R&D Engineer (Mechanical 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 an experienced R&D Engineer–Mechanical Engineering to support the design, development, and scale-up of proprietary electrochemical system technologies. This role will contribute to the mechanical design, integration, and manufacturing readiness of electrochemical cells and systems, working closely with cross-functional teams of engineers and scientists. The R&D Engineer (Mechanical Engineer) will play a key role in translating bench- and pilot-scale concepts into robust, reliable, and manufacturable mechanical designs, including the design of bench-scale and pilot-scale equipment.  

In addition, this position will support pilot plant upgrades, equipment modifications, and continuous improvement initiatives, contributing directly to the development and optimization of pilot-scale hardware. 

Salary Range: $100,000 – $130,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Contribute to the mechanical design and development of components and assemblies for electrochemical cells, stacks, and balance-of-plant systems, ensuring structural integrity, sealing, thermal management, manufacturability, and serviceability. 

• Perform mechanical and thermal analyses, including CFD simulations, to evaluate fluid flow, heat transfer, pressure drop, and overall system performance. 

• Collaborate with R&D teams to support scale-up from bench-scale to pilot- and demonstration-scale systems. 

• Interface with manufacturing partners and suppliers to ensure manufacturable designs, cost-effective assembly methods, and appropriate tolerances. 

• Develop, review, and maintain mechanical drawings, specifications, and CAD documentation. 

• Support testing activities by analyzing performance data, identifying mechanical failure modes, and implementing design improvements. 

• Contribute to design reviews, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives. 

• Support pilot plant mechanical upgrades, including equipment modification, installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting. 

• Support the mechanical design and scale-up of chemical process equipment and unit operations, including systems involving fluid flow, heat and mass transfer, and solids handling, for bench- and pilot-scale deployment. 

• Maintain a working knowledge of process control systems and instrumentation, enabling effective collaboration on control strategies, sensor selection, and automation for bench- and pilot-scale equipment. 

Required Education, Skills and Experience 

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

• 7+ years of experience in mechanical design and development, preferably in electrochemical, chemical process, energy, or advanced manufacturing industries. 

• Hands-on experience with electrochemical cell or stack design, including mechanical integration and balance-of-plant considerations. 

• Strong background in manufacturing processes, including design for manufacturability (DFM), assembly, and scale-up. 

• Proficiency in CFD and thermal analysis tools to evaluate system performance. 

• Experience supporting pilot plant or industrial systems, including mechanical upgrades and operational troubleshooting. 

• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Onshape) and technical drawing standards. 

• Experience taking designs from concept and feasibility through detailed design, procurement, fabrication, installation, and commissioning. 

• Solid understanding of materials selection, pressure systems, sealing technologies, and mechanical reliability in demanding operating environments. 

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams. 

Preferred Qualifications 

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

• Familiarity with pressure vessel codes, piping standards, and industrial safety requirements. 

• Experience supporting pilot-to-demonstration or early commercial-scale systems. 

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

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.