R&D Drilling Engineer - Tool (m/w/d)

Hades is a modern mining company on a mission to transform how the world accesses critical resources and energy. Founded in 2025, we’re developing ultra-deep drilling technologies that push the limits of what’s possible underground. Based in Munich, we’ve raised €20M in -seed funding from leading European resilience investors including HV Capital, Headline, Project A and Visionaries Tomorrow. We’re now building a world-class team to bring this vision to life.

Why Join Hades?

At Hades, you'll be part of a high-growth, high-impact deep-tech startup making a tangible difference. Our mission is critical: to secure sovereignty for Europe through the responsible and efficient extraction of vital materials and energy. We offer:

• Impactful Work: Contribute directly to solving global challenges related to resource scarcity and energy independence.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: Work at the forefront of ultra-deep drilling, leveraging advanced engineering and innovative approaches.
• Growth Potential: Join a rapidly expanding company with significant opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Dynamic Environment: Thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and entrepreneurial setting in the heart of Munich.
• Purpose-Driven Mission: Be part of a team dedicated to a sustainable and secure future for Europe.

At Hades, you will develop the downhole tools for Cerberus, our high-power fibre-laser drilling system. There is no off-the-shelf design for this. You will turn lab results into tool concepts, build prototypes, design the test rigs to prove them and use the data to decide what to change next. As one of our first drilling engineers, you will set the R&D direction for the tool from day one. You will work directly with the technical founders and with our engineers, geologists and scientists to make drilling faster and cheaper.

What you bring

• At least 5 years in R&D for drilling tools or downhole equipment, ideally in HPHT environments
• Experience developing new tools from early concept and feasibility through to working prototypes
• Experience designing and running test programmes: building rigs, defining test plans, analysing results and turning them into design changes
• Strong engineering fundamentals in downhole loads, thermal management, sealing and failure modes, applied to designs with no established reference
• Familiarity with novel drilling methods (thermal, laser, plasma, percussive) is a strong plus
• A track record of leading R&D projects where the technical path was uncertain at the start
• A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering or a related field
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Willingness to live in the greater Munich area

We offer

• An opportunity to make a huge impact on the future of Europe by increasing resilience and providing a path to resource and energy sovereignty
• A human-centered company culture with super nice and supportive colleagues
• A great sense of community through team events and fun in and outside the office
• Highly competitive compensation and benefits package

If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology and contributing to a more sustainable future, we encourage you to apply now.