R&D Intern

Role details

Battery R&D Internship Enovix is seeking an R&D Intern to support the design, fabrication, testing, and analysis of lithium-ion batteries with silicon-based anodes. This role is well suited for a PhD student or graduate researcher with strong experience in electrochemistry, battery materials, cell testing, and failure analysis. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in battery materials and electrochemistry, a hands-on approach to experimentation, and enthusiasm for addressing complex challenges in silicon anode commercialization. The intern should be comfortable working across fundamental science, experimental execution, and product-focused battery development.

The intern will collaborate closely with scientists, engineers, and technical leadership to support the development of high-performance lithium-ion cells.

Key Responsibilities

The intern will contribute to one or more of the following areas: Design and evaluate silicon-based anode materials, composites, binders, conductive additives, and electrode formulations. Fabricate electrodes and coin, pouch, or other test cells for electrochemical evaluation. Perform battery testing, including formation, cycling, rate capability, fast-charge testing, impedance measurements, and diagnostics. Analyze capacity retention, coulombic efficiency, impedance growth, swelling, and other key performance metrics. Investigate silicon anode degradation mechanisms, including volume expansion, SEI evolution, particle fracture, lithium inventory loss, and electrode-level failure modes.

Use materials characterization techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, Raman, FTIR, BET, TGA, or related methods, as applicable. Develop clear, data-driven recommendations to guide silicon anode material and cell design. Document experimental procedures, results, and conclusions in technical reports and presentations. Work cross-functionally with materials, cell engineering, process development, and product teams.

Required Qualifications

Currently enrolled in a PhD program at a leading university, national laboratory, or research institute with a strong focus on batteries, electrochemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Research experience in lithium-ion batteries, preferably silicon-carbon or other advanced anode systems. Strong understanding of lithium-ion battery fundamentals, including electrode design, interfacial chemistry, SEI formation, transport limitations, and cell degradation. Hands-on experience with battery cell assembly and electrochemical testing. Ability to analyze complex experimental data and translate results into actionable technical insights.

Preferred Qualifications

Direct experience with silicon anode materials, silicon-carbon composites, pre lithiation, binder systems, electrolyte additives, or high-loading electrode design. Familiarity with advanced diagnostic methods such as EIS, GITT, dQ/dV analysis, post-mortem analysis, gas analysis, or mechanical swelling measurements. Experience using Python, MATLAB, JMP, Origin, or similar tools for data analysis. Publications, patents, or conference presentations related to lithium-ion batteries or advanced anode materials. Experience working in industry, a national laboratory, or a collaborative applied research environment.

What You Will Gain Hands-on experience developing next-generation silicon anode lithium-ion battery technology. Exposure to startup-style R&D, rapid experimentation, and practical cell development. Opportunity to work closely with experienced battery scientists and engineers. Experience translating academic research into commercially relevant battery technology. This is a paid internship that will be onsite at our Fremont, CA office, with an expected duration of 3-6 months. The hourly pay range is $40–$45, depending on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.