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Electrode Engineer

Employer
Ecolectro, Inc.
Location
Ithaca, New York, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Sep 28, 2022

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Ecolectro is developing membranes, ionomers and modified polymer materials for green hydrogen production, fuel cells, electrolyzers and other applications. The company is focused on the development and commercialization of high performance products with characteristics that include high ionic conductivity, robust mechanical strength and exceptionally high chemical stability. Applications that use our products reduce device costs, promoting the use of green hydrogen in transportation, industrial and storage use cases. Additionally, our chemistry entirely avoids PFSA (forever chemicals), keeping these toxic chemicals out of the environment.

You will join a fast-growing team of professionals working closely together in Ithaca, New York, a burgeoning innovation ecosystem and a fabulous place to work and live.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Primary Responsibilities
  • Provide technical electrode development leadership to a team of highly skilled and motivated scientists, drive breakthrough innovation, develop technology strategy and lead research that enables next generation electrochemical devices and products
  • Develop technology strategy and roadmap for electrode development R&D that aligns with Ecolectro's vision and strategy.
  • Work closely with Ecolectro's leadership team, and collaborate with, R&D, manufacturing, and marketing to identify opportunities and develop R&D strategy that is aligned to the electrode development performance to address market needs
  • Maintains knowledge of emerging technologies and trends in innovation and business skill set through continuing education
  • Able to consistently make timely decisions even in the face of changing priorities
  • Extensive experience developing and characterizing electrodes and coatings
  • Leads the fabrication and testing of electrodes and coatings to quantitatively measure performance to meet product requirements, R&D objectives, and program milestones
  • Conducts work requiring independent judgment in the evaluation, selection, adaptation, and modification of standard techniques, processes, and criteria to resolve complicated technical challenges in membrane development efforts
  • Apply diagnostics to investigate electrode failure modes and analysis to identify root causes and generate novel solutions
  • Drive electrode and coatings innovation by engaging in and support day-to-day hands-on lab work, collaborate closely with materials chemists, analytical chemists and research engineers, utilizing a strong technical background to identify, assess and communicate technical risks and issues
  • Plans, schedules, conducts, or coordinates detailed phases of work for a part of a major project or total project of moderate scope
  • Prepares reports and document results, provide conclusions and next steps to plan and drive solutions to address any/all identified gaps
  • Contributes to the development of intellectual property. Adheres to all intellectual property standards throughout the areas of responsibility. Participates in research and development to contribute innovations, new product ideas, or new process to advance the field
  • Systematically reviews prior arts and publications and presents new relevant developments to the team
  • Participate in writing proposals
  • Supervise employees assisting in specific assignments by providing day to day instruction and developing and assigning work plans


Education and Experience:
  • MS or PhD in chemical engineering, coatings engineering, chemistry, materials science, or related field
  • 10+ years (including graduate research) of experience in electrode development, electrode fabrication and electrode characterization/ analysis in multi-phase electrochemicals systems (i.e. electrolyzers, fuel cells)
  • A strong experimental background in fundamental and applied areas of electrode development/
  • Experience optimizing membrane properties to meet specific needs.
  • Experience with membrane characterization techniques


Required Qualifications:
  • Proven adeptness in working in a fast-paced, start-up environment; engaged and eager to learn
  • Must possess a high level of motivation, initiative and sense of urgency
  • Hands on experience on component level analyses of complex membranes and membrane systems
  • Ability to work independently, design experiments, interpret results and identify next steps
  • Excellent laboratory practices, record keeping, report writing and presentation skills
  • Proven problem-solving abilities to overcome technical challenges
  • Ability to comprehend, communicate and make complex design trade-offs
  • Experienced in setting up project plans and react swiftly to communicate and mitigate setbacks
  • Self-motivated to work independently with attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines
  • Capacity to work in a multi-disciplinary environment with good analytical, interpersonal, and professional judgment skills
  • Must possess excellent written and oral communications skills to convey experimental plans and solutions as part of a highly integrated team
  • Good organizational skills, record keeping, and follow through will be integral to success


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in hydrogen fuel cells and/or hydrogen generation from water electrolysis
  • Prior electrode and electrode device scale-up and manufacturing experience.
  • Design principles and integration requirements of membranes into electrochemical systems
  • Knowledge in state-of-the-art fuel cell and membrane-based electrolysis systems
  • Experience with Design of Experiments (DOE) methodology and/or statistical methods
  • Experience in coatings
  • Passion for solving climate change using new technologies.


We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Ecolectro is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status. We strongly encourage applications from all equity groups, even those where not all job requirements are met.

Job Type: Full-time

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