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

University of California, Los Angeles

$90K — $120K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3+ years in electrochemical system prototyping or operation
  • Experience with electrodeposition systems or electrolyzers (preferred)
  • Proficient in process modeling using COMSOL, Ansys, or ASPEN (preferred)
  • Strong background in aqueous electrochemical systems and electrodeposition
  • Knowledge of electrochemical cell assembly and components
  • Proficient in mechanical design tools like SolidWorks or AutoCAD
  • Hands-on experience with electrochemical cells and lab safety procedures

Responsibilities

  • Lead electrochemical reactor system development for metal recovery
  • Design and prototype electrowinning cells
  • Integrate specialized flow paths and solid-handling systems
  • Develop architectures that suppress hydrogen evolution reactions
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for pilot-scale deployment
  • Iterate designs based on experimental feedback
  • Ensure safety compliance in laboratory environments

Benefits

  • Immediate access to a robust benefits package
  • Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs
  • Retirement plans with employer contributions
  • Access to continuous learning and development opportunities
  • Work in a dynamic, innovative research environment
Full Job Description
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)
  • Proficiency with mechanical design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and system integration. (Required)
  • Hands-on experience with equipment testing. (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)
  • Understanding of electrochemical cell assembly, including electrodes, membranes, and current collectors. (Preferred)
  • Background in aqueous electrochemical systems, and electrodeposition processes. (Preferred)
  • Knowledge of fluid dynamics, pressure drop, and flow control in multiphase systems. (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 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
    Complete Position Description

    https://universityofcalifornia.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=38&JDName=Research%20and%20Development%20Engineer%202%20TX%20(TBD_189642)

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