R&D Electrochemical Engineer

Who We Are

Lithium is the wonder metal that sits at the heart of the global shift to EVs. Although EV demand is skyrocketing, global lithium supply cannot keep up using traditional extraction methods. The only way the industry will be able to scale lithium supplies by 10 times is by efficiently extracting the element from brine deposits, which contain about three quarters of all known lithium reserves.

Lithios is a technology company based in Medford, MA, commercializing a breakthrough electrochemical process called Advanced Lithium Extraction (ALE). ALE uses renewable electricity to make lithium cheaply, safely, and with a lower carbon footprint. Moreover, ALE is more versatile than traditional extraction methods and can unlock huge untapped lithium resources in the US and globally, alleviating a major bottleneck in the global transition to EVs.

We are building a diverse and collaborative company. Our employees put team and mission first, build with humility and compassion, and strive to make the world a better place. We are a high-growth startup backed by world-leading organizations and investors. At Lithios, we wake up every day to do the most fulfilling, impactful work of our lives. Come change the world with us!

Position Overview

Lithios seeks an electrochemical engineer who will work with the research, development, and engineering teams to deliver solutions in the following areas:

• designing and continuously improving our electrochemical methods and systems for selective lithium extraction from complex multicomponent mixtures, via experimental and theoretical techniques;
• investigating innovative electrode materials, membranes, device configurations, and operating schemes;
• evaluating the efficacy of electrochemical lithium extraction for a variety of feedstocks;
• developing methods to efficiently characterize and improve device and process performance.

This full-time role is hands-on in the laboratory. As a member of Lithios’s growing team, the

R&D electrochemical engineer will work closely with the company’s experienced scientists and engineers and will receive extensive mentorship. This role reports to a senior engineer.

Candidate Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in chemical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, chemistry, or a related field with an experimental focus or similar relevant experience.
• Professional or academic experience in electrochemistry is strongly preferred. A background in battery systems (e.g., lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries, supercapacitors) or related technologies (e.g., capacitive deionization, fuel cells, electrolyzers, electrowinning) is a plus. Knowledge of adjacent electrochemical processes (e.g.: electrodialysis, electrodeionization, electrodeposition) is a plus.
• Proficiency with fluid mechanics, aqueous solution chemistry[A1] , and/or electrochemical methods (e.g.: voltammetry, cell cycling, EIS).
• Basic familiarity with hands-on prototyping, including design (e.g.: CAD) and fabrication (e.g.: machining, 3D printing). 
• Experience with flow devices and power supplies, including assembly of cells or stacks and/or management of water and flows, is a plus.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel and tools, such as MATLAB, Python, or COMSOL, for quantitative data analysis and basic engineering calculations and simulations.
• Ability to work hands-on in the lab individually and as a team.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills and the ability to deliver effective technical communication.
• The desire to be in a dynamic startup environment with a focus on critical thinking to find impactful solutions to difficult challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate electrochemical systems and quantitatively evaluate device and process performance for target system configurations and process inputs.
• Design and conduct experiments to investigate the impacts of device design, electrode design, and operating protocol on overall process performance.
• Collaborate with the engineering team to aid in the design and scaleup of the electrochemical extraction system.
• Maintain an active database compiling lithium extraction knowledge, techniques, and operating procedures.
• Communicate technical challenges and results across the organization to advance product development.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Equity in the company.
• A 401(k) plan with employer matching.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance are 100% covered.
• Commuter benefits and public transportation expenses are 100% covered.
• 20 days of paid time off and 10 days of paid sick time off, in addition to all federal holidays and all days between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Eight weeks of paid parental leave, with the option to extend for an additional four weeks of unpaid leave.
• Flexible bereavement leave policy, including time off for the loss of a pet.
• Coverage of up to $5,000 in eligible moving expenses*.
• Company-supported opportunities in career development as well as the opportunity to be a leader in a rapidly growing organization.
• A fun, diverse, and talented team focused on making the biggest impact possible on the lithium industry.

*Eligible moving expenses include moving household goods and personal effects, employee travel and lodging, packing/unpacking services

Closing Statement

Lithios is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We are building a team of individuals and creating an environment where all backgrounds and experiences are valued. We credit our success to the diverse perspectives our team members bring and do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, nationality, color, sexual orientation, ancestry, religion, gender identity, age, marital status, disability status, or Veteran status.

We know the right candidate may not meet all the criteria listed in this job description. If you believe you are a great candidate for this role and possess relevant skills that are not listed above, please reach out and tell us why you are a good fit!

When Applying:

Please make sure to share your resume and a brief note describing why you are interested in this position and what you would bring to the role.

Come help us extract lithium sustainably to unlock an electric future for the world!