Electrochemical Scientist

About the role

This position is centered on advancing the fundamental understanding and practical implementation of electrochemical materials and processes within a high‑performance research environment. The hire will own the design and execution of rigorous hypothesis‑driven experiments that probe electrodeposition mechanisms, interfacial electrochemistry, and complex electrolyte systems. A core responsibility is to translate intricate experimental observations into actionable insights that directly inform scalable process development and functional system design. The role demands deep mechanistic insight, curiosity, and a persistent bias toward practical execution and real‑world impact. The successful candidate will investigate nucleation, growth dynamics, mass transport, and interfacial phenomena to uncover performance drivers for emerging technologies. This position will contribute directly to the development of prototypes in areas such as energy storage, semiconductor processing, and advanced coatings. Close partnership with engineers and materials scientists is essential to bridge fundamental discovery with deployable solutions. The work will communicate results clearly through presentations, reports, and cross‑functional collaboration to drive scientific and technical progress.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design and execute hypothesis‑driven experiments to probe electrochemical mechanisms and material behavior under varied conditions.
• Develop and refine electrodeposition processes and electrochemical synthesis routes with rigorous attention to reproducibility, robustness, and scalability.
• Translate experimental findings into actionable insights that directly inform process development, system architecture, and engineering decisions.
• Analyze and interpret complex electrochemical and materials data to establish clear relationships between structure, properties, and performance.
• Investigate interfacial phenomena, charge transfer processes, and transport limitations to identify primary performance drivers and failure modes.
• Contribute to the development of functional systems or prototypes, including energy storage devices, semiconductor processing tools, and protective coatings.
• Communicate results clearly and effectively through technical presentations, detailed reports, and active participation in cross‑functional team meetings.
• Partner with multidisciplinary engineering and materials science teams to bridge fundamental understanding with practical implementation and manufacturing readiness.
• Leverage digital manufacturing principles and scalable microfabrication techniques to address challenging problems in precision navigation and extreme‑environment performance.
• Apply expertise from initial design through final deployment to deliver high‑performance solutions that meet demanding specifications and reliability requirements.
• Explore emerging opportunities in quantum technologies and advanced material systems to expand the capabilities of electrochemical synthesis and processing.
• Utilize advanced characterization methods such as SEM, TEM, and XRD to correlate material structure with electrochemical behavior and process outcomes.
• Optimize electrolyte formulations and operating conditions to enhance stability, efficiency, and scalability for targeted applications.
• Drive project execution from concept to prototype, ensuring alignment with customer missions and long‑term strategic objectives.

Requirements

• Hold a PhD degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field with a strong research focus.
• Demonstrate an excellent theoretical foundation in electrochemistry, including principles of thermodynamics, kinetics, and transport phenomena.
• Generate novel ideas for new research programs and write compelling proposals to secure funding for exploratory work.
• Lead program teams for awarded proposals, providing direction, oversight, and technical depth throughout project execution.
• Show a strong willingness and ability to perform hands‑on laboratory experiments using a variety of electrochemical and materials techniques.
• Possess relevant industry or applied research experience in electrochemical systems, materials synthesis, or related fields.
• Apply a strong foundation in electrochemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and mass transport to analyze complex system behavior.
• Utilize hands‑on experience with electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and chronoamperometry in research and development.
• Bring experience with electrodeposition, electrochemical synthesis, or related experimental systems to tackle challenging technical problems.
• Employ familiarity with materials characterization techniques, correlating structural features with electrochemical performance using SEM, TEM, XRD, and other methods.
• Demonstrate the proven ability to design thoughtful experiments, collect rigorous data, and extract meaningful insights from complex datasets.
• Exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills to explain intricate technical concepts across disciplines and to diverse audiences.
• Operate as a self‑motivated, curious, and eager learner focused on driving progress and delivering measurable results rather than merely completing assigned tasks.
• Thrive in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environment where initiative, precision, and analytical thinking are essential for success.
• Maintain strict attention to safety protocols and quality standards in all laboratory and experimental activities.

Nice to have

• Possess experience in semiconductor electrochemistry, thin‑film growth, or energy storage systems that align with advanced manufacturing needs.
• Demonstrated experience proposing research through competitive grant applications and managing funded projects.
• Show experience or aptitude for building custom electrochemical apparatus dedicated to synthesis, processing, or advanced analysis.
• Have exposure to scaling electrochemical processes from laboratory benchtop setups to pilot‑scale platforms and production‑relevant workflows.
• Exhibit a track record of collaborating closely with engineering teams to translate scientific findings into robust, application‑ready technologies.
• Bring programming experience, such as Python or similar languages, for data analysis, experimental automation, or real‑time experimental control.
• Familiarity with modeling or simulation of electrochemical systems to support interpretation and predictive capabilities.

Practical notes

The role is based in Malibu, California, and requires regular on‑site presence at the laboratory facility. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship for this position at this time. No specific travel schedule is outlined, but occasional travel to customer sites or conferences may be required as part of project duties. Employment is offered as a regular full‑time engagement. This position is subject to standard hiring timelines and qualifications verification as part of the recruitment process.