Scientist - Electrochemist

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: 

As an electrochemist on the Development team, you will be developing solutions and testing new ideas with a goal of continuously improving the technology and staying ahead of problems. The majority of your time will be spend designing and running experiments for a variety of projects, working with cross-functional teams with people of many different types of expertise. In this role you will:  

• Design and assemble experimental test setup and various key cell components and troubleshoot hardware, system, and software issues, as needed 
• Design and perform experiments to explore a wide range of process experimental phase space; understand experimental factor sensitivity and interactions 
• Critically analyze and interpret experimental data and present test results to the broader team  
• Collaborate with other team members in cross-functional groups, working to develop solutions that can be applied at larger scale 

What we need you to bring to the team: 

• A Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, material science or related field 
• 3 years of experience working in electrochemistry; e.g. batteries, fuel cells, electrolyzers. 
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of electrochemistry.  
• Familiarity with electrochemical characterization techniques including potentiometry, cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and instrumentation. 
• Familiarity with materials science characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, hardness testing, etc. 
• Hands-on experience with general wet chemistries and reactions 
• Ability to adapt, build, refine, or innovate experimental tools to meet project needs 
• Ability to plan and execute research as well as take initiative for the completion of important project tasks 
• A safety-first mindset; share potential risks with others before they result in hazardous outcomes 
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as needed 
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing processes and responsibilities 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. 

 What we want you to bring to the team:  

• An MS or PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science or related field. 
• Experience working with fuel cell, electrolyzer, electrowinning, or flow battery technologies 
• Experience in statistical analysis and design of experiments, including knowledge of state-of-the-art statistical software packages such as JMP or equivalent 
• Experience or the desire to be in a dynamic startup environment 
• A critical thinking mindset and focus on finding answers 
• A desire to challenge yourself and take on increasing responsibilities as the company grows  

What’s in it for you:  

• Career growth 
• Opportunity to develop new processes  
• Opportunity to support a wide variety of projects 
• Recognition and appreciation 
• The ability to share your perspectives and opinions in a hyper-collaborative environment  

Compensation:  

• The anticipated starting pay range for this position is $70,000- $100,000 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 
• Unlimited 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