At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and optimise molten-salt electrolysis processes for rare-earth metals.
- Company: Join a specialist metals manufacturing business focused on advanced production technologies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent contract, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance production efficiency and metal quality.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in R&D and industrial scale-up of innovative metallurgy processes.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant engineering field and experience in aluminium electrolysis.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
Electrolysis Engineer
Location: Ellesmere Port, Cheshire
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Contract: Permanent, full-time
The Opportunity
Are you an experienced Electrolysis Engineer, Metallurgical Engineer or Aluminium Process Specialist with a strong background in industrial molten-salt electrolysis?
Are you interested in applying your technical expertise to the development of advanced rare-earth metal production processes?
We are recruiting on behalf of our client, a specialist metals manufacturing business, for an experienced Molten Salt Electrolysis Specialist to join its Research & Development function at its Ellesmere Port facility.
This is a highly technical opportunity focused on developing, optimising and scaling up industrial electrochemical processes for the production of rare-earth metals and alloys, including neodymium (Nd), neodymium-praseodymium (Nd Pr) and Dy Fe.
Drawing on your experience of industrial aluminium electrolysis, high-temperature electrochemistry and fluoride-based molten-salt systems, you will help develop and improve electrolysis technologies, taking processes from technical development through to reliable industrial production.
You will work across R&D, metallurgy, engineering and production, helping to improve cell performance, metal quality, production efficiency and overall process reliability.
The Role
Reporting to the Director of Research & Development, you will provide specialist technical expertise in molten-salt electrolysis, supporting the development, optimisation and industrialisation of rare-earth metal production processes.
Key responsibilities will include
- Developing, optimising and scaling up molten-salt electrolysis processes for rare-earth metals and alloys, including Nd, Nd Pr and Dy Fe.
- 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.
About You
You will be an experienced electrolysis or metallurgical engineering professional with a strong technical understanding of industrial molten-salt electrochemical processes.
Ideally, you will have direct experience within aluminium electrolysis or primary aluminium production, with hands‑on involvement in operating, developing or troubleshooting industrial electrolysis cells.
You will be comfortable working across technical development and industrial operations, using process data, structured investigations and engineering knowledge to improve cell performance and production efficiency.
Essential experience and qualifications
- Degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Process Engineering or a closely related discipline.
- Industrial experience within 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.
Desirable experience
- Previous experience in rare‑earth metallurgy or rare‑earth molten‑salt electrolysis.
- Experience with neodymium (Nd), Nd Pr or other rare‑earth metal production.
- Experience with process scale‑up, industrial R&D and equipment commissioning.
- Knowledge of analytical techniques used to characterise electrolytes, feedstock materials and final metal quality.
- Experience developing new electrochemical processes or improving existing industrial production technologies.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
- Join a specialist metals manufacturing business investing in advanced production technologies.
- Work on specialist rare‑earth metal and alloy production processes.
- Apply your industrial electrolysis knowledge to a technically challenging area of metallurgy.
- Take an active role in R&D, process development and industrial scale‑up.
- Work alongside multidisciplinary technical, engineering and production teams.
- Influence improvements in production efficiency, metal quality and electrolysis technology.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Electrolysis Specialist in Ellesmere Port employer: Jonathan Lee Group
Yamazaki Mazak in Worcester is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and teamwork thrive. With a strong focus on employee development and continuous improvement, we provide ample opportunities for growth and advancement within the company. Our commitment to quality and safety ensures that you will be part of a team that values excellence and collaboration, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Electrolysis Specialist in Ellesmere Port
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We think you need these skills to ace Electrolysis Specialist in Ellesmere Port
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
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Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Jonathan Lee Group specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
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How to prepare for a job interview at Jonathan Lee Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Jonathan Lee Group, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
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Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Jonathan Lee Group value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.