Senior R&D Engineer - Electrode & Cell

Lithios Inc•Medford, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Lithios seeks a research scientist to work with R&D, engineering, and manufacturing teams to improve electrochemical lithium extraction. The role focuses on developing, optimizing, and testing electrode structures and cell architectures; evaluating design factors that affect lithium extraction from complex multicomponent mixtures; quantifying trade-offs in cell design, operating conditions, and fluid management; and translating lab-scale findings into system- and process-level designs and decisions. This is a hands-on, full-time role based in Medford, Massachusetts. The position may involve interfacing with suppliers and partners and reports to the Director of R&D.

Requirements

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, mechanical engineering, or a related field, or similar relevant experience.
At least 5 years of experience in electrochemical systems, such as lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries, supercapacitors, capacitive deionization, electrolyzers, fuel cells, electrodeposition, or electrowinning.
Expertise in electrochemical characterization techniques, including potentiometry, constant-current and constant-potential methods, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
Demonstrated experience developing, optimizing, and characterizing electrodes, electrochemical cells, or electrochemical processes.
Strong understanding of electrochemical kinetics, mass transport, charge transport, and factors governing rate capability in electrochemical systems.
Experience designing experiments, analyzing complex data, identifying performance-limiting mechanisms, and translating results into actionable engineering improvements.
Ability to independently drive technical projects from problem definition through experimental validation and implementation.
Ability to work hands-on with systems, understand challenges, find creative solutions to unconventional problems, and iterate rapidly.
Interest in working in a dynamic startup environment and using critical thinking to find impactful solutions to difficult challenges.

Nice To Haves

Experience with materials characterization techniques such as SEM, XRD, XPS, or porosimetry.
Experience with flow cells, electrochemical stacks, porous electrodes, or other electrochemical cell architectures.

Responsibilities

Design and execute experiments using appropriate electrochemical methods to quantify electrode and cell performance.
Develop a quantitative understanding of performance bottlenecks, correlate material and fluid properties with electrochemical performance, and use experimental data to guide design decisions.
Develop and optimize electrode structures, compositions, and fabrication methods while managing cell design and manufacturing considerations.
Establish performance metrics, design structured experiments, and iterate rapidly to improve lithium extraction rates and efficiency.
Translate promising lab-scale results into practical cell designs, manufacturing methods, and process design decisions.
Communicate technical challenges and results across the organization to advance product and process development.
Mentor and lead junior engineers and technicians, including interns and co-ops.

Benefits

Competitive salary.
Equity in the company.
401(k) plan with employer matching.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
20 days of paid time off and 10 days of paid sick time off, in addition to federal holidays and all days between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Eight weeks of paid parental leave, with the option to extend for an additional four weeks of unpaid leave.
Flexible bereavement leave policy, including time off for the loss of a pet.
Coverage of up to $5,000 in eligible moving expenses.
Company-supported career development opportunities.
Opportunity to be a leader in a rapidly growing organization.