Mechanical Design Engineer: Electrochemical Reactor/Cell Engineer for Electro-Deposition

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

• 5 or more years Experience in prototyping or operating electrochemical systems, electrolyzers, flow reactors, or similar technologies. (Required)

• Hands-on experience with electrochemical cells (Required)

• Experience with electrodeposition systems, electrolyzers, or battery module hardware. (Preferred)

• Experience performing process modeling such as COMSOL, Ansys, ASPEN, etc. (Preferred)

• Proficiency with mechanical design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and system integration. (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)

• Strong understanding of electrochemical cell assembly including electrodes, membranes, and current collectors. (Preferred)

• Strong background in aqueous electrochemical systems, and electrodeposition processes. (Preferred)

• Knowledge of fluid dynamics, pressure drop, and flow control in multiphase systems. (Preferred)

• Familiarity with slurry reactors or solid-liquid-gas reactor design. (Preferred)

• Understanding of electrochemical cell assembly including electrodes, membranes, and current collectors. (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 (Required)

• Master's Degree in Electrochemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related field (Preferred)

• PhD in 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.

• Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

Schedule

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Union/Policy Covered

TX-Systemwide Technical
Complete Position Description