Materials Scientist II or Materials Scientist III

Ion Storage Systems; Beltsville, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, disability, &

Life insurance

Equity opportunities

Company and floating holidays

PTO 17 days to start

401(k) plan with 4% company match

Wellness allowance

Job summary

Ion Storage Systems in Beltsville, MD is seeking a Materials Scientist II or III to join our Ceramics R&D team, developing next-generation solid-state lithium metal battery technology. The role involves hands-on lab work, experimental design, data interpretation, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Level II focuses on foundational research with 4+ years experience, while Level III expects leadership and 5+ years of related R&D experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in ceramics, solid-state chemistry or surface characterization.
• 3+ years of R&D experience in academic or industrial settings.
• Proven ability to design, execute and interpret experiments.
• Ability to communicate clearly across technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Understand key stages of solid electrolyte processing and fabrication.
• Contribute to ceramic electrolyte development and manufacturing.
• Develop and implement materials analysis methods to deepen understanding.
• Design, run, and monitor experiments; analyze results and recommend actions.
• Identify opportunities to improve yield, throughput, and scalability.
• Collaborate with Operations and Quality to troubleshoot and drive corrective actions.
• Document methods, results and uncertainties; maintain safety standards.
• Lead projects to develop and improve ceramic processing (Level III).

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Data interpretation

Team collaboration

Effective communication

Education

B.S. with 4+ years; M.S. 2+; Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry / Materials Science & Engineering / Chemical Engineering / Ceramic Engineering / Mechanical Engineering

Ph.D. with 5+ years in related field

Tools

SEM

XRD

Particle size analysis

FTIR

XPS

NMR

Raman

LIBS

Job description

Materials Scientist II or Materials Scientist III

Beltsville, Maryland, United States - 20705

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.

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.