Kunin Technologies is revolutionizing the critical mineral supply chain by implementing advanced separation technologies to capture value from overlooked resources.
Metals are everywhere, in solar panels, smartphones, electric vehicles, but as ore grades plummet globally, traditional extraction methods are failing. China dominates critical minerals markets by developing superior separation technologies that extract value from materials American mines discard as waste.
Utilizing Kunin Technologies' breakthrough performance, ion-exchange media significantly more value can be produced from each resource, reducing waste, and unlocking metal abundance.
To achieve metal abundance, humanity must bring separation science down its own Moore’s Law: fix the idiot cost index for micro and nano scale separation materials. This requires mass manufacturing novel ion-exchange media form factors which previously struggled from high costs.
THE ROLEWe are automating the roll-to-roll processing of ion-exchange media. This is a similar serial production challenge to battery electrodes. You are responsible for making three-unit operations one coherent line: web transport, drives and tension control, unwind and rewind stands, and the controls and automation layer (PLC, HMI/SCADA, recipes, data logging) that ties it together. Battery electrode coating experience maps directly: fragile-web transport, wet steps, drying, precision tension, modern automation.
You are part of a team of ten in Chattanooga, TN delivering this line by the end of 2027.
This demonstration line becomes the basis of a greenfield manufacturing facility in Series A – B, at 10X the scale, with automated material handling and integrated back–end exchange media equipment packaging.
By 2030, we want to be the world’s largest volume producer of ion-exchange media.
RESPONSIBILITIESLine architecture: unwind and rewind stands, roll transfer between unit operations, accumulator and festoon strategy, and splice stations
Web transport and tension control for low-basis-weight nonwovens: drive sizing, load cells and dancers, tension zones through nips, baths, the beam shield labyrinth, and dryers
Controls and automation: PLC programming, drive coordination and draw control, HMI/SCADA, recipe management, and interlock coordination with the beam systems engineer
Line data: sensor selection and logging of speed, tensions, temperatures, bath parameters, and dose records – captured from day one
Commissioning leadership when unit operations physically connect; line-level safety: e-stops, guarding, LOTO
Bachelor’s degree in engineering field - electrical or chemical engineer preferred.
3+ years on roll-to-roll production or pilot lines with hands-on drives, tension, and controls work - battery electrode coating background preferred.
PLC and HMI programming experience (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley or Siemens class) with servo and VFD drive commissioning.
1+ years of experience using software tools such as Matlab, C++ or Python.
Ability to work in fast paced and demanding atmosphere
Experience trouble shooting sensors, actuators, and electrical components
Creative problem solving that brings together reactive chemistry, radiochemistry, material handling, fluid mechanics disciplines.
Position located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Travel to partners' facilities may be intermittently required.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Extended hours and weekends frequently required to support critical project milestones.
"The Whole World Is Ion-Exchange And The Rest Are Merely Details!"
Dr. Robert Kunin of Rohm and Haas, The Pioneer of the Ion-Exchange Industry, 1951
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, preferably electrical or chemical engineering
- At least 3 years of experience on roll-to-roll production or pilot lines
- Hands-on experience with drives, tension control, and industrial controls
- PLC and HMI programming experience using Rockwell/Allen-Bradley or Siemens systems
- Servo and VFD drive commissioning experience
- At least 1 year of experience using MATLAB, C++, or Python
- Experience troubleshooting sensors, actuators, and electrical components
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and demanding environment
- Battery electrode coating experience
- Creative problem-solving across chemistry, radiochemistry, material handling, and fluid mechanics
- U.S. citizenship
- Ability to travel intermittently to partners’ facilities
- Ability to work extended hours and weekends frequently for project milestones
What We Do
Kunin Technologies is an American technology company focused on revitalizing domestic mining by developing vertically integrated ion-exchange technology solutions. Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the company develops selective separation processes to recover critical minerals—such as gallium, germanium, and scandium—from mining waste streams, aiming to reduce America's reliance on foreign sources and maximize the value of domestic mineral assets.
