Potocnik obtained his Ph.D. in plasma physics from The University of British Columbia in Canada. He worked at Alcan for 28 years, providing technology development and technical assistance to smelters before retiring in 2002. Since then, he has worked worldwide as a consultant in aluminum reduction technology.

Potocnik has extensive experience in cell design, modelling and control, with special expertise in magnetohydrodynamics, busbar design, experimental evaluation of cells and electrical safety in potrooms. He is author or co-author of many published papers in aluminum reduction technology.