Field Engineer

Who We Are

Lithium is the wonder metal that sits at the heart of the global shift to EVs. Although EV demand is skyrocketing, global lithium supply cannot keep up using traditional extraction methods. The only way the industry will be able to scale lithium supplies by 10 times is by efficiently extracting the element from brine deposits, which contain about three quarters of all known lithium reserves.

Lithios is a technology company based in Medford, MA, commercializing a breakthrough electrochemical process called Advanced Lithium Extraction (ALE). ALE uses renewable electricity to make lithium cheaply, safely, and with a lower carbon footprint. Moreover, ALE is more versatile than traditional extraction methods and can unlock huge untapped lithium resources in the US and globally, alleviating a major bottleneck in the global transition to EVs.

We are building a diverse and collaborative company. Our employees put team and mission first, build with humility and compassion, and strive to make the world a better place. We are a high-growth startup backed by world-leading organizations and investors. At Lithios, we wake up every day to do the most fulfilling, impactful work of our lives. Come change the world with us!

Position Overview

Lithios seeks a field engineer who will work with the engineering team to deliver solutions in the following areas:

• deploying and installing pilot plants in the field to run our electrochemical systems for selective lithium extraction from complex multicomponent mixtures;
• working with our process engineers to design, build, and install pilot plants that meet performance and compliance specifications;
• overseeing the proper, safe, and successful operation of the pilot plant at the customer site;
• collecting and communicating insights gained from pilot plant operation to guide the planning and development of commercial scale projects.

This full-time role is hands-on in Medford, MA, and requires regular travel to customer sites. Success requires interfacing with partners and customers. This role reports to the Director of R&D.

Candidate Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in chemical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or a related field or similar relevant experience.
• 5+ years of experience in industrial chemicals processing. Prior experience with deployable pilot systems, building chemical reactors, and/or First-of-a-Kind technologies is strongly preferred.
• Field experience in industrial chemical plants, including hands-on experience with building, troubleshooting, and operating equipment.Ability to freely travel to customer sites regularly in the US. Ability to freely travel to sites in South America and Europe is strongly preferred.
• Comprehensive understanding of engineering drawings and documentation, including PFDs and P&IDs, equipment cut sheets, SOPs, mechanical drawings, and product manuals.
• Strong background in applying industrial design standards, construction specifications (i.e. piping, welding, electrical), customer requirements, and state/federal regulatory compliances is strongly preferred.
• A commitment to creating a culture of safety and implementing strong safety practices into the design and operation of the plant.
• Experience with project management and logistics is a plus.
• Ability to effectively interface with suppliers, contractors, and partners.
• The desire to be in a dynamic startup environment with a focus on critical thinking and finding impactful solutions to difficult challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Deploy our ALE pilot plants to the field, ensuring the plants are meeting the necessary performance specifications at the customer sites.
• Gain a strong understanding of the pilot system design and operations from process and mechanical engineering documentation.
• Collaborate with the Engineering design teams to ensure the system design and operation meet the necessary functional, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Analyze process design documents and plant performance data to identify areas for operational improvement and optimization.
• Travel to the customer sites regularly and work closely with site operators to install, commission, troubleshoot, and collect insights from the pilot plant.
• Prepare and manage detailed documentation, including standard operating procedures, process design documents (e.g., PFD, P&ID), and product specifications for the pilot plant.
• Coordinate plant operation with pilot partners, manage plant operation activities, and oversee other activities vital to project execution.
• Communicate technical learnings, results, and challenges across the organization and to pilot partners to advance product development.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Equity in the company.
• A 401(k) plan with employer matching.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance are 100% covered.
• Commuter benefits and public transportation expenses are 100% covered.
• 20 days of paid time off and 10 days of paid sick time off, in addition to all federal holidays and all days between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Eight weeks of paid parental leave, with the option to extend for an additional four weeks of unpaid leave.
• Flexible bereavement leave policy, including time off for the loss of a pet.
• Coverage of up to $5,000 in eligible moving expenses*.
• Company-supported opportunities in career development as well as the opportunity to be a leader in a rapidly growing organization.
• A fun, diverse, and talented team focused on making the biggest impact possible on the lithium industry.

*Eligible moving expenses include moving household goods and personal effects, employee travel and lodging, packing/unpacking services.

Closing Statement

Lithios is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We are building a team of individuals and creating an environment where all backgrounds and experiences are valued. We credit our success to the diverse perspectives our team members bring and do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, nationality, color, sexual orientation, ancestry, religion, gender identity, age, marital status, disability status, or Veteran status.

We know the right candidate may not meet all the criteria listed in this job description. If you believe you are a great candidate for this role and possess relevant skills that are not listed above, please reach out and tell us why you are a good fit!

When applying, please make sure to include the following:

1. Your resume.
2. A brief note (or cover letter) describing why you are interested in this position and what you would bring to the role.

Come help us extract lithium sustainably to unlock an electric future for the world!