Associate Engineer - Battery Lab

Stealth-mode Battery Technology Co.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible time off

Medical Insurance

Dental & Vision Insurance

HSA

FSA

Office snacks

Job summary

Stealth-mode Battery Technology Co. is seeking an Associate Engineer to support laboratory-scale electrode development and process experimentation in a fast-paced, safety-conscious lab environment in Santa Clara, CA.

You will plan and execute DoEs, prepare slurries, and test electrode performance across multiple techniques, with emphasis on process transfer and scale-up with the pilot team. Responsibilities include coating, coin cell assembly, and electrode characterization, while adhering to 6S

Qualifications

• 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 DoEs with moderate support from more senior engineers.
• Working knowledge of electrode materials and formulations.
• Strong attention to detail and observation skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute test plans to optimize 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, comma bar, and small scale slot die coating.
• Assemble coin cell/bi‑layer pouch cells and test per procedures.
• Conduct electrode characterization (peel, bend, resistivity).
• Conduct slurry characterization (rheology, grain gauge).
• Assist with new process development, tool sourcing and commissioning.
• Follow 6S standards and maintain lab cleanliness.

Skills

DoE design

Root cause analysis

Attention to detail

Documentation

PPE/safety compliance

Education

Associate degree or technical cert in manufacturing/materials science/chemistry/engineering technology

B.S. in chemical/materials/mechanical engineering or hard sciences (preferred)

Tools

Rheometer

Coating equipment (doctor blade, slot‑die)

Job description

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