Battery Research and Characterization Laboratory Technician

Role details

Job Title: Battery Research & Characterization Technician

Department: Research and Development

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented Laboratory Technician to support our battery materials R&D team. In this role, you will be responsible for physical/chemical characterization of active materials, fabricating coin cell test batteries in a glovebox environment, and executing routine electrochemical testing. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with powder analysis techniques (PSD, BET, CHN) alongside a solid foundation in electrochemistry.

Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive Salary: $60,000 – $75,000 annually (commensurate with experience).
• Equity Compensation: Employee Stock Options package included.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan.
• Time Off: Paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and company-observed holidays.

Key Responsibilities

• Powder & Material Characterization:
• Perform particle size distribution (PSD) analysis using laser diffraction.
• Execute surface area and porosity analysis via BET gas adsorption methods.
• Conduct elemental composition testing using CHN combustion analyzers.
• Maintain analytical instruments, prepare calibration standards, and troubleshoot routine equipment issues.
• Cell Assembly & Fabrication:
• Prepare electrode slurries, perform doctor-blade coating, calendering, and electrode punching.
• Assemble coin cells (CR2032) inside argon-atmosphere gloveboxes following standardized SOPs.
• Maintain clean glovebox environments (monitoring moisture/oxygen levels).
• Electrochemical Testing & Data Collection:
• Set up and operate multi-channel battery cyclers (Neware).
• Compile, organize, and upload test datasets into Voltaiq for engineering review.
• Lab Operations & Safety:
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Track chemical inventory, hazardous waste disposal, and consumable stock.
• Enforce strict laboratory safety protocols regarding air/water-sensitive chemicals and lithium materials.

Soft Skills & Workplace Competencies

• Rigorous Attention to Detail:
• Precise handling of micro-gram quantities, tight sample prep procedures, and consistent electrode assembly techniques.
• Safety & Hazard Awareness:
• Strong commitment to laboratory safety protocols, especially when working with reactive battery materials, solvent vapors, and pressurized gas cylinders.
• Clear & Transparent Communication:
• Effectively articulates data, test progress, and equipment issues across R&D teams in both verbal and written formats.
• Active Listening & Collaboration:
• Carefully follows multi-step SOPs, asks clarifying questions, and works seamlessly within cross-functional lab teams.
• Self-Motivation & Methodical Organization:
• Strong time-management skills to run multi-step analytical equipment (PSD, BET, CHN) in parallel while keeping lab space organized.

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related technical field.

Experience

1–3 years of hands-on experience in a battery, chemical, or analytical characterization laboratory.

Analytical Techniques

Demonstrated experience with PSD, BET surface area analyzers, and CHN elemental analyzers.

Cell Fabrication

Hands-on experience with glovebox operations and coin cell (CR20XX series) assembly.

Electrochemistry

Basic understanding of battery fundamentals (C-rates, capacity, Coulombic efficiency, voltage windows).

Pay: $60,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person