Principal Engineer

Ion Storage Systems; Beltsville (MD); On-site; USD 174,000 - 191,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, disability, &

Job summary

Ion Storage Systems Inc. is seeking a Principal Engineer for the Cell Engineering group in Beltsville, MD. You will own and optimize a first-of-its-kind prototyping line, working with cell, mechanical, equipment and automation engineers to improve speed, yield, and reliability.

Responsibilities include leading equipment builds, mentoring engineers, and driving process improvements end-to-end as the company scales its solid-state battery technology.

Qualifications

• Hands-on engineering experience required.
• Experience building hardware and software for automated systems.
• Strong mechanical design fundamentals; 3D CAD used for equipment design.
• Degrees listed in Mechanical/Electrical/Controls or Mechatronics.
• 10+ years of work experience (post-B.S.) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the existing prototype line to drive reliability, quality, and uptime.
• Lead root-cause investigations for equipment/process failures and implement corrective actions.
• Own the design, build, and commissioning of new equipment and fixtures from concept to install.
• Translate process requirements into robust hardware and automation specs.
• Mentor engineers and technicians; review designs and troubleshooting approaches.
• Collaborate with process/cell engineers on upstream/downstream implications.
• Contribute to engineering standards and documentation for scaling.
• Manage priorities across multiple projects with minimal oversight.

Skills

Hands-on engineering

First-of-its-kind hardware

Automation experience

Prototype-line experience

Strong problem solving

Education

B.Eng./M.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering

B.Sc./M.Sc. in Electrical/Controls Engineering

Mechatronics or related discipline

Tools

3D CAD

Job description

Beltsville, Maryland, United States - 20705

Description

ION Storage Systems offers solid-state battery solutions that prioritize performance, safety, and durability. Focusing on a variety of portable and stationary energy storage applications, ION's patented, three-dimensional ceramics design offers 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. 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 opportunities for growth and believe that a thriving workspace leads to a thriving company. We hope you will contact us to learn more and to be a part of our diverse, collaborative team!

As part of our Cell Engineering group, you'll use your experience, leadership and technical creativity towards the development and optimization of 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'll be working on equipment and processes as we refine them toward volume production and new commercial products. You'll collaborate with cell, mechanical, equipment and automation engineers and technicians to drive improvements for process speed, yield, and reliability.

As a Principal Engineer, you'll take ownership of significant workstreams - leading equipment builds, troubleshooting efforts, and process improvements end-to-end - while mentoring other engineers and raising the technical bar across the team.

Responsibilities:

Work collaboratively with the team to support the existing prototype line, identifying the key levers to drive optimal process reliability, quality, and uptime

Lead root-cause investigations for difficult or ambiguous equipment and process failures, and drive corrective/preventive actions to closure. Use issues as opportunities for continuous improvement.

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

Department: Cell Engineering

Reports to: Liz Santori (SVP, Cell Engineering)

In addition to a competitive salary and equity incentives, we offer the following company benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• RSU issuance
• Company and floating holidays
• 17 days of PTO to start, with increase upon tenure
• 401k plan with a 4% company match beginning after first paycheck
• Wellness allowance of $1k annually

Salary Range: $174k to $191k

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. Our team is made up of innovative, driven & creative individuals who are passionate about their work. The company offers an inclusive environment, growth opportunities and encourages work/life balance.

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, U.S. permanent resident or having current TN Visa authorization is required for consideration.