Head of R&D in Berlin

Engineering Posted July 4, 2026 at 9:00 AM

Head of R&D

Company

Location

Berlin

Type

executive

Commensurate with experience

Who are we looking for?

• PhD in Physics
• Physical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• or related field
• Strong hands-on experimental track record in coupled physical-chemical systems
• Relentless focus on tightening tolerances and reducing noise
• Think in governing variables
• failure modes
• and uncertainty bounds
• Able to connect experimental rigor to real-world product requirements
• Clear communicator with high ownership

Head of R&D

About Nordran Technologies

Nordran Technologies is at the forefront of AI infrastructure innovation, tackling one of its most critical challenges: efficient and reliable liquid cooling. We accelerate the buildout of hyperscale AI data centers by making liquid cooling chemistry measurable and controllable. Our patented chemical-physical sensing technology continuously monitors coolant stability, proactively detecting degradation before it can lead to costly downtime.

With pilot systems successfully deployed and demonstrating immense potential, we are now entering a pivotal phase focused on driving performance, robustness, and long-term stability to achieve full commercial readiness. This is a unique opportunity to join a deep-tech startup making a tangible impact on the future of artificial intelligence.

The Opportunity: Head of R&D

We are seeking an exceptional and hands-on Head of R&D to lead the charge in maximizing the performance and hardening our innovative sensing platform for hyperscale deployment. This high-ownership role is critical to our success, empowering you to push the boundaries of our technology and ensure it meets the rigorous reliability and stability standards demanded by the world's leading AI infrastructure customers. If you are a visionary scientist with a relentless focus on precision and commercialization, we invite you to help accelerate the AI infrastructure revolution.

Key Responsibilities

As the Head of R&D, you will be accountable for delivering commercial-grade robustness and performance across our sensing platform. Your responsibilities will include:

• Driving the current sensing architecture to its absolute performance limits through rigorous experimentation and analysis.
• Significantly reducing variability, drift, and cross-sensitivity to achieve defined target margins for all system parameters.
• Tightening repeatability and stability across diverse solvent, temperature, and chemical variations.
• Designing and executing comprehensive stress, aging, and reliability testing programs to validate system robustness.
• Continuously identifying and eliminating dominant performance bottlenecks to enhance overall system efficiency and longevity.
• Translating complex experimental findings into concrete, actionable product improvements and engineering specifications.
• Leading, mentoring, and guiding a small, high-performing applied science team in executing focused experimental programs.
• Ensuring the sensing system consistently meets the stringent reliability and stability standards essential for large-scale AI data center deployment.

Eligibility & Requirements

• PhD in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Strong, hands-on experimental track record with a deep understanding of coupled physical-chemical systems.
• A relentless focus on tightening tolerances, reducing noise, and achieving precision in experimental results.
• A robust analytical mindset, enabling you to think in terms of governing variables, potential failure modes, and uncertainty bounds.
• Demonstrated ability to connect experimental rigor and scientific principles directly to real-world product requirements and commercial viability.
• A clear, concise communicator with a high degree of ownership and accountability for outcomes.
• Competitive compensation package complemented by significant stock options.
• A high-ownership role within a fast-moving, deep-tech startup environment.
• Opportunity to work directly on hardware deployed with leading AI infrastructure customers, seeing your impact firsthand.
• Access to a modern lab and office in Berlin, equipped with the tools, budget, and autonomy required to build and innovate rapidly.
• Join a compassionate, low-politics culture that values high ambition and fosters a strong sense of ownership.

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