Materials Processing Engineer

Austin, TX, United States

EnergyX is a renewable energy company focused on direct lithium-ion extraction materials (membranes, resins, sorbents, solvents) and the growth of the global energy storage and lithium industries, making low-carbon technology cheaper and more accessible. For more information, www.energyx.com.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Separation Technologies team at the EnergyX headquarters lab (Austin TX) is seeking a material processing engineer with a strong capability in transforming small research synthesis of materials samples to large quantity, large-dimension production of materials that can be used in separation technologies for pilot scale testing and commercial-scale demonstrations for direct lithium extraction from various brines. Process scale-up for both materials processing and Li-extracting separation, as well as integration capability of multiple separation units for optimized efficiency, are demanded. This material processing engineer position will involve the early-stage bench-top scale research in materials and separation performance testing, but more focused on the development in large-quantity, large-dimension materials processing and production, as well as work as the interface between the Separation Technologies research team and the engineering team to design the pilot-scale and commercial-scale separation processes for demonstrations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for scale-up development on separations materials manufacture. Work with a team of experienced EnergyX scientists and engineers at the Austin headquarter lab focusing on key research and development aspects of the core technology including:

Work with membrane and materials research groups to develop and characterize new polymer, composite membranes and nanomaterials for the separation and/or transport of lithium and related ions (like Na, K, Ca, Mg as well as monovalent and multivalent anions)

Develop or modify materials to be suitable in varied acidic/alkaline conditions

Support team members in developing membrane/MOF and resin-sorbent research capabilities by focusing on large-dimension and large-quantity production technology development

Supporting solid-state battery electrolytes team by focusing on the pilot and commercial-scale processing/production for relevant materials

Generate IPs around methods, compositions of matter (materials), systems (processes), and apparatus for selective separations and direct extraction.

Responsible for resolving all materials engineering issues (large-scale, large quantity production of on-demand separation materials. Work with third-party pilot equipment manufacturers and internal and external engineering capabilities to build and operate pilot plants.

Leverage knowledge and capabilities towards other selective separations (such as REEs, Cl/F, Cu/Mo, Ni/Co etc.) and other energy-storage devices/systems

Besides the membrane processing and production, other separation materials such as resins, sorbents, solvents will be also explored in the development of economical Li-extraction technologies.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

Ph.D. degree with 3-5 years industrial research experience (or Master’s degree with 5-8 years experience) in chemical engineering, materials engineering science, mechanical engineering, or a similar field

Demanded experience in developing/conducting materials research and process scale-up development for materials processing/production and for separation process (ions, chemical, or water)

In-depth understanding of synthesis and processing of polymeric materials, nanomaterials, and micro/mesoporous materials, and polymer-inorganic composite/hybrid materials (in the form of membranes, resins, sorbents, solvents, etc.)

Basic understanding of water chemistry, electrolyte or chemical solution chemistry

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Proven record of material and chemistry experience in ions/molecules separations in relevant to resins, sorbents, membranes, extraction solvents, crystallization, etc.

Demonstrated ability to work in a team and with industrial partners

Excellent record of productive and creative experience in materials processing and process scale-up

Extensive experience facilitating industry engagement into research and expanding the technology readiness level

Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate to an international, scientific audience

Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory

Ability to function well in a fast-paced, start-up research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing needs

Familiarity in electrochemical processing, water chemistries, and nanomaterials synthesis chemistry

Must be a team player

Stay abreast of the advances in separation materials and separation technologies.

EnergyX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with EnergyX is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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