Principal Engineer

ION Storage Systems; Beltsville (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401(k) match

Wellness allowance

PTO 17 days starting

Floating holidays

Medical insurance

Job summary

ION Storage Systems Inc. in Beltsville, MD is seeking an experienced engineer to develop and optimize a first‑of‑its‑kind prototyping line for solid‑state cells and anodes.

You will work with cross‑functional teams to drive improvements in speed, yield, and reliability on a growing prototype platform. You will oversee design, build, and commissioning of new equipment, mentor engineers, and ensure robust hardware/automation specifications across mechanical, electrical, and controls domains.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation of hands‑on experience as an engineer.
• Experience building first‑of‑its‑kind hardware and software for automated systems.
• Strong mechanical design fundamentals. Experience in 3D CAD for design of equipment, tooling, fixtures, and assembly aids.
• B.Eng., M.Eng., B.Sc., M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Controls Engineering, Mechatronics or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of work experience (post‑B.S.).

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the team to support the existing prototype line, identifying key levers to drive optimal process reliability, quality, and uptime.
• Lead root‑cause investigations for difficult or ambiguous equipment and process failures, driving corrective/preventive actions to closure.
• Own the design, build, and commissioning of new equipment and fixtures from concept through installation, working across mechanical, electrical, and controls disciplines.
• Translate process requirements into robust hardware and automation specifications.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to other engineers and technicians on the team; review designs and troubleshooting approaches.
• Partner with process/cell engineers to understand upstream process needs and downstream implications of equipment design choices.
• Contribute to engineering standards and documentation practices appropriate for a scaling organization.
• Independently manage priorities across multiple ongoing projects with minimal oversight.

Skills

Hands-on engineering

Automation hardware design

Root-cause analysis

Mechanical design

3D CAD design

Leadership/mentoring

Education

B.Eng., M.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering

B.Sc., M.Sc. in Electrical/Controls Engineering, Mechatronics or related

Tools

3D CAD software

Automation equipment engineering

Job description

ION Storage Systems offers solid‑state battery solutions that prioritize performance, safety, and durability. The company focuses on a variety of portable and stationary energy storage applications, leveraging a patented, three‑dimensional ceramic design that provides a sustainable approach to next‑generation energy storage. Built on a scalable, modular ceramic structure, ION's batteries are ready to meet the demands of an increasingly electrified world.

As part of the Cell Engineering group, you will use your experience, leadership, and technical creativity to develop and optimize a first‑of‑its‑kind prototyping line for ION's solid‑state cells and anodes. Because this is a prototype line rather than a mature production system, you will work on equipment and processes as we refine them toward volume production and new commercial products. You will collaborate with cell, mechanical, equipment, and automation engineers and technicians to drive improvements for process speed, yield, and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the team to support the existing prototype line, identifying key levers to drive optimal process reliability, quality, and uptime.
• Lead root‑cause investigations for difficult or ambiguous equipment and process failures, driving corrective/preventive actions to closure.
• Own the design, build, and commissioning of new equipment and fixtures from concept through installation, working across mechanical, electrical, and controls disciplines.
• Translate process requirements into robust hardware and automation specifications.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to other engineers and technicians on the team; review designs and troubleshooting approaches.
• Partner with process/cell engineers to understand upstream process needs and downstream implications of equipment design choices.
• Contribute to engineering standards and documentation practices appropriate for a scaling organization.
• Independently manage priorities across multiple ongoing projects with minimal oversight.

Experience and Qualifications

• Strong foundation of hands‑on experience as an engineer.
• Experience building first‑of‑its‑kind hardware and software for automated systems.
• Strong mechanical design fundamentals. Experience in 3D CAD for design of equipment, tooling, fixtures, and assembly aids.
• B.Eng., M.Eng., B.Sc., M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Controls Engineering, Mechatronics or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of work experience (post‑B.S.).

Preferred

• Experience in cell assembly, semiconductor, or related field.
• Experience standing up a pilot or prototype line from an early stage.
• Experience working directly with equipment vendors on custom or first‑of‑a‑kind tooling.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Work onsite at ION's Beltsville, MD facility; this is a hands‑on and collaborative role requiring regular presence. Wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and safety‑toe shoes. Ability to stand, bend, and move around equipment and lab benches for extended periods.

Location

Beltsville, MD

Reports to

Liz Santori (SVP, Cell Engineering)

Benefits

• Competitive salary (USD 140,000‑190,000 per year).
• 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 USD 1,000 annually.

Company Description

ION Storage Systems Inc., located in Beltsville, MD, is a rapidly growing company commercializing its breakthrough lithium‑metal battery technology based on discoveries made at the University of Maryland. The company is committed to developing products that will impact everyday life on a global scale. Our technology improves product performance and safety in a variety of applications including defense and aerospace, consumer electronics, electrified transportation, and renewable energy storage. The team is composed of innovative, driven, and creative individuals who are passionate about their work. ION offers an inclusive environment, growth opportunities, and encourages work‑life balance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.