Apply here: https://boards.greenhouse.io/foundenergy/jobs/4004202006
Reports To: VP of R&D
Company Overview:
Found Energy is a Boston-based, clean energy company producing a carbon-free fuel that is lower-cost and more energy-dense than fossil fuels. This will enable us to decarbonize the most challenging and carbon-intensive industries which are unaddressed by existing technology portfolios. Our technology uses metallic aluminum as the carbon-free fuel to produce hydrogen on-demand for less than $0.50 per kilogram and at five times the volumetric energy density of liquid hydrogen.
Originally spun out of MIT, we are now scaling and translating our hydrogen generation technology to both commercial and humanitarian applications, taking on both the causes and effects of climate change. In the long term, our technology positions aluminum and other materials as carbon-free energy carriers that address the often overlooked problem of renewable energy transportation. At Found Energy, we believe in securing a livable and equitable future for our planet, and we are looking for talented people who are motivated by this goal to join us. For more, visit https://www.found.energy.
Benefits Overview:
Health, dental, 20 days PTO, 11 holidays, unlimited sick days, 3+ months parental leave, stock options, professional development budget, and more.
Job Overview:
Found Energy has demonstrated its core hydrogen generation technologies at the kW-scale, including a system capable of powering a full-sized electric vehicle. We are now working towards a minimum viable product (MVP) and commercial pilot that represents a substantial step forward in both scale and impact.
We are looking to fill the role of R&D Scientist to advance our medium and long-term R&D goals in line with the company’s strategic technical roadmap, including improving the chemistry of our system to achieve better performance at lower cost. In this role you will be responsible for designing and conducting experiments, synthesizing the data, and disseminating the results to the technical staff. You should be comfortable working in cross-disciplinary teams involving mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, as well as business and non-technical staff.
Good chemical hygiene and safety practices are paramount. You will be expected to participate, lead, and improve upon our chemical hygiene and safety protocols.
Responsibilities and Duties:
- Work with the VP of R&D and CEO on developing and carrying out initial R&D program
- Design and conduct experiments that are chemical in nature
- Improve the experimental and analytical capabilities of the lab as needed
- Participate, lead, and improve upon chemical hygiene and safety protocols
- Synthesize data to determine trends, correlations, and underlying mechanisms
- Propose new compositions or chemical approaches based on experimental results
- Present results and conclusions to the VP of R&D, CEO, and the rest of the technical team
- Invent new material compositions and (electro)chemical systems
- Participate in IP creation and management
- Anticipate and proactively address challenges in system performance
- Proactively identify challenges, design and test creative solutions
- Interface with international partners on humanitarian aid projects
- Translate pilot partner specifications into design requirements
- Opportunities to travel domestically and internationally
- Participate in building and growing company culture and values
- Mentor interns and co-op students on R&D-related projects
Qualifications:
- Deeply motivated by the climate crisis and its downstream impacts
- 2+ years of post graduate work experience or PhD in chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, chemistry or related fields
- Candidates with additional experience will be considered and role designation will be commensurate with experience
- Exceptional communication and documentation skills
- Experience in one or multiple of the following:
- Chemical or materials laboratory experience
- Aluminum/metal alloys and metallurgy
- Electrodeposition, electrochemistry, and/or corrosion
- Electrochemistry: aqueous, molten salt, and/or high temperature
- Fuel cell or battery chemistry
- Fluid and/or gas handling systems, including safety and compliance
- Experimental design
- Apparatus/fixture design and assembly
- Familiarity with one or more software languages (Python, C++, MATLAB, etc.)
- Thermodynamics theory and modeling software (e.g. EES, REFPROP)
Research suggests that qualified people from historically marginalized groups may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who might not meet the exact requirements, but who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Found Energy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
