Energy Storage Program Lead: AI and Data Centers

Argonne National Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 138,000 - 254,000; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory seeks a dynamic leader to shape the future of energy storage for AI and data centers. The Energy Storage Program Lead will create and execute a multi‑year growth strategy, coordinating with senior leaders to advance stationary storage, battery research, and deployment initiatives.

The role emphasizes strategic development, collaboration with sponsors, and building a world‑class R&D program addressing grid and data‑center energy demands through AI, ML, and digital

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field with battery systems background for stationary storage.
• Knowledge of AI/ML and robotic laboratories applications to energy storage.
• Proven program development, strategic direction, and execution experience.
• Experience building sponsor relationships and pursuing funding opportunities.
• Strong oral and written communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience with utilities, system integrators, and DER stakeholders.
• Track record leading R&D teams, securing funding, and delivering outcomes.
• Ability to learn Argonne's funding landscape and DOE policies.
• Commitment to Argonne's core values: impact, safety, respect, integrity, teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a growth strategy for a multi‑million‑dollar R&D program in energy storage for AI and data centers.
• Translate real-world needs into high‑impact R&D objectives and deliver outcomes.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with battery companies, data centers, hyperscalers, and utilities to secure funding.
• Lead program direction, manage sponsors, and build a world‑class research portfolio.
• Collaborate with leadership to align with Argonne policies and organizational structure.

Skills

Battery systems

AI/ML & robotics

Program development

Strategy & execution

Sponsorship & funding

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Utilities & DER experience

Leadership of R&D teams

Policy & organizational navigation

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Job description

Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for a dynamic and collaborative leader to help shape the future of energy storage for AI and data center applications. Working closely with the Director of ACCESS, the ACCESS Stationary Storage Lead, Division Directors, and research leaders, the Energy Storage Program Lead for AI and Data Centers will develop and execute a growth strategy for a multi-million-dollar R&D program focused on advancing stationary energy storage solutions.

This program will address the rapidly increasing energy demands of data centers, tackle associated grid challenges, and leverage recent advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotic laboratories, and digital twins to accelerate battery research, manufacturing, and deployment.

The Program Lead will serve as a key connector between battery scientists and technologists and AI and data center practitioners, translating real-world operational needs into high-impact R&D objectives. In collaboration with the Stationary Storage Lead and Argonne's business development team, this individual will cultivate strategic partnerships with battery companies, data center providers, hyperscalers, system integrators, distributed energy resource solution providers, utilities, and government organizations to secure funding and expand the program's impact.

A central goal for this role over the next 2-3 years is to build and lead a world-class R&D program in energy storage that addresses the evolving energy demands of data centers and the broader electric grid sector.

For more information about ACCESS, visit: https://www.anl.gov/access/about

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. in Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Background in developing battery systems for stationary storage applications, including understanding the role of energy storage on the grid, integration considerations, and economic factors
• Knowledge of the growing fields of AI/ML and robotic laboratories
• Demonstrated skills in program development, strategic direction, and execution
• Experience building and maintaining effective relationships with a diverse set of sponsors, influencing program direction, and pursuing funding opportunities
• Strong oral and written communication skills, along with the ability to build productive professional relationships
• Experience working with utilities, system integrators, distributed energy resource companies, and related stakeholders
• Proven track record of leading R&D teams in developing technology solutions and building research programs, including concept development, securing funding, and delivering outcomes
• Ability to learn Argonne's organizational structure and funding landscape
• Ability to learn Laboratory and DOE policies and procedures
• Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

RD4: Bachelors and 12+ years of experience, Masters and 7+ years, PhD and 6+ years, or equivalent

The expected hiring range for this position is $ 138,000 - $215,280 annually

RD5: RD5: Bachelors and 15+ years of experience, Masters and 12+ years, PhD and 10+ years, or equivalent

The expected hiring range for this position is $162,750 - $253,890 annually

Job Family
Research Development (RD)

Job Profile
Program Development 4

Worker Type
Regular

Time Type
Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $138,000.00 - $215,280.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

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