Engineer in low tech optimized composter

We are looking for an engineer to join the COMPo-LT project at the Université de Technologie de Compiègne, in the Industrial Process Engineering department, TIMR joint research unit.

The COMPo-LT project aims to develop an innovative individual composter within the reach of households to ensure good aeration and a thermophilic phase, thus ensuring quality mature compost.

Your mission

You will actively participate in the development of a low-tech proximity composter ensuring adequate aeration and the presence of a thermophilic phase. You will be responsible for :

Participate in a project related to a sustainable development approach

Contribute to technological advances

Bring your expertise to solve technical challenges and develop innovative solutions

Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and benefit from a stimulating and enriching work environment.

Your activities

Produce a state of the art on local composters

Design a labelling scheme based on the project’s objectives

Conduct an ideation phase in order to identify one or more composters concepts

Select one or two composters meeting the labelling scheme

Design, size and create one or more prototypes

Evaluate the prototypes against the labelling scheme.

Context and summary of the project

This recruitment benefits from funding included in the implementation of a Prematuration Program of the University Pole of Innovation of the Alliance Sorbonne Université - PUI-ASU.

The AGEC law has led many municipalities, especially small ones, to encourage citizens to process their biowaste through individual composting. They notably helped households to own a composter. Composting is a simple and natural process that nevertheless requires good aeration and a thermophilic phase to ensure proper aeration and minimize the production of greenhouse gases and the risk of proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. Thus, if the material is not turned regularly, anaerobic zones are created which are responsible for the production of methane, a greenhouse gas 28 times more impactful than CO2 over a 100-year horizon. Moreover, the surface/volume ratio of individual composters is such that heat losses take precedence over the creation of heat by microorganisms necessary for obtaining a thermophilic phase. The objective of the project is therefore to design an innovative composter guaranteeing aerobic conditions and the presence of a thermophilic phase.

The project aims to develop an innovative individual composter within the reach of households to ensure good aeration and a thermophilic phase thus ensuring quality mature compost while minimizing the risks of environmental and health impacts. This study should therefore include a technical, social, economic and environmental assessment to verify the sustainability of the proposed solution.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Dates to apply

From  12/15/2025 to 01/15/2026

Type of contract and expected recruitment dates

Fixed-term contract – planned duration of 13 months in total – first contract as soon as possible and until 30/09/2026

Gross monthly salary

Depending on experience and funding

Hours worked

37 hours and 30 minutes/week - 1,607 hours/year

Environment and work context

The project will be carried out within the TIMR unit (Integrated Transformations of Renewable Matter) - Industrial Process Engineering department. The research team, involved in several national  projects, offers a framework conducive to scientific valorisation.

The person recruited joins the COMPo-LT project team, reports to the project manager, maintains a regular dialogue with him and works closely with the concerned interlocutors.

The engineer will have access to the UTC FabLab and the Process Engineering hall for the production and demonstration of prototypes.

Occasional trips are expected as part of the project.

We are looking for a candidate with first professional experience, including work-study or internship, in the field.

Operational knowledge and skills

Knowledge and experience in mechanical design

Knowledge of bioprocesses

Knowledge and mastery of composting

Prototyping

Project management

Capacity for analysis and synthesis

Behavioral skills

Adaptability and organizational skills

Rigor

Collaborative work skills

Spirit of initiative and sense of listening

Autonomy

Relational ease

Diploma, training and accreditation

Degree: engineer or equivalent level bac + 5

Field of training: mechanical or (bio)processes.