R&D Laboratory Technician

The Research and Development (R&D) Laboratory Technician will perform research and development laboratory duties, operate, and maintain bench chemistry experiments, prepare standards and solutions, perform titrations, and operate, maintain, and calibrate analytical equipment. They will work in a fast-paced collaborative environment, regularly interacting with operations and engineering personnel.

Aqua Metals believes that the only path to achieving global emissions targets is a combination of electrifying transportation that is recharged with renewable electricity and sustainably recycling the lithium-ion batteries with renewable electricity. To that end, Aqua Metals is developing cleaner metals recycling that can deliver high-value raw materials back into the battery manufacturing supply chain while reducing emissions and waste streams and creating safer work environments.

We are the only company that has developed a commercially proven, sustainable, closed-loop metal recycling process, and Aqua Metals is applying its commercialized clean, water-based recycling technology principles to develop the cleanest and most cost-efficient recycling solution for lithium-ion batteries. Our technology will produce higher quality products at a lower operating cost without the damaging effects of furnaces, chemical waste streams, and greenhouse emissions.

Responsibilities

• Perform duties associated with research laboratory, including solution preparation, sampling, sample analysis, routine analytical tests such, data collection and analysis.
• Operate, maintain, and calibrate laboratory equipment, including instrumentation such as pH meters, temperature sensors, etc.
• Prepare analytical standards, reagents, and test solutions.
• Perform routine analytical tests such as filtrations, separations, titrations, pH, etc. in accordance with established SOPs.
• Under the guidance and supervision of research engineers, prepare and execute research and development test plans.
• Operate, perform routine maintenance on, and calibrate specialized laboratory instruments, including AA, ICP, UV-Vis, IC and others.
• Participate in the development of new processes and technologies
• Assist in the development of new test methods and standard operating procedures.
• Accurately conduct reactions from bench top to 30-gallon scale.
• Maintain safe working conditions, comply with all required health and safety procedures, and keep a clean, orderly work area at all times.
• Prepare data summaries that allow research engineers to write brief reports detailing the results of tests and analyses.
• Document and maintain test procedures and methods according to established requirements.
• Work closely with process engineers, research engineers, and other team members to support production goals and testing of process improvements.

The requirements and duties listed represent the knowledge, skills, and ability for an individual to perform successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be requested from and reviewed by Human Resources using the interactive process to facilitate individuals with disabilities or other protected categories to perform essential functions.

• Associates of Science or higher (chemistry or chemical engineering preferred).
• Have 1 to 10 years of experience in a chemical analytical or research and development lab.
• Ability to perform basic laboratory equipment setup such as connect tubing, connect sample wires, and operate low voltage power supplies.
• Ability to operate and perform basic maintenance on laboratory instruments, including AA and ICP.
• Ability to read and understand materials commonly used in the job function.
• Strong analytical and math skills and strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient English, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and math skills.
• Proficient computer technology skills, including ability to utilize company software
• SOFTWARE/HARDWARE: Microsoft Office suites; email, internet, adobe, etc., as well as varying specific
• company software platforms; computer (desk and laptop), phone, fax, copier, scanner, and other related office equipment (audio/video/media equipment).
• TYPING/DATA ENTRY: 25 words per minute.
• Identification that establishes the right to work in the United States; identification that establishes identity.