From Passion to Purpose: A Career that Drives Real Change

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As the world faces increasing challenges in the energy sector, thyssenkrupp nucera® stands at the forefront of innovation, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to shape a future of clean energy. Dr. Philipp Bickendorf, Senior Lead Engineer for Cell Fabrication, plays a critical role in the company’s mission to advance hydrogen production technologies. For our Blog, Philipp shared insights into his career journey, his role at thyssenkrupp nucera®, and the revolutionary potential of the Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cells (SOEC) technology.

A Journey Fueled by Passion for Technology

Dr. Philipp Bickendorf’s path to thyssenkrupp nucera® reflects a lifelong enthusiasm for engineering and technology. Born and raised in the Eifel region in Germany, his fascination with technology led him to study mechanical engineering at RWTH Aachen University, where he gained hands-on experience at research institutes. His early career involved working on high-tech projects, including a stint with Porsche Motorsport and international experiences in Singapore. These diverse experiences helped shape his perspective on technology, innovation, and practical application, which later guided his transition into the hydrogen sector.

 

With his background in sectors like automotive, aerospace and shipbuilding, Philipp was drawn to the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy solution. He explained, “When hydrogen and fuel cell technology started gaining traction, I became fascinated with the possibilities, particularly how it could revolutionize energy systems beyond the traditional use in fuel cell applications.”

 

His journey to thyssenkrupp nucera® began during this exploration, where his expertise in high-tech production met the company’s pioneering efforts in hydrogen technologies. Since joining in 2022, Philipp has been instrumental in leading initiatives that aim to scale up hydrogen production.

SOEC Technology: A Game Changer for Green Hydrogen

At the core of his current work is the development of SOEC technology, a highly efficient form of electrolysis that promises to reduce energy consumption by up to 20% compared to conventional methods. “The decision to adopt SOEC technology was strategic,” he explains. “It allows us to use less electricity to produce the same amount of hydrogen, which is a game changer for industrial-scale applications.” Unlike traditional alkaline water electrolysis (AWE), SOEC technology integrates waste heat from other industrial processes and has the ability to produce sustainable energy carriers, such as e-fuels, sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) or ammonia, which are vital for decarbonizing industries like aviation, steel production and shipping.

Dr. Philipp Bickendorf
Dr. Philipp Bickendorf, Senior Lead Engineer for Cell Fabrication at thyssenkrupp nucera®

Leading Ramp-Ups and Scaling Innovation

But Philipp’s role at thyssenkrupp nucera® goes beyond research and development. He is deeply involved in scaling production processes and ramping up new technologies. His team has grown rapidly, from just a handful of engineers to a group of over 13 experts. “Our goal is to take the (series) production mindset and apply it to the hydrogen industry,” he says. “We need to be ready to scale from small pilot lines to gigawatt-scale facilities.” Therefore, thyssenkrupp nucera® is establishing a new production facility in Arnstadt, Germany, poised to elevate the manufacturing capabilities to the next level. Philipp’s team also collaborates with strategic partners, including a major partnership with Fraunhofer IKTS, to bring SOEC technology to market.

Innovating in an Agile and Collaborative Environment

One of the aspects that Philipp enjoys most about his role is the dynamic and collaborative nature of thyssenkrupp nucera’s® work environment. “It’s a place where you can really see your impact,” he says. “You’re not just a cog in the machine – you have the opportunity to take ownership of projects and contribute to something bigger.”

 

This agile approach to innovation extends to thyssenkrupp nucera’s® culture, where flat hierarchies and cross-disciplinary teams create a fertile ground for disruptive technologies. The engineer appreciates the opportunity to work closely with colleagues from diverse fields, including electrochemists, production engineers and business developers.

Shaping a new era

As thyssenkrupp nucera® continues to expand its portfolio of hydrogen technologies, the focus remains on creating solutions that are scalable, efficient, and sustainable. Philipp is confident that the SOEC technology will play a pivotal role in the global energy transition, helping industries decarbonize and achieve ambitious climate goals. Looking ahead, he believes that the next few years will be critical for the hydrogen industry. “In two to three years, we expect a huge demand for SOEC technology. By then, we aim to have fully developed production lines ready for industrial-scale implementation,” he says.

 

Through the efforts of engineers like him, thyssenkrupp nucera® continues to pave the way for a new era of clean, sustainable energy. “Every day, I get to work on something that helps tackle one of the world’s biggest challenges – and that’s a great feeling,” Philipp sums up.

 

For those passionate about cutting-edge technologies and shaping a new era of clean energy, thyssenkrupp nucera® provides a collaborative culture and room for personal growth, to really make a difference in the global energy transition.

Are You Curious?

Find out about our open positions here: https://careers.thyssenkrupp-nucera.com