Director, R&D Rare Earth Elements Electrolytic Cells

Job Description

Job Description

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 Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on REE Cell Design Director to spearhead the design, development, and optimization of advanced electrochemical cells tailored for metal leaching and recovery from waste streams and ores. Utilizing principles from traditional chlor-alkali membrane electrolysis, you will lead the creation of next-generation, sustainable electrolyzers that produce high-purity metals while simultaneously generating valuable byproducts like chlorine and/or hydrochloric acid. This role bridges the gap between electrochemistry, mechanical design, and commercial-scale implementation.

The ideal candidate combines strong expertise in electrochemistry, hydrometallurgy, and materials science with demonstrated leadership in developing and scaling industrial electrolytic processes. The position requires a hands-on technical leader capable of driving innovation while managing multidisciplinary R&D programs and teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Research & Technology Development:

• Lead R&D programs focused on electrolytic cell design and electrochemical process development for Rare Earth Elements deposition.
• Investigate and optimize cell chemistry, electrolyte composition, additives, operating parameters, and electrochemical performance.
• Research and evaluate cell construction materials, including electrode materials, membranes, coatings, separators, and corrosion-resistant components.
• Develop innovative approaches to improve current efficiency, deposition quality, metal recovery, selectivity, and energy consumption.
• Advance understanding of electrodeposition mechanisms, nucleation, growth behavior, and impurity impacts within electrolytic systems.

Cell Materials & Electrochemistry:

• Lead studies on anode and cathode materials, surface engineering, passivation, corrosion resistance, and lifecycle performance.
• Evaluate and optimize electrode geometry, current distribution, electrolyte flow, and mass transfer characteristics.

• Design and oversee electrochemical testing programs including:

  • Cyclic voltammetry
  • Polarization studies
  • Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)
  • Deposition characterization and performance analysis
• Support development of novel materials and advanced electrolytic cell architectures for critical mineral recovery.

Leadership & Program Management:

• Manage and mentor R&D scientists, engineers, and laboratory personnel.
• Define R&D roadmaps, technical priorities, and experimental programs aligned with business strategy.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and resource allocation.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, patent disclosures, and technology documentation.
• Collaborate with external research institutions, suppliers, and strategic partners when applicable.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrochemical Engineering, or related discipline; Master’s or PhD preferred.
• Minimum 10–15 years of industrial or applied R&D experience in electrolytic systems, hydrometallurgy, or electrochemical process development.
• Demonstrated expertise in electrodeposition, electrowinning, electrorefining, or electrochemical materials development.

• Strong technical background in:

  • Electrochemistry
  • Electrolyte chemistry
  • Corrosion and materials science
  • Mass transfer and transport phenomena
  • Industrial electrochemical systems
  • Chlor-Alkali experience

Salary: $180K to $220K