Who we are
Demand for critical minerals to power the energy transition is growing exponentially. Yet, we know mining deeper and broader, and building landfills higher and wider, works against our fight to save the planet. At Nth Cycle, we see the path forward. We believe the critical minerals needed for the energy transition are already in circulation today. We just didn’t have a clean, profitable way of retrieving them, until now.
Nth Cycle is a metal processing technology company. Our electro-extraction technology helps recyclers and miners capture more critical minerals—for use in lithium-ion battery manufacturing, among other things—while dramatically reducing costs and emissions. We are the heart of metals processing; we are the crucial step that profitably separates critical minerals from other elements, transforming them into production-grade feedstocks for the energy transition.
Our Culture
You won’t find another team like ours. We believe in open, honest communication, and enjoying our work while changing the world. And we value the perspectives and opinions of our colleagues while pushing each other to excel.
We’re a dynamic team looking for a new team member who’s also passionate about addressing climate change and advancing the clean energy industry. Consistent with our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we value colleagues with the ability to work on diverse teams and with a diverse range of people.
If this is you, keep reading.
Position Description
Cell Design Lead - Copper
Position Summary:
The Copper Cell Design Lead will serve as the technical authority for the design, prototyping, and optimization of electrolytic cells dedicated to copper electroextraction. This role involves developing high-performance cells that maximize selective copper recovery, ensure uniform deposit quality, and optimize energy consumption. The Lead will bridge electrochemistry and mechanical engineering to advance cell and stack technology from laboratory-scale concepts to industrial prototype and commercial-scale production.
Key Responsibilities:
- Cell Design & Engineering: Design and refine industrial electrolytic cell assemblies (including cell housing, electrode spacing, and flow distribution systems) for copper recovery via electroextraction and subsequent product collection.
- Performance Optimization: Utilize modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Computational Fluid Dynamics - CFD, Finite Element Analysis - FEA) to optimize electrolyte flow paths, improve current distribution, and minimize adverse electrochemical reactions.
- Electrode Optimization: Collaborate with materials engineers to select and design high-performance cathodes (e.g., porous stainless steel geometries) and anodes (e.g., lead alloys or dimensionally stable anodes) to maximize production rate current efficiency.
- Pilot Scale-up: Drive the transition of cell designs from laboratory R&D to prototype and commercial-scale operations, ensuring robust and manufacturable designs.
- Testing and Validation: Develop and execute experimental test plans to validate cell performance, analyze voltage-current characteristics, and optimize copper deposit quality.
- Technical Leadership: Lead cross-functional engineering teams, provide technical guidance to senior staff, and manage relationships with external suppliers for cell components.
- Documentation: Create CAD models, engineering drawings, detailed bills of materials (BOM), and design documentation adhering to industry standards.
Required Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrochemical Engineering, or Materials Science.
- Experience: 15+ years of experience in electrochemical cell/stack design and development, specifically within electrowinning and metallurgy.
- Technical Skills: Proficient in 3D CAD modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion, PTC Creo) and simulation tools.
- Domain Knowledge: Strong understanding of electrochemistry, industrial electrodeposition processes, and transport phenomena.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with industrial cell designs for electrowinning of various metal such as copper, cobalt, and nickel.
- Familiarity with ASME standards and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Proven record of scaling electrochemical processes from lab to pilot plant.
Key Competencies:
- Highly motivated and hands-on professional with a focus on sustainable technology.
- Strong analytical skills to root-cause failure modes (dendrite formation, uneven coating).
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and deliver results on strict timelines.
Nth Cycle does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Closing Statement
Consistent with our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we value people with the ability to work on diverse teams and with a diverse range of people. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of color, LGBTQ people, veterans, and people with disabilities.
We know the right candidate might not check every box in this job description. You could also have important skills we haven't thought of. If you think you’re a great candidate for this role, apply and tell us why. To apply, send us a resume and a few sentences about why you are interested in this position and what you bring to the table. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.
Salary range: $150K - $190K