How to apply for Projektmanager:in Klimaschutztechnologien & Gebäudeenergiemanagement (m|w|d)

About Future Cleantech Architects (FCA)

Future Cleantech Architects is a German nonprofit that works on innovation in hard-to-decarbonize industrial sectors. It does research, policy advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration. The role is part of a publicly funded project linking the metalworking industry in the Bergisches Land region with cleantech innovators.

About the role

The project manager oversees two sub-projects within a consortium of research institutes, public bodies, and mid-sized manufacturers. One sub-project covers thermal storage technology based on Carnot batteries for process heat, space heating, and electricity, including heating and cooling needs of buildings. The other covers constructive efficiency and modular lightweight design, developing a new design standard for structural performance across the full lifecycle. The role is remote and full-time.

A typical day

A typical day includes coordinating with consortium partners on sub-project milestones, reviewing technical documents on thermal storage or modular construction, and preparing reports for the funding body. You might also join calls with cleantech innovators and metalworking companies to align on system integration. The role is remote, so most work happens through video calls and written communication.

Who Future Cleantech Architects (FCA) is looking for

• Experience managing publicly funded projects, including reporting, milestones, and coordination with a consortium.
• Technical understanding of thermal storage, Carnot batteries, process heat, space heating, and electricity integration in buildings.
• Knowledge of building energy management, lifecycle emissions, and modular lightweight construction or structural design standards.
• Ability to work with scientific institutes, public bodies, and mid-sized manufacturing companies in German.
• Fluency in German and English for project documentation and stakeholder communication.

Tips for this application

• State your experience with publicly funded projects in Germany, including funding bodies and reporting requirements.
• Name the two sub-projects explicitly and explain how your background fits each one.
• Give concrete examples of working with consortium partners from research, public sector, and industry.
• Show familiarity with Carnot battery technology or thermal storage in buildings, even if only through one project.
• Mention any work on lifecycle assessment, circular construction, or modular design standards for buildings.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your track record managing publicly funded projects with multiple partners.', 'Your technical grasp of thermal storage, Carnot batteries, and building energy systems.', 'Your experience with lifecycle emissions, modular construction, or structural design standards.', 'Your ability to coordinate between scientific, public, and industrial stakeholders in German.']

Research before applying

• Read the FCA website to understand its research and policy work in hard-to-decarbonize sectors.
• Look up the Bergisches Land metalworking industry and its current energy challenges.
• Study Carnot battery technology and its applications in process heat and building energy systems.
• Find the funding program behind this project and its reporting requirements for project managers.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How you would manage the two sub-projects and report to the consortium.
• Your understanding of Carnot battery integration for process heat and building heating/cooling.
• How you would develop a new design standard for modular lightweight construction across the lifecycle.
• Your experience with funding rules, milestones, and deliverables in publicly funded German projects.
• How you would handle conflicting priorities between research institutes, public bodies, and manufacturers.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying without showing any knowledge of Carnot batteries or thermal storage in buildings.
• Ignoring the consortium structure and failing to mention experience with research, public, and industry partners.
• Writing a generic cover letter that does not name the two sub-projects or the Bergisches Land region.