Electrochemical Engineer

Overview

The Institute for Carbon Management (ICM) is a cross-campus technology-translation entity at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). ICM translates pioneering carbon management solutions from the laboratory bench-scale to pre-commercial/commercial-scale devices, prototypes, and software solutions. ICM focuses on: (1) Technologies for carbon dioxide removal, utilization, and avoidance, and (2) Technologies for creating new supply chains and processing approaches for critical materials and elements (e.g., Fe, Li, Ni, Co, Mn, Mo, Mg) to accelerate the clean energy transition and reduce the carbon footprint of extractive processes.

ICM is organized into action teams that are convergent, agile, and world-class. ICM-borne technologies have been recognized with awards such as the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE and the 2021 Liveability Challenge. Technologies are being commercialized via spin-out companies including Carbon Built Inc., Concrete-AI Inc., and Sea Change Inc.

Position Summary The Institute for Carbon Management (ICM) is seeking a hands-on electrochemical engineer to support the cell design, process design, prototyping, and scale-up of electrowinning cells for metal recovery. The successful candidate will lead the development of experimental reactor systems that enable selective metal deposition from ores, while integrating specialized flow paths, solid-handling systems, and HER-suppressing architectures. A solid foundational understanding of transport phenomena and electrochemistry is a must.

This role bridges electrochemistry, engineering design, and practical implementation, with opportunities to contribute from concept through pilot-scale deployment.

Salary & Compensation UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors such as budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Benefits information: UC Benefit package and UC Total Compensation Estimator can be used to calculate total compensation with benefits.

• Responsibilities are not listed as a separate bullet list in the provided content.

• Three years or more experience in prototyping or operating electrochemical systems, electrolyzers, flow reactors, or similar technologies. (Required)
• Experience with electrode position systems, electrolyzers, or battery module hardware. (Preferred)
• Experience performing process modeling such as COMSOL, Ansys, ASPEN, etc. (Preferred)
• Strong background in aqueous electrochemical systems and electrode position processes. (Required)
• Strong understanding of electrochemical cell assembly including electrodes, membranes, liquid transport layer and current collectors. (Required)
• Proficiency with mechanical design tools (e.g., Solid Works, AutoCAD) and system integration. (Required)
• Hands-on experience with electrochemical cells. (Required)
• Ability to work independently and communicate results clearly across multidisciplinary teams. (Required)
• Understanding lab safety procedures and the ability to operate safely. (Required)
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, build hardware, and iterate quickly based on testing. (Required)
• Knowledge of fluid dynamics, pressure drop, and flow control in multiphase systems. (Preferred)
• Familiarity with slurry reactors or solid-liquid-gas reactor design. (Preferred)
• Passion for advancing sustainable technologies and scalable carbon management solutions. (Preferred)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrochemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience (Required)
• Master’s Degree in Electrochemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related field (Preferred)
• PhD in Electrochemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or related field (Preferred)

• Background check:
  Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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