Staff Mechanical Engineer, Electrochemical Cell Design

Staff Mechanical Engineer, Electrochemical Cell Design

Redwood Materials is seeking a mechanical engineer with extensive experience in designing electrochemical cells and systems. This engineer will drive the design and deployment of electrochemical systems to convert lithium-ion battery waste material into useful products. You will use your mechanical design skills to optimize cell designs and develop custom balance-of-plant equipment to development material conversion processes that align with business goals. You will drive designs through the whole design lifecycle, from concept through prototype, testing, pilot, and commercial installation. You will be expected to collaborate closely with the prototype machine shops, electrochemical device experts, and other mechanical engineers focused on the design of chemical plant equipment.

Responsibilities will include:

• Design, build, prototype, and commission electrochemical cells at the lab, pilot and production scale
• Design, build, and test custom balance-of-plant equipment to support critical functions of the electrochemical cells and stacks
• Develop mechanical component and assembly cost models for electrochemical cells, stacks, and systems
• Define requirements for integrating the electrochemical system into battery recycling plants
• Participate in verification and validation testing to prove your designs meet target requirements
• Collaborate with R&D electrochemical engineers to drive improvements in electrochemical performance through improved mechanical cell design
• Collaborate with plant design teams to drive installation and commissioning of pilot and commercial electrochemical conversion systems
• Execute mechanical FEA and CFD simulations to support design decisions
• Produce CAD models, engineering drawings, and bills of material to support the design process

Desired Qualifications:

• BS or MS degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline
• 10+ years of experience in an industry position as a mechanical engineer
• Expert in electrochemical cell or system design, such as electrolyzers, chlor-alkali reactors, fuel cells, batteries, or similar
• Experienced in building prototypes of electrochemical cells and executing verification and validation testing
• Experienced in design for manufacturing (DFM) for components or assemblies of meaningful production volume
• Highly proficient with Solid Modeling 3D CAD, SolidWorks preferred
• Skilled in creating detailed engineering drawings, with strong knowledge of GD&T
• Experience in mechanical FEA and CFD
• A passion for sustainability and making the world a better place!

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to work hands on in the lab, including standing and operating equipment at a lab bench

Working Conditions:

• Environment: office, machine shop, wet laboratory, chemical plant, outdoor test sites
• Exposures encountered: hazardous materials, electrical hazards
• Essential physical requirements: working hands-on in a research lab setting
• Travel required as needed, less than 10%