Engineering Technician - Lithios Inc

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 an engineering technician who will work with the engineering team to deliver solutions in the following areas:

• testing to continuously improve our ALE stacks for selective lithium extraction from complex multicomponent mixtures;
• assembling, disassembling, and fabrication of electrochemical stacks, their various sub-components, and auxiliary systems;
• testing and troubleshooting systems to detect and solve technical problems;
• maintaining accurate records of production data, test results, and other reports related to the assembly and fabrication process;
• developing improvements to the assembly and testing process to increase efficiency and reduce production costs;
• designing and constructing piping systems for fluidic applications, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. 

This full-time role is hands-on in the laboratory. As a member of Lithios's growing team, the Engineering Technician will work closely with the company's experienced scientists and engineers and will receive extensive mentorship. This role reports to a senior engineer.

Candidate Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Associate's, or certification in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, engineering, engineering technology, and/or demonstrated equivalence in relevant work experience
• Experience in an R&D environment.  Ability to safely work in a lab environment with basic tools, hazardous chemicals, and electronics.  
• Proficient in using hand tools, power tools, measuring instruments, and electrical testing equipment.
• Professional or academic experience with fluidic systems is strongly preferred. A background in electrochemical systems (e.g., electrolyzers, fuel cells) or battery systems (e.g., lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries) is a plus. 

• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications is a plus.
• Experience with battery electrode manufacturing, including slurry preparation and coating techniques, is a plus.
• Experience with pump and system curves, including pressure drop calculations, is a plus. 
• Strong attention to detail and ability to complete tasks based on verbal and written instructions.  
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Excellent technical communication skills. 
• Basic familiarity with the Microsoft Office software suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint).
• Ability to work hands-on in the lab individually and as a team.
• The desire to be in a dynamic startup environment with a focus on critical thinking to find impactful solutions to difficult challenges

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with other engineering team members to design, plan, and conduct tests on our electrochemical systems.
• Conduct functional testing, document test data, assemble electrochemical cells, and prepare test reports.
• Manage and oversee the safe and reliable operation of electrochemical stacks and troubleshoot and maintain the systems as necessary.
• Prepare and manage standard operating procedures for in-house test stations and processes.
• Communicate technical challenges and results across the organization 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!

To Apply:

To apply, please share with us:

1. Your resume
2. A brief note (in the text box or a 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.