Head of Process Development and Engineering, HalZero

Hydro is a global aluminium company striving to be a leader in working towards a sustainable future. In 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 Hydro’s 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 process. In 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 department. In this leadership position, you will play a pivotal role in turning HalZero’s 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, combining advanced process technology and industrial scale development
• Be part of major technology development and industrialization projects
• Join and shape a 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 plant’s process and systems engineering 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 and systems engineering function, providing technical leadership and contributing to strategic decision‑making across the project.

What will make you successful?

• MSc or PhD in Chemical or Process Engineering
• 10–15 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 be expected. 

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 systems. As a part of the application process, we include screening questions to help us establish connections to high-risk countries. In addition, candidates who progress to the final stage will undergo a background check conducted by an independent third-party provider. The 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) 91730301

Recruiter
Astrid Skogen
(Norway +47) 98006451