensure designs balance safety operability scalability cost and schedule.
• Ensure highest standards of safety and compliance by leading HAZID HAZOP LOPA SIL studies and defining equipment specifications for technical procurement.
• Act as the primary technical interface with EPC partners ensuring engineering outputs are aligned with system architecture process knowledge and project objectives.
• Lead verification and validation strategy (FAT SAT integrated testing) and support commissioning planning and operational readiness.
• Integrate learnings from test and pilot facilities into plant design and lead engineering development of test facility upgrades.
• Build and lead a strong process andsystems engineering function providing technical leadership and contributing to strategic decisionmaking across the project.

What will make you successful

• MSc or PhD in Chemical or Process Engineering
• 1015 years of experience in process and/or systems engineering and industrial plant design
• Experience delivering complex industrial projects from development through execution.
• Experience working with EPC contractors and technology scale-up environments.
• Strong systems thinking and multidisciplinary engineering integration.
• Deep expertise in process design scale-up and safety-critical facilities.
• Proven ability to lead complex engineering programs and translate technology into industrial reality.

Equal opportunities

At Hydro we believe diversity makes us stronger. We welcome diverse experiences and perspectives and invite all qualified candidates to apply. We review every application fairly and strive to provide equal opportunities for everyone to grow and succeed.

Additional information

Office location is in Porsgrunn. Some travel can beexpected.

Please attach all relevant diplomas and transcripts with your application. We only accept electronic applications through our application portal. Applications and CVs will not be received by email.

This position has been classified as high-risk due to access to sensitive information and/or critical a part of the application process we include screening questions to help us establish connections to high-risk addition candidates who progress to the final stage will undergo a background check conducted by an independent third-party background check may include identity verification and relevant security-related checks that are proportionate to the role. Candidates will receive detailed information about the process before any checks are carried out.

Apply before: Sunday 12 April 2026 by midnight CET

If you have any questions please contact:

Hiring manager
Einar Wahlstrøm
(Norway 47)

Recruiter
Astrid Skogen
(Norway 47)