R&D Engineer (Pilot Plant Engineer)

Who are we? Mangrove Lithium, a Vancouver based company, has developed a breakthrough platform for the most cost-effective production of battery grade lithium hydroxide and carbonate from diverse input streams and assets. Mangrove’s modular solution can be scaled to any capacity and co-located with upstream lithium producers or cathode and cell manufacturers. The platform technology is being commercialized for the conversion of waste brines to chemicals and desalinated water. The company recently attracted funding through Breakthrough Energy, BMW i Ventures, and BDC Capital and is working towards the deployment of a first-of-a-kind commercial plant.

Position Mangrove is seeking a motivated R&D Engineer – Pilot Plant to support the development, testing, and scale-up of proprietary electrochemical technology. This hands-on role is part of the Technology Development team and focuses on operating pilot-scale equipment, executing experiments, and generating high-quality data to support technology advancement and commercialization. The position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, highly motivated team with significant potential for growth and career development. The position also offers the opportunity to begin a career in the fast-expanding lithium-ion battery sector.

Salary range for this position will be $80- $100k depending on experience and skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot pilot-scale electrochemical systems.

• Execute pilot plant test plans and campaigns to support process development and scale-up.

• Maintain accurate experimental records, analyze data, and summarize results for technical stakeholders.

• Assist with the design, testing, and characterization of advanced electrochemical components and systems.

• Support electrolyzer performance optimization, including evaluation of electrodes, membranes, and cell components.

• Apply process engineering principles for pilot-scale systems, including maintenance of P&IDs, process flow diagrams, and SOPs.

• Support pilot plant upgrades, equipment modifications, and commissioning activities.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support process improvements, instrumentation, and automation initiatives.

Required Education, Skills and Experience

• BSc in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering, or related field.

• 3+ years of experience in R&D pilot plant operations, process development, or related technical roles.

• Hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting pilot-scale equipment.

• Strong understanding of electrochemical principles, system performance, and process optimization.

• Working knowledge of process engineering for pilot-scale systems, including P&IDs, process flow diagrams, and SOPs.

• Ability to analyze experimental data and communicate results clearly to technical stakeholders.

• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

• Be a registered professional with Engineers and Geoscientists BC or have the ability to readily become one.

Desirable Characteristics

• Experience with electrolyzers, fuel cells, or other electrochemical systems.

• Familiarity with pilot plant controls, instrumentation, and automation.

• Exposure to testing, failure analysis, and root cause investigations in R&D or pilot environments.

• Experience supporting pilot-to-demonstration scale activities

Why Mangrove? At Mangrove Lithium, our people are at the core of our groundbreaking technology. Here’s why you should join our team:

Competitive Salary: We believe in pay equity, fairness and transparency, and offer competitive salaries that reflect your skills, experience, and contributions.

Great Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including a $500/year Personal Spending Account and an Employee Family Assistance Program to support your well-being.

A Learning Organization: We are committed to your professional and career development, providing ample opportunities for learning and growth.

Generous Time Off: Start with three weeks of vacation and an additional week of paid personal days to ensure you have the work-life balance you deserve.

Join us at Mangrove Lithium and be part of a team that’s driving innovation and sustainability in the battery materials industry. Together, we can power a cleaner, greener future.