Senior Electrolyte Scientist

Position Summary

The Senior Electrolyte Scientist is a key individual contributor who can work within complex team environments, driving mission critical projects that impact annual company milestones. The Senior Electrolyte Scientist has deep knowledge in battery electrolyte performance and testing methodology. This person can attack open-ended problems with vigor, by developing hypotheses from disparate sources across the organization, and by developing and executing plans that leverage resources across the organization. 

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Develop and test polymer electrolyte materials that provide benefits to cell performance, including evaluation of transport properties and mechanical properties 
• Evaluate polymer electrolytes in conjunction with other cell components such as ceramic electrolytes and active materials 
• Relate polymer chemical and physical properties to component level characteristics and cell performance results; optimize processes to maximize component performance 
• Design and execute high-quality experiments, knowing when to trade accuracy and speed, and balancing competing resources, including those of the company 
• Define projects consistent with company goals, track action items, drive progress to successful completion, and report results 
• Analyze data from multiple sources, including their own experiments 
• Take initiative to identify gaps or overlooked problems and present findings to senior management with clear, data-driven communications and recommendations 
• Continuously survey and interpret literature on solid-state battery materials and architectures, integrating key insights into the company’s technical strategies 
• Drive innovation and IP development by exploring novel materials, cell designs, and processing approaches that advance solid-state cell performance 
• Other duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and level of this position 

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• PhD in relevant field, MS + 3 years relevant experience, BS + 5 years relevant experience, or 10 years related industry experience 

Experience

• Demonstrated ability to test and measure electrolyte transport properties 
• Demonstrated ability to analyze electrochemical data and improve battery performance through optimization of different areas such as: interfacial impedance reduction strategies, ceramic and polymer electrolyte processing challenges, and chemical degradation modes of battery layer sub-components. 
• Demonstrated ability to work within a team  

Skills & Knowledge

• Detailed understanding of solid-state battery cell architecture and formulation, including detailed knowledge of the functional role of all materials in all components of the cell 
• Proficiency with analytical and electrochemical characterization techniques, such as EIS, CV, SEM, XRD, TGA, and DSC, and the ability to interpret results to inform design or process decisions. 
• Ability to condense complicated data into clearly presented analysis, conclusions, and recommendations 
• Ability to work in a team environment, serving as a mentor to junior employees and a source of truth for senior employees within the team 

Certifications / Licenses

• N/A

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with polymer electrolytes and electrochemical cell testing and analysis, including some combinations of ion transport measurements, mechanical testing, polymer rheology, cycle life testing, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy 
• Experience interfacing polymer and ceramic electrolytes, measuring interfacial impedance, and evaluating strategies for minimizing interfacial impedance 
• Demonstrated ability to bring new materials from concept to fruition, through some combination of synthesis, materials processing, cell assembly and testing, and engineering analysis 
• Experienced data analyst with a demonstrated ability to apply statistics, perform novel analysis, present distilled data from a complicated source dataset, write data analysis scripts, or otherwise interpret complex electrochemistry data 

Core Values — Minimum Qualifications

Safety & Security First For employees, customers, and intellectual property

Demonstrated commitment to maintaining a safe and secure work environment, including adherence to workplace safety protocols, data privacy standards, and confidentiality requirements. Proven ability to identify and appropriately escalate potential risks to personnel, customers, or sensitive information.

Trust & Respect Treat everyone with honesty, dignity, and sensitivity. Embrace different perspectives. Be humble.

Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and working styles. Track record of maintaining professionalism, integrity, and discretion in all workplace interactions.

Ownership & Accountability Take responsibility and action. Set goals and deliver. Don't wait for others.

Demonstrated ability to independently prioritize, execute, and follow through on responsibilities with minimal supervision. Proven track record of setting measurable goals, meeting deadlines, and taking initiative to resolve challenges proactively.

Technical Excellence Always strive for the best solution possible.

Demonstrated commitment to quality and continuous improvement in delivering work product, solutions, and outcomes within area of expertise. Ability to evaluate options critically and apply sound judgment to identify the most effective and scalable solution.

Learn & Be Curious Think outside the box. Always learning.

Demonstrated ability to quickly acquire new skills, tools, or domain knowledge in response to evolving business needs. Proven track record of applying creative or unconventional thinking to solve problems.

Be Resourceful Be hungry, frugal, and flexible. Use what you have. Find a way.

Demonstrated ability to deliver results in resource-constrained environments by maximizing existing tools, processes, and partnerships. Proven ability to adapt and find effective solutions in ambiguous or rapidly changing situations.

Delight Customers Build stronger relationships with internal and external customers.

Demonstrated commitment to understanding and exceeding the needs of internal and/or external customers. Track record of building and maintaining strong, trust-based relationships that drive positive outcomes for all stakeholders.

 

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to sit for extended periods at a workstation and use a computer for up to 8 hours per day. 
• Ability to work in a glovebox, using machines or hand tools, for up to 8 hours per day.  
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. occasionally. 
• Domestic or international travel may be required intermittently but is not standard for this role 
• Work is performed in a combination of standard office environments and lab spaces, which may include dry rooms with extremely low humidity, chemistry labs, cell test labs, machine shops, and in gloveboxes - the specific combination of which depends on specific job duties and is expected to change over time.  
• Regular business hours required; occasional evening or weekend work may be required during peak periods.