Electrochemical Engineer

Electrochemical Engineer

‍‍

Who We Are

Aepnus Technology is a climate technology company based in Oakland, California, reinventing how essential industrial chemicals are produced. We are transforming the chlor-alkali industry with a novel electrochemical process that converts industrial salt and sulfate waste into high-purity commodities such as caustic soda and sulfuric acid, while dramatically reducing fossil fuel use and energy demand.

‍

Backed by $10.6M from leading climate investors including Lowercarbon Capital, Voyager Ventures, and Clean Energy Ventures, Aepnus is entering a pivotal execution phase in 2026 as we scale toward commercial deployment. Our mission is to enable clean, local, and resilient chemical manufacturing across North America, and we are building a world-class team to deliver meaningful climate and economic impact.

‍

What You’ll Do

As our Electrochemical Engineer, you'll play a critical part in optimizing and scaling the pilot electrolyzer systems that power our cutting-edge electrochemical technologies. We're looking for exceptional talent with deep expertise in electrochemical system design, characterization, and pilot-scale operations.

‍

As part of our small and agile team, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact. You'll report directly to our Head of R&D and regularly collaborate with our Process and Cell Engineering teams.

‍

Key Responsibilities:

• Safety Culture Owner: Champion a “safety-first” culture across the engineering team, leading safety audits, risk assessments, and HAZOPs (Hazard and Operability Studies) for new and existing systems
• Chemical and Gas Safety: Oversee the strict management of hydrogen safety protocols and the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals, specifically concentrated acids and bases.
• Lead Pilot Operations: Own the day-to-day hands-on operations, maintenance, and optimization of the pilot-scale electrolyzer system
• Site and Equipment Safety: Enforce rigorous safety standards for electrical systems, general shop environments (ladders and power tools), and ensure all safety documentation and SOPs are audit-ready
• System Improvements: Develop and deploy strategic improvements to the electrolyzer balance of plant and stack systems, partnering closely with process, automation, and cell engineers
• Troubleshooting and Repair: Lead debugging efforts to isolate system faults and repair components to ensure maximum uptime and data integrity
• Testing Strategy: Partner with the Program Manager to design and execute rigorous testing strategies that directly drive electrolyzer performance improvements and operating cost reductions
• Failure Analysis: Lead comprehensive failure analysis studies, generating hypotheses and planning validation tests to resolve complex technical issues
• Data-Driven Design: Provide data analysis and interpretation to cell development engineers to inform iterative design cycles and optimization strategies 
• Subject Matter Expertise: Serve as the primary internal SME on electrolyzer physics and system operations, consulting on technical roadmaps and next-generation product strategies
• Executive Support: Leverage deep technical knowledge to support leadership (CTO, CEO, etc.) during investor due diligence and strategic planning
• Project Management: Manage technical project scopes, budgets, and reporting to ensure milestones are met
• Travel: Occasional domestic (< 3 weeks) and international travel to facilitate installation or repair of equipment or visiting vendor / customer sites

‍

Skills & Qualifications:

• Education: Master of Science in Physical Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Physics, or Chemical Engineering (or equivalent experience); PhD preferred
• Industry Experience: 3 - 5 years of relevant industry experience
• Electrochemical Systems: Deep expertise in electrolyzer physics, Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEA), and electrochemical test station design, maintenance, and implementation
• Process Engineering: Demonstrated background in process engineering and design, specifically within chemical or electrochemical contexts
• Hazard Management: Proven experience working safely with hydrogen, high-current electrical systems, and hazardous chemicals (acids/bases)
• Risk Methodologies: Proficiency in leading HAZOPs and developing safety documentation/SOPs for complex engineering systems
• Operational Workflows: Experience standardizing and operationalizing complex technical workflows in a lab or pilot environment
• Root Cause Analysis: A systematic approach to problem-solving, utilizing tools such as Design of Experiments (DOE) and Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (DFMEA)
• Data Analysis: Strong capability in analyzing complex datasets to drive engineering decisions
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a small, scrappy, agile team and collaborate across automation and cell engineering disciplines. 

‍

Compensation & Benefits:

• $130,000 - $150,000 salary range plus equity, commensurate with experience
• Aepnus pays 100% of medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees, 50% for dependents
• 401(k) plan and additional retirement benefits
• Flexible paid time off for wellness, vacation, and rest, plus 10 paid holidays per year
• Two weeks off in late December for an annual Winter Break
• 80 / 20 in-office work environment, with up to one full remote day weekly 
• Monthly team builds and an annual offsite retreat

‍

Why Join Aepnus?

Aepnus brings together driven, curious individuals committed to rethinking how essential industrial chemicals are made. You will have the opportunity to work closely with company leadership to advance breakthrough technologies from development to market, while growing your role and influence as the company scales. The environment is dynamic and hands-on, offering constant opportunities to learn, lead, and make a real difference. Our culture is built around collaboration, ambition, and a shared belief that deep technical innovation can create meaningful change.

‍

‍Aepnus is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. Aepnus prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

‍