Battery Materials Characterization Engineer

Apple Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 141,800 - 213,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Discounted products and free services

Educational reimbursement

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Santa Clara, California is seeking a Battery Materials Characterization Engineer to lead efforts in characterizing lithium-ion battery materials using advanced techniques like Raman spectroscopy and SEM. This role involves developing a deep understanding of failure mechanisms in batteries and collaborating with other teams to innovate in battery technologies.

The ideal candidate will have a BS in a related field and at least 3 years of industry experience, alongside strong analytical skills. Apple offers a competitive salary range of $141,800 to $213,700 along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience with Raman spectroscopy or relevant characterization techniques.
• Experience with at least one characterization technique - SEM, FTIR or XRD.

Responsibilities

• Acquire, analyze, and interpret data using in-situ/ex-situ Raman microscopy.
• Perform SEM and FIB-SEM analysis for morphological characterization.
• Conduct FTIR spectroscopy measurements for chemical identification.

Skills

Raman spectroscopy

SEM

FTIR

FIB-SEM

Chemical analysis

Data analysis

Education

BS in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering or related field

Tools

Raman microscopy

FTIR spectroscopy

XRD

XPS

TEM

Job description

Battery Materials Characterization Engineer

Santa Clara, California, United States Hardware

Do you have a passion for invention and self-challenge? Do you thrive on pushing the limits of what's considered feasible? As part of our Battery Engineering group, you'll help craft creative battery solutions that deliver more energy in smaller spaces than ever before! You'll work across fields to transform improved hardware elements into a single, integrated design. Join us, and you'll help us innovate new battery technologies that continually outperform the previous iterations. By collaborating with other product development groups across Apple, you'll push the industry boundaries of what batteries can do and improve the product experience for our customers across the world.

Description

As part of the materials characterization team, you will function as the subject matter expert for structural characterization and chemical analysis of lithium-ion battery materials and systems, with a strong foundation in Raman spectroscopy and complementary techniques including SEM, FIB-SEM, and FTIR. You will develop methods based on project needs to build a deep understanding of failure mechanisms and root causes in lithium-ion batteries, while also reviewing data from other analysts and coordinating the use of multiple techniques to drive materials understanding and causations between materials properties and performance.

Responsibilities

• Acquire, analyze, and interpret data using in-situ/ex-situ Raman microscopy/mapping for structural characterization and chemical analysis of Li‑ion battery materials (cathodes, anodes, electrolytes, interfaces, and degradation products)
• Perform SEM and FIB‑SEM analysis for morphological, cross‑sectional, and microstructural characterization of battery materials and cell components
• Conduct FTIR spectroscopy measurements for chemical identification and analysis of battery material surfaces, SEI layers, and electrolyte decomposition products
• Optimize acquisition parameters and develop new methods across Raman, SEM, FIB‑SEM, FTIR, and other relevant techniques
• Identify and define the proper characterization techniques for submitted samples and implement focused characterization projects using multiple complementary techniques to drive root‑cause analysis and a deep material understanding
• Collaborate with other departments, including production and R&D, on projects involving process–property (materials)–performance relationships
• Get trained on and support additional characterization techniques, and review data from other analysts
• Adhere to best‑of‑class lab practices: maintain an organized and clean laboratory environment, ensure sample piece location is controlled, and follow all lab safety regulations

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or related field, with a minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience with Raman spectroscopy or relevant.
• Experience with at least one characterization technique - SEM, FTIR or XRD.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or related field, with graduate‑level coursework or research involving Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy applied to energy storage materials
• Deep knowledge of Raman spectroscopy for Li‑ion battery materials, including interpretation of spectra for common materials (e.g., graphite, silicon, NMC/NCA cathodes, LFP, solid electrolytes)
• Hands‑on experience with SEM and FIB‑SEM, including sample preparation, cross‑sectioning, imaging, and EDS analysis of battery materials
• Proficiency in FTIR spectroscopy (transmission, ATR, and/or microscopy modes) for chemical characterization of battery‑relevant materials
• Demonstrated track record of applying Raman and complementary characterization techniques (SEM, FIB‑SEM, FTIR) to solve critical problems in battery material development and/or identification of battery degradation mechanisms
• Experience handling and preparing air‑sensitive battery materials (glovebox operation, inert atmosphere sample transfer)
• Experience with additional characterization techniques such as XRD, XPS, TEM, or optical microscopy

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $141,800 and $213,700, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits.

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant.

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace.

Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants.

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.