Senior Project Manager for Project Origination and Development Renewable Synthetic Fuels (m/f/d)

Full-time permanent position, Berlin, or freelance (EU)

Renewable methanol and fuels for hard-to-abate sectors – we make it happen

Solarbelt develops production plants for next-generation renewable, climate-friendly fuels with local value creation in developing countries. As a non-profit climate organisation, we enable and actively develop first-of-a-kind (FOAK) projects at the intersection of technology, finance, and local partnerships – from concept through to plant operation and end customers.

We work closely with leading technology providers, maintain strong networks in developing countries, and collaborate with customers from the atmosfair ecosystem. Our first renewable kerosene plants gained global recognition under our sister organisation, atmosfair gGmbH.

To strengthen our Berlin-based team, we are looking for a 

Senior Project Manager for Project Origination and Development who will help realise the next generation of Power-to-Liquids (PtL) and Biomass-to-Liquids (BtL) plants and bring hands-on experience in renewable energy project development.

Your mission

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify and engage suitable project owners, co-investors, and operators in target regions in developing countries for the development and operation of plants producing eMethanol, bio-methanol, and sustainable aviation and maritime fuels

• Structure locally anchored projects across technical, environmental, and commercial dimensions – from feedstock supply through to fuel production and logistics

• Coordinate with technology providers, EPC contractors, and local developers to define plant design and estimate CAPEX and OPEX (e.g. electrolysis, CO₂ capture, synthesis units)

• Develop business cases using techno-economic models to assess production volumes, costs, revenues, and overall project viability (e.g. LCO, DCF, IRR)

• Advance projects from early concept and pre-feasibility through to detailed engineering and implementation

• Prepare techno-economic presentations and project documentation for partners, investors, funding institutions, ministries, and regulatory authorities

• Support funding applications, certification processes, and offtake and commercialisation strategies with public and private stakeholders

• Collaborate internationally with project partners, support site visits in Germany and abroad, and represent Solarbelt at conferences

Your profile

YOUR PROFILE

• University degree in engineering, natural sciences, economics, or a related field (e.g. process engineering, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, or industrial engineering)

• At least 5 years of experience in project development or project engineering in renewable energy, chemicals, or oil & gas – ideally with a focus on renewable fuels across the full value chain

• Hands-on experience across the full project lifecycle – from concept and feasibility through to detailed engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning; experience with pre-FEED or FEED and exposure to EPC execution are considered an advantage

• Strong ability to independently identify, acquire, and engage partners, and to convince and align stakeholders

• Experience coordinating EPC contractors, technology licensors, and engineering consultants regarding scope, schedule, and budget

• Familiarity with standard engineering documentation such as PFDs, P&IDs, equipment datasheets, layout plans, and mass and energy balances

• Experience in techno-economic modelling (e.g. LCO, DCF, IRR) and linking technical outcomes to economic performance

• Knowledge of EU RFNBO and renewable fuel regulations and their implications for certification and compliance

• Strong presentation and communication skills for diverse stakeholder groups

• Fluent English (required); German (at least B1/B2) is an advantage. Additional languages are a plus

• Independent, structured working style with a high level of initiative and strong team orientation

What we offer

WHAT WE OFFER

• The opportunity to realise pioneering renewable fuel projects with tangible climate and development impact

• A meaningful role within a non-profit organisation

• A diverse position at the interface of engineering, business, and strategy

• Participation in first-of-a-kind demonstration projects that de-risk new technologies and validate complete value chains

• Flat hierarchies – we are a small, experienced team working in a self-driven manner; you will report directly to the management team

• 30 days of vacation, flexible working hours, and a large, bright office in Berlin-Neukölln

• Fair and transparent compensation aligned with public sector benchmarks and our non-profit mission

• Subsidised canteen in a green courtyard, fresh fruit, fair-trade coffee, and regular team events together with atmosfair

NEXT STEPS – Become part of our mission!

Apply now – we look forward to hearing from you! Please apply exclusively via the application button.

1. 1. Initial screening call to align expectations

2. 2. Invitation to an interview, including a short case study to understand your approach

3. 3. Final decision and contract offer

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at bewerbungen@solarbelt.de – we look forward to connecting with you.

About us

ABOUT SOLARBELT FAIRFUEL

Solarbelt FairFuel gGmbH is a Berlin-based non-profit organization dedicated to advancing renewable fuels for a climate-neutral future. Founded out of atmosfair in 2019, Solarbelt developed the world’s first Power-to-Liquids (PtL) kerosene plant in Werlte, Germany, producing synthetic Fischer-Tropsch crude from green hydrogen and biogenic CO₂.

Building on this, Solarbelt is currently developing modular plant concepts together with technology partners for the decentralized production of bio-methanol and e-methanol. The objective is to successfully demonstrate technologies, local partnerships, and market deployment in hard-to-abate sectors, and to establish them across the Global South.