Materials Scientist II or Materials Scientist III

Ionstoragesystems; Beltsville (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Equity opportunities

Company holidays

PTO 17 days to start

401(k) with 4% match

Wellness allowance

Job summary

ION Storage Systems is seeking a Materials Scientist II or III to join the Ceramics R&D team in Beltsville, MD. You will design and execute experiments to understand surface chemistry, influence cell performance, and define processing parameters for ceramic electrolytes.

The role requires hands-on lab work, strong data interpretation, and collaboration across teams. Level III includes leadership of ceramic processing projects with a focus on scalability and manufacturing readiness.

Qualifications

• Level II requires BS + 4 yrs, MS + 2 yrs, or PhD in a related field; ceramics/surface knowledge preferred.
• Level III requires BS + 8 yrs, MS + 6 yrs, or PhD + 5 yrs; leadership of projects a plus.
• Experience with ceramics, solid-state chemistry, or surface characterization is favored.
• Proficiency with multiple analytical techniques (SEM, XRD, FTIR, XPS, NMR, Raman, LIBS) is expected.

Responsibilities

• Understand stages of solid electrolyte processing and fabrication.
• Contribute to ceramic electrolyte development and manufacturing projects.
• Develop and implement material analysis methods to deepen understanding.
• Conduct and monitor experiments; analyze results and provide recommendations.
• Identify opportunities to improve yield, throughput, and scalability.
• Collaborate with Operations and Quality to troubleshoot issues and drive corrective actions.
• Document experimental methods and communicate results clearly.
• Maintain clean, safe, and compliant lab environment.
• Lead Level III projects to advance ceramic processing.

Skills

SEM

XRD

FTIR

XPS

NMR

Raman

LIBS

Experiment design

Data interpretation

Communication

Team leadership

Education

PhD in Inorganic Chemistry

MS in Materials Science or Engineering

BS in related field

Tools

Python

R

Minitab

JMP

Job description

Materials Scientist II or Materials Scientist III

• 12500 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA

Materials Scientist II or Materials Scientist III Job Description

ION Storage System is hiring a motivated, team-oriented scientist or engineer to join our Ceramics R&D team, developing our next-generation solid-state lithium metal battery. This is a great fit for an early or mid-career scientist or engineer with research lab experience who is detail-oriented, curious, and eager to contribute to a fast-moving, interdisciplinary team.

In this hands-on laboratory role, you will work with the team to design and execute experiments aimed at expanding understanding of the surface chemistry of our materials, how it impacts cell performance, and define process parameters to obtain desired properties. The ideal candidate would have experience with a broad variety of analytical methods including experimental design, data collection, and interpretation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Understand key stages of the solid electrolyte processing and fabrication method
• Apply materials background to contribute to projects for ceramic electrolyte development and manufacturing
• Identify, develop, and implement material analysis methods to deepen process understanding and monitoring
• Conduct and monitor experiments, characterize the products, analyze the results, and make actionable recommendations based on it
• Identify opportunities for innovation and optimization to improve process yield, throughput, and scalability
• Partner with Operations and Quality teams to troubleshoot process issues, conduct root cause investigations, and implement corrective actions
• Document and communicate experimental methods, results, and uncertainties
• Maintain workplace cleanliness and promote environmental health and safety in the daily work environment
• Level III: Lead efforts and projects to develop and improve ceramic processing

Required Qualifications:

• Level II:
  • B.S. + 4 years' experience; M.S. + 2 years' experience; OR Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 3+ years of experience conducting research in academic or industrial R&D environment, preferably in ceramics, solid-state chemistry, or surface characterization
• Level III:
  • B.S. + 8 years' experience; M.S. + 6 years' experience; OR Ph.D. + 5 years' experience in Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 6+ years of experience conducting research in academic or industrial R&D environment, preferably in ceramics, solid-state chemistry, or surface characterization
  • Demonstrated experience leading projects which answered key questions and had clear outcomes to drive progress
• Experience with multiple analytical techniques such as SEM, XRD, particle size analysis, FTIR, XPS, NMR, Raman, LIBS etc.
• Ability to communicate clearly, openly, and efficiently across technical and non-technical audiences
• 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:

• Experience with technical ceramics, e.g., solid electrolytes, solid oxide fuel cells, or ceramic capacitors
• Experience with surface analysis techniques, treatments and processes
• Familiarity with ceramic or materials processing operations such as powder synthesis, milling, tape casting, sintering, or related thermal processes
• Proficiency in data visualization and statistical analysis software such as Python, R, Minitab, or JMP

The base salary range for this role is $90,000 to $115,000 for Level II and $115,000 to $145,000 for Level III, depending on experience. In addition to base salary and equity, we offer the following company benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Equity opportunities in the 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

Salary Range: Level II $90k to $115k; Level III $115k to $145k

Department: Research and Development

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.

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.