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Electrolysis Team Lead

Join a pioneering hydrogen tech company where your expertise in electrochemistry drives real-world impact in clean energy.

  • Drive the transition to a sustainable future by advancing clean hydrogen tech
  • Lead and optimise PEM water electrolysers with hands-on lab and strategic work.
  • Collaborate with top researchers in a high-performance, innovative culture.
Electrolysis Team Lead
bspkl | Full-time | Wellington, New Zealand
  
We are bspkl.
bspkl is a manufacturer of high-performance catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs). We use innovative, scalable, and sustainable manufacturing approaches to create critical components for PEM electrolysis, helping unlock clean hydrogen production and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.

As NZ’s first hydrogen deep-tech startup, we believe that the world needs breakthrough innovations in manufacturing to support the world's transition to a sustainable future. Our manufacturing approach applies advanced semiconductor techniques to create next-generation electrode structures that reduce catalyst use and pave the way for scalable, high-performance production.
  
About the role
We’re seeking an Electrolysis Team Lead to play a key role in advancing our CCM and MEA technology. This position combines hands-on experimental work with strategic leadership, helping us improve current density, durability, and reproducibility as we scale up our manufacturing capability.

You’ll lead a small team of engineers and technicians, design and execute experiments, analyse results, and translate insights into design and process improvements, all while helping to shape our R&D strategy and culture.
  
Key responsibilities
  • Lead and mentor a small team of R&D engineers and technicians, supporting technical excellence and professional growth.
  • Contribute to research strategy development, ensuring alignment with bspkl’s technical goals and industry needs.
  • Design, prepare, test, and analyse CCM, MEA, and stack performance for PEM water electrolysis, including evaluation of durability and consistency.
  • Use electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and related techniques to diagnose performance limitations and drive targeted improvements.
  • Develop and test new designs and process improvements in collaboration with manufacturing.
  • Engage with internal stakeholders and external partners across academia and industry.
  • Maintain clear experimental records, deliver timely and accurate analyses, and communicate results to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Contribute to a high-performing, collaborative team culture and uphold strong health and safety standards.
About you
You’re an innovative, proactive, and results-driven professional who’s as comfortable in the lab as in strategy discussions. You’re motivated by making a genuine impact through technology and sustainability.

Essential qualifications and skills
  • Master’s or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrochemistry, or a closely related field.
  • Hands-on experience in testing, operating, and optimising PEM water electrolysers or similar electrochemical systems.
  • Strong understanding of CCM and MEA design, including component interactions and performance factors.
  • Proficiency in electrochemical characterisation techniques, especially EIS.
  • Proven track record of improving durability, consistency, and current density in electrochemical systems.
  • Experience mentoring or coordinating technical teams and projects.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Desirable experience
  • Leadership experience in a research or industrial setting.
  • Strategic input into research roadmaps and process scale-up.
  • Collaboration with academic or industry partners.
Why join bspkl?
  • Be part of a pioneering hydrogen technology company driving meaningful change.
  • Work with leading researchers and engineers at the forefront of clean energy innovation.
  • Collaborative, curious, and high-performance culture.
  • Competitive salary and professional development opportunities.
  • Flexible working options and relocation support available.
Role details
  • Location: Wellington, New Zealand
  • Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
  • Employment type: Permanent
  • Salary range:  $140k - $190k, depending on experience
  
Apply now
If you’re ready to lead innovation in clean hydrogen and help deliver real climate impact, apply today with your CV and answer a few questions below.

Our recruitment is handled by Sprout People. Please reach out to Sam with any questions - sam@sproutpeople.co