Automation Engineer I (Mechanical)

Ion Storage Systems; Beltsville (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, disability, &

RSU issuance

Company and floating holidays

17 days PTO to start, with tenure

401k plan with 4% company match

Wellness allowance of $1k annually

Job summary

Ion Storage Systems in Beltsville, MD, is seeking an Automation Engineer I (Mechanical) to design and iterate on mechanical equipment for a first‑of‑its‑kind prototype line in cell engineering.

You will troubleshoot line issues, support installation and debugging, and measure design performance against speed and yield targets while documenting all work for future volume production.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 0-3 years of post BS work experience.
• Experience in 3D CAD for design of equipment / tooling / fixtures / assembly aids.
• Experience in measurement of outcomes of your designs.
• A passion for creative problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and iterate on mechanical equipment, tooling, and fixtures to support prototype cell fabrication.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues on the line, working hands‑on to identify root causes and implement fixes.
• Support installation, setup, and debugging of new equipment.
• Measure and evaluate the performance of designs and process changes against yield, speed, and reliability targets.
• Collaborate with cell engineers and technicians to translate process requirements into mechanical solutions.
• Maintain detailed documentation for all phases of work.

Skills

Creative problem solving

Education

BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

3D CAD

GD&T

Automation controls (PLCs, sensors, actuators)

Job description

Beltsville, Maryland, United States - 20705

Description

Automation Engineer I (Mechanical) - Cell Engineering

As part of our Cell Engineering group, you'll use your background in mechanical engineering and technical creativity towards the development and optimization of first-of-its-kind prototyping line for ION's solid state cells and anodes. Because this is a prototype line rather than a mature production system, you'll be working on equipment and processes as we refine them toward volume production and new commercial products. You'll collaborate with cell engineers, other automation engineers and technicians to drive improvements for process speed, yield, and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and iterate on mechanical equipment, tooling, and fixtures to support prototype cell fabrication
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues on the line, working hands‑on to identify root causes and implement fixes
• Support installation, setup, and debugging of new equipment
• Measure and evaluate the performance of designs and process changes against yield, speed, and reliability targets
• Collaborate with cell engineers and technicians to translate process requirements into mechanical solutions
• Maintain detailed documentation for all phases of work

Experience and Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 0-3 years of work experience (post B.S.)
• Experience in 3D CAD for design of equipment / tooling / fixtures / assembly aids
• Experience in measurement of outcomes of your designs
• A passion for creative problem solving

Preferred

• Machining experience (manual or CNC mill/lathe) sufficient to fabricate and modify prototype parts, tooling, and fixtures to specified tolerances
• Experience with GD&T and precision fit/tolerance analysis
• Exposure to automation controls (PLCs, sensors, actuators) or willingness to learn

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Work onsite at ION's Beltsville, MD facility; this is a hands‑on and collaborative role requiring regular presence
• Wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and safety‑toe shoes.
• Pass a respirator fit test and be able to wear respiratory protection on a periodic basis
• Ability to stand, bend, and move around equipment and lab benches for extended periods

Department: Cell Engineering

Reports to: Liz Santori (SVP, Cell Engineering)

In addition to a competitive salary and equity incentives, we offer the following company benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• RSU issuance
• Company and floating holidays
• 17 days of PTO to start, with increase upon tenure
• 401k plan with a 4% company match beginning after first paycheck
• Wellness allowance of $1k annually

Salary Range:$80k to $150k

Company Description

Ion Storage Systems Inc., located in Beltsville, MD, is a rapidly growing company commercializing its breakthrough lithium metal battery technology based on discoveries made at the University of Maryland. The company is committed to developing products that will impact everyday life on a global scale. Our technology improves product performance and safety in a variety of applications including, defense and aerospace, consumer electronics, electrified transportation, and renewable energy storage. Our team is made up of innovative, driven & creative individuals who are passionate about their work. The company offers an inclusive environment, growth opportunities and encourages work/life balance.

Ion Storage Systems, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or Veteran status.

*Eligibility to work in the United States as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. permanent resident or having current TN Visa authorization is required for consideration.