Associate Engineer - Battery Lab

Role details

About Us

We are building a world-class foundational science team, founded by former Tesla leadership. We’re a well-funded seed-stage sodium-ion battery company focused on truly redefining the future of energy storage and we are very excited about it.

The Role

We are seeking a hands-on Associate Engineer to support laboratory-scale electrode development and process experimentation. In this role, you will plan and execute formulation DoEs and test plans across slurry mixing, coating, calendaring, cell assembly, electrochemical testing, and electrode-level characterization. The engineer will also support process transfer and scale-up activities in collaboration with the pilot team.

Note: This role is based in a facility involving exposure to chemical solvents, fine powders, and moving equipment. Requires adherence to strict safety protocols and PPE use.

What You’ll Do: The following responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Design and execute test plans to optimize our electrode formulation for processability and electrochemical performance

• Perform root cause investigations and brainstorm solutions
• Prepare and mix electrode slurries using centrifuge, overhead dispersing, and planetary mixers
• Work in glove-box environment for mixing air sensitive materials
• Operate lab scale coating techniques including—doctor blade drawdown, comma bar coating and small scale slot die coating
• Assemble coin cell/bi-layer pouch cells and put on cycle testing according to defined procedures and test plan
• Conduct electrode characterization work including but not limited to peel test, bend test, resistivity measurement
• Conduct slurry characterization work including but not limited to rheology tests and grain gauge
• Assist with new process development, new tool sourcing and commissioning, equipment modifications as needed
• Follow 6S standards and maintain lab cleanliness and conduct

Qualifications We’re Seeking

• Associate degree or technical certification in manufacturing, materials science, chemistry, or engineering technology. B.S. in chemical, materials science, mechanical engineering or hard science degree strongly preferred
• Ability to design and execute SOPs and DoE’s with moderate support from more senior engineers
• Working knowledge of electrode materials and formulations
• Strong critical thinking skills and experience with root cause analysis
• Strong attention to detail and observation skills
• Good documentation and organizational skills
• Comfort working with fine powders, industrial solvents, and chemical handling procedures
• Ability to work and wear required PPE (respirators, gloves, safety glasses) for extended periods

Bonus / Preferred

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in battery lab-scale development work (high formulation iteration), manufacturing or electrode production
• Experience with and knowledge of polymer science
• Familiarity with electrode and slurry characterization protocols and equipment (Rheometer, Force Test systems)
• Familiarity with coin cell/pouch cell assembly and testing
• Familiarity with slurry mixing equipment (centrifuge, planetary and dual-shaft mixers)
• Experience with NMP or other solvent-based processing and associated safety protocols (ATEX/explosion-proof environments a plus)
• Basic mechanical aptitude — comfortable adjusting equipment settings, troubleshooting minor issues, and performing changeovers.

Work Environment

• Innovative / flexible / yet fast-paced development environment
• Very close collaboration with technical team and stakeholders across the company
• Small, growing, international team from 7+ countries
• Office snacks include healthy options, chips, drinks
• Onsite work schedule currently

Why join

• Ground-floor opportunity to shape both the science and the culture of a well-funded seed-stage company
• Direct access to founders; no bureaucratic barriers to pursuing bold ideas
• Work on a problem that matters - sodium-ion is one of the most consequential battery chemistries of the next decade

Benefits: As a full-time regular employee, you're eligible for the following.

• Competitive salary + meaningful early-stage equity
• Flexible time off (for exempt employees)
• Medical Healthcare Insurance, plus additional coverage offered for family members
• Dental and Vision Insurance, plus additional coverage offered for family members
• HSA (Health Savings Account) option
• FSA (Flexible Spending Account) option