Senior Manager of Cell Design

Who we are:

Electra is reinventing iron production to tackle the nearly 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions produced from iron and steelmaking. Its patented process uses chemistry and renewable energy to transform a variety of grades of iron ore into environmentally responsible pure iron at scale. By maximizing the value of Earth’s resources and minimizing our environmental footprint and carbon emissions, Electra is forging a green future from the ground up. With a collaborative culture and passion for disrupting the status quo, careers at Electra offer challenge, reward, and the opportunity to bring to market solutions that dramatically improve the health of the planet. 

What you will do: 

As the Senior Manager of Cell Design, you will manage a team that focuses on the design of novel electrochemical cells and stacks used in the production of clean, electrolytic iron. This is a key leadership role that requires deep technical expertise and strong management skills. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Manage the team responsible for the design and continuous improvement of novel electrochemical cells and stacks 
• Interpret and approve detailed mechanical drawings and specifications for components manufactured in-house and through vendors 
• Review the computation of load capacities, dimensions, and material usage, and produce detailed specifications for components and assemblies 
• Manage and mentor a multidisciplinary team of engineers focused on electrochemical cells and stack development and design 
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other engineering and research teams to ensure seamless integration of cells and stacks into larger process systems 
• Manage the timeline, resources, and budget for projects 
• Promote a culture of safety within the department 
• Set clear goals, delegate tasks, and manage team performance to ensure on-time project delivery 
• Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment 
• Drive the strategic vision for the design engineering team, ensuring alignment with the company’s product and technology roadmaps 
• Oversee technical decision-making and ensure that engineering solutions are robust, manufacturable, and cost-effective  
• Work closely with executive leadership to track progress, identify risks, and ensure timely project execution  
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges related to electrochemical systems, including failure modes, performance degradation, and integration issues 
• Read, understand, and comply with all workplace health and safety policies, safe work practices, and company policies and procedures 

What we need you to bring to the team:  

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related  
• 12+ years of industry experience in electrochemical engineering, electrowinning, electrolyzers, flow batteries, electroplating, or similar (excludes internships, co-ops, and other school projects)     
• 5+ years of experience in a leadership role managing engineering teams  
• Strong understanding of electrochemical cell design, testing, and performance characterization 
• Proficiency in simulation tools and methodologies for mechanical and fluid systems (e.g. FEA, SolidWorks Simulation, COMSOL, ANSYS, MATLAB) 
• Experience with the integration of electrochemical cells into larger products or solutions 
• Excellent leadership and team-building skills 
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects at once 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders  
• Experience in scaling electrochemical technologies from concept through production 
• Experience working with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced startup environment 
• Proficiency with, or ability to quickly learn, Microsoft Office suite of programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, and SharePoint