Battery Cell Development Scientist (or Engineer)

Wolverine - Ann Arbor, MI

Job Summary:

We develop cell and battery products for military applications. The Battery Cell Development Scientist (or Engineer) will work under the direction of the R&D management team to evaluate and select lithium-ion cell anode and cathode materials, develop new electrode designs, select separator and electrolyte solutions for new cell applications, and lead fabrication and testing campaigns of new prototype cells. The Development Scientist (or Engineer) will propose, plan, direct, and execute R&D projects and serve as a technical point of contact with customers.

NOTE: this position is seeking individuals with a cell development, engineering, or applied science orientation (familiarity with the commercial cell materials vendor landscape, familiarity with cell fabrication at semi-auto or pilot+ scale, how to test production-relevant cells [i.e. beyond coin cell work], how to orient cell designs to service high power vs. high energy applications) not an academic-style materials discovery or fundamental mechanisms researcher. A research background is no problem, so long as there is also some development experience.

Supervise 1+ Scientists, Engineers, or Lab Technicians. Work environment is indoors.

 

Essential/Key Functions:

  • Perform bench chemistry and formulation work.
  • Prepare samples/materials and assemble lithium-ion test cells in glove boxes.
  • Conduct electrical testing on test cells.
  • Conduct microscopic and analytical tests on cell materials.
  • Test data work up, visualization, interpretation and reporting.
  • Utilize cell models to design electrodes and cells.
  • · Develop, write and follow methods and standard operating procedures.
  • Maintain clean, organized work area.
  • Maintain assigned equipment/assets/properties.
  • Comply with policies and procedures. Follow all safety guidelines and operate in a safe manner.
  • Perform in a manner that will prevent errors and omissions.
  • Provides advisory support and assistance to the department manager as needed.
  • Participate in activities needed to support the management functions of the team.
  • Physical presence on the job is essential and necessary, including weekends and holidays if deemed.
  • Other duties as assigned by management.

     

     

    Work with R&D management to:

  • Generate and execute work plans, test plans, and technician work requests.
  • Maintain technical review slide decks for your programs.
  • Author reports and other written deliverables for your programs.
  • Present data and conclusions internally and to customers.
  • Support proposal generation.
  • Represent at trade shows and conferences.

Management Responsibilities:

  • 1+ direct reports (scientists, engineers, technicians) will be managed.
  • Manage career development and conduct annual performance review of direct reports.

 

 

Minimum (Required) Qualifications:

Required Education: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in chemistry, electrochemistry, chemical engineering, physics, materials science, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, or similar STEM degree areas.

Preferred Education: Academic class or lab work in the battery or energy storage fields.

Required Experience: 2+ years of battery or energy storage work, as a student, postdoc, or professional.

Preferred Experience: Battery industry experience or education, supervisory, and task/project management exposure or experience.

Required Skills and Traits:

  • Technical idea/solution generation.
  • Basic knowledge of the current state of battery science and technology and the major players.
  • Basic project management/leadership skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Good interpersonal and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal direction, and also as part of a small team.
  • Successful candidates will be both quality and detail oriented, be team oriented and flexible. They will possess good interpersonal skills, be good in written and verbal communication and be able to interface with co-workers and management.

     

    Proficiency in several of the following areas:

  • Electrochemistry and battery science/engineering theory and methods.
  • Materials synthesis and processing methodology and equipment.
  • Analytical chemistry and/or materials analysis methodology and equipment.
  • Familiarity with electrode mixing, coating, and processing methodology and equipment.
  • Familiarity with lithium-ion cell assembly, welding and manufacturing methods.
  • Familiarity with battery and electrochemical test equipment (Maccor, Bitrode, Arbin, Neware, Solartron, Gamry, Bio-Logic etc.) programming, operation, methodology, and data analysis.

 

 

Preferred Skills and Traits:

  • Equipment sourcing, set up, maintenance and troubleshooting.
  • Design of Experiments (DOE) or Robust Engineering training.

 

Senior Position Requirements: 5 years of battery industry, supervisory, and project management and leadership experience (or equivalent) in a mid-level position, and appropriate track record including successful project leadership and solution generation.

This position title may change depending on the candidate’s specific educational and experience background.

 



Posted On: Friday, September 24, 2021



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