Materials Scientist I

ION Storage Systems; Beltsville (MD); On-site; USD 77,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision

Stock options

Holidays

PTO 17 days

401(k) match

Wellness allowance

Job summary

Ion Storage Systems in Beltsville, MD, is seeking a motivated scientist or engineer to join the Ceramics R&D team and advance solid-state lithium metal battery technology. In this hands-on lab, you’ll design experiments, fabricate ceramic materials, and analyze data to push electrolyte technology and manufacturing processes.

This early-career role welcomes candidates with research lab experience who are detail-oriented, curious, and eager to contribute to a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• S. or M.S. in Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field.
• 1+ year of lab research experience in ceramics, chemical, or polymer systems.
• Experience with SEM, XRD, particle size analysis, FTIR, or similar techniques.
• Strong communication and ability to work in a team.
• Detail-oriented and proactive in a fast-paced R&D setting.

Responsibilities

• Learn key stages of solid electrolyte processing and fabrication.
• Collaborate with senior scientists to design experiments on solid electrolyte materials and processes.
• Conduct and monitor experiments, characterize products and analyze results.
• Document methods, results, and uncertainties clearly.
• Identify opportunities to improve products or processes and propose ideas.
• Maintain lab cleanliness and promote safety in daily work.
• Contribute as an agile member of a fast-moving R&D team.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Materials/Engineering degree

Job description

Description

Ion Storage Systems is looking for a motivated, team-oriented scientist or engineer to join our Ceramics R&D team and help develop our next-generation solid-state lithium metal battery. In this hands-on laboratory role, you’ll design and execute experiments, fabricate and characterize ceramic materials, and analyze data to advance our solid electrolyte technology and innovative manufacturing processes. This is a great fit for an early-career scientist or engineer with research lab experience who is detail-oriented, curious, and eager to contribute to a fast-moving, interdisciplinary team.

Ion Storage Systems is looking for a motivated, team-oriented scientist or engineer to join our Ceramics R&D team and help develop our next-generation solid-state lithium metal battery. In this hands-on laboratory role, you’ll design and execute experiments, fabricate and characterize ceramic materials, and analyze data to advance our solid electrolyte technology and innovative manufacturing processes. This is a great fit for an early-career scientist or engineer with research lab experience who is detail-oriented, curious, and eager to contribute to a fast-moving, interdisciplinary team.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn key stages of the solid electrolyte processing and fabrication method
• Work with senior scientists to design experiments related to solid electrolyte materials and processes, e.g., coating, casting, sintering, etc.
• Conduct and monitor experiments, characterize the products, and analyze the results.
• Document and communicate experimental methods, results, and uncertainties
• Look for opportunities to improve and innovate the product or processes and propose ideas to the team
• Maintain lab cleanliness and promote environmental health and safety in the daily work environment
• Be a passionate and agile member of the R&D team with a desire to work in fast-paced environment

Required Qualifications

• S. or M.S. in Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field
• 1+ years of experience conducting research in a laboratory setting, preferably in ceramics, chemical, or polymer research
• Experience with analytical techniques such as SEM, XRD, particle size analysis, FTIR, etc.
• Ability to communicate clearly, openly, and efficiently
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Eagerness to make meaningful contributions and work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic R&D environment.

Desired Qualifications/Skills

• 1-3 years of hands-on experience with ceramic processing and sintering
• Product research or development focused experience
• Proficiency designing experiments and analyzing data
• Familiarity with ion conductors and fuel cell or battery electrochemistry

Benefits

The base salary range for this role is $77,000, depending on experience. In addition to base salary and equity, we offer the following company benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Stock options in an early-stage company
• Company and floating holidays
• 17 days of PTO to start, with increase upon tenure
• 401(k) plan with a 4% company match beginning after first paycheck
• Wellness allowance of $1,000 annually

Department

Research and Development

Location

Beltsville, MD

Reports to

Ceramics R&D Manager

Company Description

ION Storage Systems is commercializing breakthrough solid-state lithium metal battery technology, based on discoveries made at the University of Maryland, that prioritizes performance, safety, and durability. Built on a scalable, modular, three-dimensional ceramic structure, ION's batteries take a sustainable approach to next-generation energy storage and are ready to meet the demands of an increasingly electrified world across defense and aerospace, consumer electronics, electrified transportation, and renewable energy storage. We are backed by leading venture capital firms including Alsop Louie Partners, Clear Creek Investments, VoLo Earth Ventures, and Toyota Ventures.

We offer an inclusive environment with growth opportunities and encourage work/life balance, because we believe a thriving workspace leads to a thriving company. Our team is made up of driven, creative people who are passionate about their work, and we hope you'll reach out to learn more and join our diverse, collaborative team.

To all recruitment agencies: Ion Storage Systems, Inc. will not accept agency resumes for this role. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs email, or to any Ion Storage Systems employees or any other company email address. Ion Storage Systems is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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 or U.S. permanent resident is required for consideration.