Research Engineer

Salary: $105,000 to $117,000

Research Engineer

Location: Ithaca, NY 

Job Type: Full-Time & In-Person 

Ecolectro develops specialty polymers and electrolytic cells for green hydrogen production, fuel cell technology, and  electrolyzers. Our breakthrough alkaline exchange materials exhibit high ionic conductivity and exceptionally high chemical  stability. These desirable characteristics reduce device costs and enable scalable green hydrogen, promoting access to clean  energy and economically sustainable fuels.  

We have an opening for a motivated scientist or engineer with fluid dynamics experience to join our expanding team. The primary  focus of this role is addressing multiphase flow problems such as mixed liquid-gas flow through porous electrodes in  electrochemical cells or mixed solid-liquid flow in fluidized bed reactors. This position supports the research and development  of custom monomer and polymer electrolytes that are incorporated into electrochemical devices.  

Responsibilities: 

• Fabricate and characterize membrane electrode assembly (MEA) prototypes. 
• Develop new electrode inks and catalyst formulations to optimize electrochemical performance.
•  Assess impact of component assembly on device performance and durability. 
• Generate protocols for assembling electrolytic cells. 
• Optimize process design and propose approaches to overcome device engineering challenges.
•  Effectively collaborate in interdisciplinary teams working towards common goals. 
• Ability to act as the subject matter expert and mentor junior researchers. 
• Design and execute experiments while carefully documenting all testing procedures in accordance with company guidelines including safety protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs). 
• Present and submit detailed reports on research carried out using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or similar software.
•  Prepare and evaluate technical plans, reports, presentations, and proposals to support project success.
• Written and verbal communication of ideas and results to internal science and business teams. 

Required Qualifications: 

• PhD in Chemical Engineering with focus in fluid dynamics or similar. 
• Strong background in multiphase flow experiments for improving system performance. 
• 1-2 years of experience in academic or research chemistry lab. 
• Basic understanding of general principles of chemical laboratory safety. 
• Proven creative problem-solving abilities to overcome technical challenges. 
• Practices the scientific method to address central research questions. 
• Organized, detail-oriented, and efficient in executing research tasks. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Data processing experience including graphing and statistics using Microsoft Excel or similar software.
•  Familiarity with a variety of electrochemical theories and methods. 
• Ability to work independently, design experiments, interpret results, and identify next steps and potential pitfalls. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Track record of scientific publications and conference presentations. 
• Experience applying computational fluid dynamics tools to technical or research questions. 
• Proficient knowledge of electrochemistry at the undergraduate level or higher. 
• Hands-on experience with electrochemical cells or related instruments such as potentiostats and test stations. 

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Ecolectro is an Equal  Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability  status. We strongly encourage applications from all equity groups, even those where not all job requirements are met. 

To apply, please send resumes and cover letters to recruiting@ecolectro.com.