R&D Formation Process Engineer M/F

Verkor; Grenoble; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Verkor is seeking an R&D Formation Process Engineer in Grenoble, France, to advance lithium-ion cell formation processes from concept to pilot-scale. You will define processes, run DoE studies, and partner with design, materials, and equipment teams to ensure scalable, robust production concepts.

You will lead pilot-line definitions, assess capabilities, and drive tech transfers to manufacturing, while benchmarking against industry leaders.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Materials, or Industrial Engineering.
• 3+ years in lithium-ion battery process development, or 6+ years for a senior role.
• Strong experience in lithium-ion cell assembly or formation processes.
• Experience with DoE, statistical analysis, and data-driven process optimization.
• Hands-on experience in dry room or cleanroom environments.

Responsibilities

• Define and develop formation processes from concept to pilot-scale validation (DoE, PoC, and scaling laws).
• Design experiments to understand process windows, critical parameters, and failure mechanisms in cell manufacturing.
• Lead pilot-line process definition, capability assessment, and technical readiness for scale-up.
• Interface with equipment suppliers to translate process requirements into equipment specs.
• Collaborate with cell design and materials teams to optimize cell architecture for assembly robustness and yield.
• Establish process targets, control strategies, and documentation for handover to manufacturing teams.
• Perform root cause analysis on assembly defects observed during development.

Skills

Python

Matlab

Minitab

DoE

Statistical analysis

Data-driven optimization

Process optimization

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Materials, or Industrial Engineering

Tools

Automation equipment development

Job description

We are currently looking for our future R&D Formation Process Engineer to join our Process R&D department based in our VIC (Verkor Innovation Center) in Grenoble, France.

As such, you are responsible for the development and maturation of lithium-ion cell formation processes. The role focuses on process definition, technology selection, and proof of concept from laboratory and pilot scale, supporting the transition toward industrialization. You will work closely with cell design, materials, and equipment teams to ensure that assembly concepts are scalable, robust, and competitive against industry benchmarks.

Main missions:

• Define and develop formation processes from concept to pilot-scale validation (DoE, PoC, and scaling laws).
• Design experiments to understand process windows, critical parameters, and failure mechanisms in cell manufacturing.
• Lead pilot-line process definition, capability assessment, and technical readiness for scale-up.
• Interface with equipment suppliers to translate process requirements into custom or semi-custom equipment specifications.
• Collaborate with cell design and materials teams to optimize cell architecture for assembly robustness and yield.
• Establish process targets, control strategies, and documentation for handover to industrialization or manufacturing teams.
• Perform root cause analysis on assembly defects observed during development phases.
• Benchmark assembly technologies and processes against top-tier lithium-ion battery manufacturers.

Requirements:

• Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Materials, or Industrial Engineering.
• At least 3 years of experience in lithium-ion battery process development, or 6 years for a senior role.
• Strong experience in lithium-ion cell assembly or formation processes.
• Proven experience in process development stages: concept definition, lab validation, pilot scaling, and technical transfer.
• Strong knowledge of DoE, statistical analysis, and data-driven process optimization.
• Experience with custom automation equipment development and technical specifications.
• Hands-on experience in dry room or cleanroom environments.
• Strong analytical skills using tools such as Python, Matlab, or Minitab.