Mechanical Prototyping Engineer

RSCH AND DEV ENGR 3 TX (004758)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_2134

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

2/10/2025 1:40:03 PM

Date Last Edited:

2/10/2025 1:40:00 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1130O

Organization:

HENRY SAMUELI SCHOOL ENGR & APPL SCIENCE

Division Code:

1131D

Division:

ENGINEERING & APPLIED SCIEN DIV

Department:

012100 - INSTITUTE FOR CARBON MANAGEMENT

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_2134

Position Description ID

230625

UC Payroll Title:

RSCH AND DEV ENGR 3 TX (004758)

Business Title:

Mechanical Prototyping Engineer

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

99: Non-Represented (PPSM)

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

4 - Staff: Limited

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40061059

Reports to Payroll Title:

PROF-AY-B/E/E

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40061059

Department Head Payroll Title:

PROF-AY-B/E/E

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

ICM is seeking an experienced engineer to join its latest cutting-edge action team with the potential for carbon removal at a global scale. This position will work on novel electrolyzer for hydrogen generation and mineral precipitation for the use of carbon dioxide avoidance. The ideal candidate drives technological innovation and novel engineering design and desires involvement with growing technology from prototype to functional pilot plant and beyond. The position will collaborate closely with a team of dedicated individuals who are impact-driven and results-focused.

The Institute for Carbon Management (ICM) is a cross-campus technology-translation entity at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). ICM translates pioneering carbon management solutions from the (laboratory) bench-scale to pre-commercial/commercial-scale devices, prototypes, and (software) solutions. ICM's activities span two major focus areas:

(1) Technologies for carbon dioxide removal (from the atmosphere), utilization, and avoidance, and

(2) Technologies for creating new supply chains, and processing approaches for critical materials and elements (e.g., Li, Ni, Co, Mn, Mo) that are foundational to accelerating the clean energy transition, as well as reducing the carbon footprint of extractive processes.

ICM is organized into action teams that are convergent, agile, and world-class. Prominently, these action teams have enabled ICM-born technologies to be awarded the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE, and the 2021 Liveability Challenge, among others. ICM's technologies are now being commercialized via spin-out companies including CarbonBuilt Inc., Concrete-AI Inc., and Equatic Inc. 

Research and Development

1. Iterate designs for a complex assembly to optimize its energy efficiency for a novel electrochemical process. 2. Execute these designs into robust and reliable prototypes using the minimum resources necessary through hands-on prototype manufacturing work as well as ordering from external vendors. 3. Run tests on design under a range of conditions and report results to a broader team. 4. Iterate and refine this design through successive prototype stages, from proof-of-concept to design optimized for manufacturability. 5. Based on the final design, prepare engineering documentation to be delivered to manufacturers for large-scale production. 6. Conduct root cause analysis to resolve design issues. 7. Create detailed drawings, schematics, and models.

90%

Reporting

1. Participate in weekly meetings and share project progress with the team. 2. Collaborate with cross-functional teams.

10%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required

Master's Degree

in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.

Preferred

Three or more years

Experience as a mechanical engineer.

Required

Experience designing parts for chemical processes.

Required

Experience with power electronics and modeling experience (FEA, CFD, electrical)

Preferred

Experience with sealing systems.

Preferred

Modeling experience (FEA, CFD, electrical).

Preferred

Knowledge of wide range of manufacturing/prototyping processes.

Required

Has portfolio of independent and group projects where he/she took the product from initial concept to mechanical design to manufactured product.

Required

Knowledge and understanding of mechanics of materials and common alloys.

Required

Mastery of engineering fundamentals.

Required

Skilled in CAD.

Required

Maker, doer, proactive, comfortable with open-ended problems.

Required

Strong communication skills.

Required

Has worked with vendors to manufacture parts.

Preferred

Strong chemistry knowledge.

Preferred

Passion for climate technology.

Preferred

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

420 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.