"Electrochemical Reactor/Cell Engineer – Electro-Deposition: Cell and System Design"

Department Summary

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's activities span two major focus areas: (1) Technologies for carbon dioxide removal (from the atmosphere), 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) that are foundational to accelerating the clean energy transition, as well as reducing the carbon footprint of extractive processes. ICM is organized into action teams that are convergent, agile, and world-class. Prominently, these action teams have enabled ICM-born technologies to be awarded the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE, and the 2021 Liveability Challenge, among others. ICM's technologies are now being commercialized via spin-out companies including CarbonBuilt Inc., Concrete-AI Inc., and SeaChange Inc.

Position Summary

The Institute for Carbon Management (ICM) is a cross-campus technology-translation entity at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). 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. 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, including 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. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.

Qualifications

• Three years or more Experience in prototyping or operating electrochemical systems, electrolyzers, flow reactors, or similar technologies. (Required)
• Experience with electrodeposition 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 electrodeposition 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., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and system integration. (Required)
• Hands-on experience with electrochemical cells. (Required)
• Ability to work independently and communicate results clearly across multidisciplinary teams. (Required)
• Have a good understanding of lab safety procedures and ability to consistently 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)

Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations

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

Special Conditions for Employment

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

Schedule

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

Union/Policy Covered

TX-Systemwide Technical