Electrochemical Engineer Electroplating for Iron Flow Batteries

ESS, Inc. is hiring an Electrochemical Engineer specializing in electroplating for Iron Flow Batteries in Oregon City, OR. The role involves optimizing electrode materials, conducting electrochemical testing, and collaborating with scientists to enhance energy storage systems. Candidates should have a PhD or Master's degree in a relevant field and at least 5 years of experience in electrodeposition for energy storage. The position focuses on advancing sustainable energy solutions.
Catalyzing a cleaner future.

At ESS (NYSE: GWH), our mission is to accelerate global decarbonization by providing safe, sustainable, long-duration energy storage that powers people, communities, and businesses with clean, renewable energy anytime and anywhere it's needed. As more renewable energy is added to the grid, long- duration battery energy storage systems (BESS) are essential to providing the reliability and resiliency we need when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing.

Our technology uses earth-abundant iron, salt, and water to deliver environmentally safe solutions capable of providing up to 12 hours of flexible energy capacity for commercial and utility-scale energy storage applications. Established in 2011, ESS Inc. enables project developers, independent power producers, utilities, and other large energy users to deploy reliable, sustainable long-duration energy storage solutions. For more information visit www.essinc.com.

We are seeking an experienced Electrochemical Engineer specializing in electrodeposition from aqueous electrolytes to join our team focused on advancing iron flow battery technology. The successful candidate will play a critical role in optimizing electrode materials, plating morphology, reaction kinetics, and improving overall system efficiency. This role requires a strong background in electrochemistry and energy storage systems, with an emphasis on flow battery applications.

Key Responsibilities:
• Electroplating Development: Development projects focused on improving plating morphology, adhesion, capacity, and cycle life under different experimental parameters.
• Electrochemical Testing: Conduct electrochemical analyses, including cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and galvanostatic/potentiostatic methods to evaluate performance.
• Reaction Kinetics Optimization: Investigate reaction mechanisms and optimize electrochemical reaction kinetics to enhance the energy density and efficiency of iron flow battery systems.
• Material Characterization: Use advanced characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, XRD, XPS, TEM) to analyze Fe plating morphology, growth mechanisms, and properties.
• Collaborative Research: Work closely with materials scientists, chemists, and process engineers to integrate findings into the full-scale battery system and ensure scalability.
• Performance Monitoring: Develop testing protocols and benchmarks to assess the long-term stability and efficiency of Iron flow batteries under varying operational conditions.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and communicate findings through technical reports, presentations, and publications.
• Safety and Compliance: Ensure all laboratory and testing procedures meet safety and environmental standards, particularly related to handling hazardous materials.

Qualifications:
• Education: PhD or Master's degree in Electrochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in electrodeposition development for energy storage systems, with specific experience in iron flow or other redox flow batteries (preferred), fuel cells, or electrolyzers.
• Technical Skills:
• Expertise in electrochemical techniques and cell testing.
• Proficiency in materials characterization tools and analysis.
• Strong knowledge of redox chemistry, reaction kinetics, and battery system design.
• Soft Skills:
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Preferred:
• Experience in research related to optimizing electroplating performance in aqueous solutions.
• Knowledge of iron chemistry and redox flow battery operations.

Benefits of working at ESS.

In addition to the value of working with and helping grow a global reaching clean technology, ESS offers a Company assisted Health insurance, Approved PPE Reimbursement, Medical & Dental; Flex spending account; 8 paid holidays; 401K, and a competitive PTO accrual.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are open to considering every qualified candidate who is eligible and legally authorized to work in the United States on a full or part-time basis, without a need for sponsorship.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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