Lead Mechanical Engineer – Electrowinning Cell Design

Who we are:

Electra is electrifying ironmaking to decarbonize steelmaking and eliminate 3.7 gigatons or 10% of global CO2 emissions. Leveraging proven industrial-scale electrochemical and hydrometallurgical processes, and backed by leading sustainability-focused venture capitalists, our team is developing lower cost, scalable solutions utilizing intermittent renewable energy to forge a cleaner, greener future for the trillion-dollar steel industry.    

With a uniquely collaborative culture, endless passion for developing disruptive technologies, and the opportunity to revolutionize carbon-intensive manufacturing industries, careers at Electra offer challenge, reward, and the chance to bring to market solutions that dramatically improve the health of the planet. 

 What you will do:

The Lead Mechanical Engineer will primarily contribute to the design of the company’s novel electrochemical cells for the electrodeposition of iron from solution at the plant scale. 

In this role you will: 

• Lead the mechanical design portion of the product development process for Electra’s novel iron electrowinning cell, from definition of requirements to product V&V. 
• Lead the design review process to drive group creativity and gather feedback from stakeholders, colleagues, external partners, and manufacturers. 
• Develop and maintain all DFMEA documentation for cell assemblies and components. 
• Design robust sealing, flow distribution and bubble management methods for multicell open-bath electrochemical strings with flowing electrolyte. 
• Utilize modeling programs to support the mechanical design of Electra’s electrochemical cells. 
• Prepare detailed drawings for components manufactured in-house and through vendors.  
• Collaborate with internal teams to inform decisions which will drive Electra toward a technically and financially viable product. 
• Assist with the development of team strategies and allocating resources. 
• Lead research efforts, identify solutions, and determine direction for low-risk technical decisions. 
• Provide day-to-day support to team members while providing training, guidance, and assistance.
• May delegate assignments as needed. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

What we need you to bring to the team:  

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or related field of study AND 10 years of related mechanical design experience.  Or an equivalent combination of related education and experience 
• 3 years of experience working with multicell electrochemical stacks or strings 
• 3 years of experience utilizing modeling tools such as Tolerance analysis, computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA) 
• Experience carrying designs from conceptual phase through commercial implementation into an industrial environment 
• Experience designing with materials for aggressive media or corrosive liquids   
• Experience with engineering systems such as Change Management Processes, First Article Inspections (FAI), Incoming Quality Control (IQC) etc 
• Excellent knowledge of DFSS and DFM principles  
• Proficiency in 2D & 3D CAD Systems (such as SolidWorks/AutoDesk/Creo) for design, documentation, and fabrication  
• Excellent knowledge of quality principles, concepts, practices, and standards (ASME 14.5)   
• The ability to adapt, build and refine or innovate testing and prototyping setups 
• Excellent organizational and project management skills 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Excellent project management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.  
• Proficiency with, or ability to quickly learn, Microsoft Office suite of programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, and SharePoint. 

What we want you to bring to the team:  

• A Master’s degree or PHD in a related engineering field.  
• Experience with flow battery, electrolyzer, electrowinning or fuel cell design  
• Exposure to established electrowinning industries, such as Nickel, Copper, Gold and Zinc 
• Hands-on experience in design verification, validation and ASTM testing standards  
• Experience with large and complex industrial products, or chemical processing facilities  
• A critical thinking mindset and focus on finding answers  
• A safety-first mindset; share potential risks with others before they result in hazardous outcomes  
• A desire to challenge yourself and take on increasing responsibilities as the company grows 

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to stand/sit for extended periods of time 
• Ability to lift 50 pounds on a regular basis 
• Ability to operate basic machine tools and test equipment 

Compensation:  

• The anticipated starting pay range for this position is $120,000-$140,000 annually and may be more or less depending upon skills, experience, and education. 

Benefits For You: 

• 100% paid premiums across all medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, short-term disability, long-term disability, and basic life insurance plans
• Reasonable use PTO
• $1,800 in annual employer HSA contributions (health savings account) 

Benefits For Your Family: 

• 100% paid premiums across all medical, dental, vision, and telemedicine plans
• $3,600 in annual employer HSA contributions (health savings account) 
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave and flexible return-to-work options

Benefits For Your Future: 

• 401k with up to 5% matching contributions which vest 100% on day one 
• Eligibility for incentive stock options