Electrochemical Engineer II

About Travertine

Travertine is a Climate Tech start-up based in Boulder, CO that is rapidly scaling an electrochemical technology for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and sustainable critical element extraction. Our process takes carbon dioxide from the air and sources of waste sulfate to produce carbonate minerals, sulfuric acid, and hydrogen. The sulfuric acid is used in extraction of critical elements like lithium and nickel for EV batteries and phosphorus for fertilizer. The Travertine Process was developed by Prof. Laura Lammers at her UC Berkeley lab. Travertine was founded in 2022 to scale this process to gigatons per year of CDR. 

In 2022, we raised a seed round from the Grantham Foundation and Clean Energy Ventures, we were one of the first companies to receive pre-purchases of CDR from the new Stripe-led $1B Frontier fund, and we received a $2M grant from the DOE’s ARPA-E program. We were named C&EN 10 startups to watch in 2022, a Bloomberg NEF Pioneer in 2023, and are part of the RMI Third Derivative 1st Gigaton Captured program.  We believe in developing practical approaches to solving the climate crisis. 

The Role

The Electrochemical Engineer II will be responsible for advancing cutting-edge electrochemical technology developed at Travertine. This is an exciting opportunity for a recent PhD graduate or postdoctoral researcher eager to work in the climate tech space. As an Electrochemical Engineer II, you will report to the Director of Electrolyzer R&D and collaborate with an electrolyzer team composed of ~8 engineers, scientists, and technicians to research, design, and test novel electrolyzers. This role requires the ability to think critically and creatively to interpret literature and inform decisions about electrochemical system design.  

• Lead R&D experiments to test a novel electrolyzer for aqueous and gas phase electrolysis
• Design electrolyzers using SolidWorks or CAD software and construct cells
• Develop key performance indicators, experimental design, scheduling, and execution
• Coordinate and communicate experimental data with electrolyzer team
• Oversee laboratory operations and reinforce safety protocols and culture
• Manage one or more laboratory technicians

• PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, or equivalent
• 4+ years experience designing electrolyzers for water electrolysis, fuel cells, CO2 electrolysis, or chloralkali
• Experience designing novel electrolyzers is a plus
• Experience working with electrochemical R&D in gas phases (e.g., CO2, H2, O2)
• Desire to scale technologies beyond the lab for the benefit of society and the environment
• Excellent technical writing, communication, and interpersonal skills

• Stock options
• Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
• 401k with 3% match
• Flexible time off policy