Senior Process 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 senior process engineer who will work with the R&D, engineering, and project teams to deliver solutions in the following areas:

• designing and building pilot plants to validate our electrochemical systems for selective lithium extraction from complex multicomponent mixtures in the field;
• conducting comprehensive analysis and process improvement to evaluate the plant performance, including mass and energy balances, to meet customer specifications;
• ensuring proper sizing, procurement, installation, and operation of pilot plant equipment;
• translating insights gained from pilot plant operation to the engineering and development of commercial scale projects.

This full-time role is hands-on in Medford, MA. Success may require interfacing with suppliers and partners. 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.
• Experience with process modeling tools, such as Aspen or SysCAD, for engineering calculations and simulations.
• Hands-on experience with building, troubleshooting, and operating equipment is a plus.
• Strong background in principles of process engineering, process controls, and mass transfer.
• 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.
• Ability to effectively interface with suppliers, contractors, and partners.
• The desire to be in a dynamic startup environment with a focus on critical thinking to find impactful solutions to difficult challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and support the construction of ALE pilot plants that meet the necessary performance specifications and compliances required to reliably operate the plant at a customer site.
• Prepare and manage detailed documentation, including standard operating procedures, process design documents (e.g., PFD, P&ID), and product specifications for the pilot plant.
• Work closely with suppliers, contractors, and EPCs to specify functional requirements for various unit ops, source critical consumables for plant operation, and forecast design needs and requirements to larger scales.
• Participate in the construction, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of pilot plant equipment and operations.
• Ensure that the plants are designed and operated with a strong adherence to safety standards.
• Collaborate with the R&D team to answer key technical and economic questions surrounding the scaleup of our electrochemical extraction process.
• Communicate technical challenges and results across the organization to advance product development.
• Mentor and lead junior engineers, including interns/co-ops.

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:

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!