Molten-Salt Electrolysis R&D Specialist

Jonathan Lee Group; Ellesmere Port; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Jonathan Lee Group in Ellesmere Port is seeking an Electrolysis Engineer to work on molten-salt electrolysis for rare-earth metals and alloys. The role draws on aluminium electrolysis and high-temperature electrochemistry to develop and optimise industrial processes.

You will collaborate across R&D, metallurgy, engineering and production to improve cell performance, metal quality and production efficiency while supporting process controls and equipment development for scale-up.

Qualifications

• Degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Process Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Industrial experience in aluminium electrolysis or primary aluminium production.
• Hands-on experience operating, developing or troubleshooting industrial molten-salt electrolysis cells.
• Strong understanding of high-temperature electrochemistry and fluoride-based molten-salt systems.
• Experience investigating and improving electrolyte chemistry, cell stability and operating performance.
• Understanding of current efficiency, energy consumption and electrolysis process optimisation.
• Strong analytical, technical problem-solving and root-cause investigation skills.
• Experience working across R&D, engineering and industrial production environments.

Responsibilities

• Developing, optimising and scaling up molten-salt electrolysis processes for rare-earth metals and alloys, including Nd, NdPr and DyFe.
• Establishing and optimising critical electrolysis operating parameters, including electrolyte composition, oxide concentration, impurities and operating temperatures.
• Investigating electrolyte chemistry and developing strategies to maintain stable operating conditions through controlled feeding and bath management.
• Identifying and minimising sources of contamination to improve final metal quality and product consistency.
• Analysing process data to understand relationships between operating conditions, current efficiency, energy consumption and metal quality.
• Leading structured experimental programmes, industrial plant trials and technical investigations to improve electrolysis performance.
• Supporting the development and improvement of electrolysis cell design, electrode systems, feeding arrangements, process controls and instrumentation.
• Identifying opportunities to increase production capacity, cell productivity, reliability and operating life.
• Supporting the transition of new electrolysis technologies from laboratory and pilot-scale development through to industrial production.
• Working collaboratively with Materials & Characterisation, Chemical Engineering, Technical Engineering, Production, Maintenance and HSE teams.
• Developing operating procedures, technical specifications, process-control strategies and technical reports.
• Supporting equipment suppliers and engineering partners with the design, development and commissioning of new or upgraded electrolysis systems.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Root-cause investigation

Education

Degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Process Engineering

Job description

Jonathan Lee Group in Ellesmere Port is seeking an Electrolysis Engineer to work on molten-salt electrolysis for rare-earth metals and alloys. The role draws on aluminium electrolysis and high-temperature electrochemistry to develop and optimise industrial processes.

You will collaborate across R&D, metallurgy, engineering and production to improve cell performance, metal quality and production efficiency while supporting process controls and equipment development for scale-up.