Electrochemical Technician

PFX Group • Danbury, CT

5d

About The Position

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented R&D Electrochemical Technician to join our coolant research and development team. The primary responsibility of the Electrochemical Technician will be to provide technical support and assist in the design, development, and testing of the corrosion protection properties, and other physical and chemical properties of coolants. In this role, you will play a vital part in supporting our vehicle cooling system antifreeze/coolant R&D efforts by conducting formulations, coolant sample blending, chemical analyses, performing corrosion tests including electrochemical tests and non-electrochemical tests, conducting metallographic analysis of used vehicle parts or post-test samples to help identifying the root causes of the failures or issues observed. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in chemistry, excellent laboratory skills, and a passion for innovation. Previous experience with corrosion or electrochemical testing is desirable but it is not required. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and development projects in the field of thermal management fluids.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of electrochemical principles, techniques, and instrumentation.
• Experience working in a chemical research laboratory, preferably in the field of electrochemistry or automotive fluids.
• Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting laboratory equipment, such as Sorlatron or Princeton Applied Research potentiostats, galvanostats, and impedance analyzers is highly desired, but not required.
• The ideal candidate should have some exposure or familiarity with electrochemical techniques for corrosion research, including polarization curve measurements, polarization resistance measurement, Tafel extrapolation, impedance measurements, equivalent circuit model development and curve fitting, as well as other corrosion measurement methods.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to accurately record experimental data.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to work independently and in a team environment.
• Proficient in data analysis and visualization software.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information effectively.
• Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures in a laboratory environment.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing project priorities and timelines.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience with corrosion or electrochemical testing is desirable but it is not required.
• Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting laboratory equipment, such as Sorlatron or Princeton Applied Research potentiostats, galvanostats, and impedance analyzers is highly desired, but not required.
• Some exposure or familiarity with electrochemical techniques for corrosion research, including polarization curve measurements, polarization resistance measurement, Tafel extrapolation, impedance measurements, equivalent circuit model development and curve fitting, as well as other corrosion measurement methods.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate within the R&D team to design and develop thermal management or heat transfer fluids, including fluid sample preparation, instrument operation, test data collection.
• Set up and conduct experiments to evaluate the corrosion protection performance, characteristics, and physical and chemical properties of thermal management or heat transfer fluids, ensuring accurate data collection and analysis, as well as recording the test procedures and results into lab notebooks.
• Perform electrochemical measurements and corrosion tests, such polarization resistance measurements, polarization curve measurements, galvanostatic tests, galvanic corrosion tests, and other ASTM corrosion tests at various test temperature and conditions.
• Prepare and analyze heat transfer fluid solutions and metal samples for use in electrochemical corrosion tests and non-electrochemical corrosion tests. Conduct metallographic analysis of used vehicle parts or post-test samples to help identifying the root causes of corrosion failures or issues observed.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
• Compile and organize experimental data, prepare reports, and present findings to the R&D team.
• Collaborate with engineers and scientists to optimize device performance, troubleshoot technical challenges, and propose innovative solutions.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements and research trends in the field of electrochemistry and/or corrosion science.
• Assist in the documentation and intellectual property protection of research findings and experimental procedures.
• Support the transfer of successful research prototypes to the manufacturing team by providing technical guidance and specifications.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Career growth opportunities – we prioritize internal promotions
• Generous 401k match
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, vision and dental coverage and Telemedicine
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Tuition assistance program – support for continued education and professional development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level