Design and Prototype Engineer – Flow in Electrochemical Systems

Calion is a U.S. based energy technology startup that is developing and commercializing recently invented ionocaloric refrigeration (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ionocaloric_refrigeration) and heat pumping technologies at Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to enable non-hazardous and zero-global-warming potential cooling and heating.

Cooling and heating account for more than 50% of energy use worldwide and is rising significantly . There is a significant need to develop high efficiency heat pumps/refrigeration to increase the energy efficiency. Furthermore hydroflorocarbons (HFCs) used in commercial technologies are potent greenhouse gases. They are on track to contribute as much as 25% of the total global warming budget. Combined with the global warming associated with energy needs, cooling and heating can contribute more than 50% to the global warming budget. Newly invented Ionocaloric refrigeration is a disruptive technology which uses electrochemical fields and ions to achieve heat pumping/cooling/refrigeration with zero global warming potential.

We need talented, hardworking individuals who share our goal of tackling this refrigerant problem so that we can cool the planet down, one-less-refrigerant-at-a-time.

Role Description:

Calion is seeking a hands-on prototype engineer to design, engineer, and build a robust flow module for our electrochemical system. The individual will work directly with the Co-founder and CEO to engineer the flow architecture and flow path, along with the sensors, controls, and supporting hardware to create a robust, compact, and efficient flow module to support our electrochemical separation process for highly efficient ionocaloric cooling.

What You’ll do:

• Design overall flow module architecture
• Design and execute the fabrication / assembly processes
• Integrate sensors, controls, and supporting hardware to test and collect data on flow module performance
• Rapid prototyping and iteration of design and extensive experimental testing and data collection

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Strong background in mechanical design and rapid prototyping.
• Proficiency in CAD software and basic machining.
• Familiarity with experimental design, data acquisition systems, control automation, and sensor integration.
• Ability to take an idea to fruition quickly and independently
• Motivation to change the world and contribute towards climate tech by developing game changing technologies

Would-be-nice:

• Experience in electrochemical and/or desalination-adjacent flow systems (thin gap)
• Experience in sourcing components and overseeing fabrication processes.
• Proficiency in programming
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
• Strong communication skills to present findings, collaborate effectively, and document results.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with hazardous chemicals

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $92,894.01 - $125,872.36 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• In-person

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Berkeley, CA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person