Senior Process Engineer – Electrochemical Reagent Generation
Job Description
About Lilac Solutions, Inc.
Lilac exists to solve one problem: lithium supply. By engineering scalable lithium extraction technology, we help industries produce lithium faster, cheaper, and cleaner. Our ion exchange technology is rooted in scientific precision and commercial know-how, making lithium supply a non-issue for global electrification. Our materials, engineering, and approach uniquely position us to design and develop commercial projects across various lithium sources. We help lithium producers rapidly and responsibly scale production from brine resources with versatile, cost-effective, and dynamic technology solutions.
Lilac is supported by the largest players from the mining and processing industry, as well as significant investment funds. Lilac investors include BMW, SK, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Mercuria, Lower Carbon Capital, and MIT’s The Engine.
About the role
Lilac is seeking a
Senior Process Engineer –
Electrochemical
Reagent Generation
to own the technical evaluation, development, optimization, and integration of reagent generation technologies, including bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BPED), chlor-alkali, electrolysis, and other potential acid/base generation systems.
This role will serve as Lilac’s in-house technical
lead
for reagent generation and will
be responsible for
advancing these technologies from laboratory testing and vendor evaluation through pilot- and demonstration-scale process design and
ultimately commercial-scale
deployment.
This is a highly collaborative and hands-on position working across Technology, Engineering, Projects, and Operations to develop and deploy reagent generation solutions within Lilac’s overall process flowsheet.
This is a full-time position with up to 25% domestic and international travel to pilot and project sites.
What you'll do
Process Development, Integration&Experimental Work
Design and execute laboratory- and pilot-scale experiments to characterize and
optimize
reagent generation systems.
Develop a fundamental understanding of key equipment and operating tradeoffs, including reagent concentration, efficiency, energy consumption,
membrane
lifetime
and equipment performance.
Translate experimental findings into equipment requirements, operating parameters, and design criteria for pilot- and demonstration-scale systems.
Evaluate interactions with upstream and downstream unit operations, including reagent storage,
recycle
streams, utilities, water balance, and waste streams.
Vendor Evaluation & Technical Due Diligence
Lead technical evaluation
and due diligence
of reagent
generation
technologies and
equipment suppliers.
Critically assess vendor proposals, process designs, performance guarantees, equipment scope, and operating assumptions.
Normalize vendor quotations to enable meaningful comparisons across technologies and suppliers.
Develop structured technical recommendations for technology and vendor selection.
Technoeconomic Analysis
Develop and
maintain
CAPEX and OPEX models for reagent generation systems.
Evaluate technoeconomic tradeoffs between technologies, vendors, system configurations, operating conditions, and integration strategies.
Work
cross-functionally
to
identify
reagent generation solutions that provide the best combination of cost, efficiency, reliability, and operability.
Scale-up & Deployment
Support the design, commissioning, and operation of pilot- and demonstration-scale reagent generation systems.
Troubleshoot equipment and process performance in collaboration with vendors and internal
teams.
Translate operating experience into improved equipment specifications, design criteria, and operating strategies.
Develop the technical basis for eventual commercial-scale deployment.
Team Contribution
Operate with a team-first mindset
and contribute beyond reagent generation when projects
require
it.
Work effectively across
internal teams
and external vendors.
Be comfortable moving between hands-on experimental work, equipment troubleshooting,
technical analysis
and process design.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering,
materials science,
chemistry
or related field.
Approximately 4-8
years of relevant experience in electrochemical systems, membrane processes,
process development, or related technologies.
Hands-on experience with pilot-, demonstration-, or commercial-scale
electrochemical, membrane,
reagent generation, or related
process equipment.
Strong process engineering fundamentals
including process scale-up, equipment integration, and technoeconomic analysis.
Strong troubleshooting, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Pass a respirator fit test periodically, occasionally stand for up to 8 hours per day, occasionally move up to 50 lbs, and wear PPE.
Preferred Qualifications
Direct experience with BPED/BMED, electrodialysis, chlor-alkali, electrolysis, or other reagent generation technologies.
Experience
scaling new process technologies from laboratory through pilot, demonstration, or commercial deployment.
Experience with high-TDS brines
or concentrated electrolytes.
Experience in lithium processing, DLE, brine processing, or other critical minerals applications.
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation for this role is based on relevant experience, skills, and overall fit for the role. The range provided represents our typical compensation for this position, though actual pay may fall outside this range depending on qualifications.
Annual base salary of $135,000 - $175,000
Discretionary bonus
Stock options
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Short-term and long-term disability insurance
401k with pre- and post-tax investing options
Flexible spendings account/Health savings account
Group and term life
Flexible time off
Paid holidays
Paid sick leave
Eight weeks of paid parental leave
Employee assistance program
Monthly phone stipend
Daily catered lunch for on-site employees
The salary range listed reflects our good-faith estimate of the compensation for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined by a number of factors, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant skills, experience, and geographic location.
EEO Statement
Lilac Solutions is committed to providing a professional work environment free from discrimination and harassment, including discrimination and harassment based on a protected category, and an environment free from retaliation for participating in any protected activity. Lilac Solutions is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.
A Note to Third-Party Recruiters
At this time, we are not accepting unsolicited resumes from non-partnered third-party recruiters or staffing agencies. Resumes sent without prior arrangement will be considered the property of Lilac Solutions, and no fees will be paid if we hire a candidate whose resume was submitted unsolicited.
