Senior Cell Development Engineer (II)

Ionstoragesystems; Beltsville (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Stock options

Company holidays

PTO 17 days

401(k) match

Wellness allowance

Job summary

ION Storage Systems in Beltsville, MD is seeking a Senior Cell Engineer to design and lead experiments on solid-state cells, including anodes and assembly processes, and to apply rigorous statistical methods to diagnose performance variation.

This hands-on role anchors a prototype line rather than mature production, with responsibilities to define validation plans for new materials and processes, mentor junior engineers, ensure safety, and collaborate with automation and metrology teams to drive

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Chemistry, Chemical Eng, or Materials Science with 4+ years experience or PhD with relevant work.
• Strong electrochemistry knowledge and battery test methods.
• Experience leading experiments from design to completion.
• Mentoring and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead experiments to optimize solid-state cells and assembly.
• Investigate root causes of performance variation with rigorous analysis.
• Define and execute validation plans for new materials and process changes.
• Maintain documentation and communicate gaps in prototype build tracking.
• Contribute to hiring and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Electrochemistry

Experiment design

Statistical analysis

Mentoring

Lab skills

Python

Education

B.S./M.S. in Chemistry or related field

Ph.D. with relevant experience

Tools

Lab instrumentation

Job description

• 12500 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA

As part of our Cell Engineering group, you will leverage deep knowledge of electrochemistry towards advancing the development and testing of ION's solid‑state cells from our first‑of‑its‑kind prototype line. As a Senior Cell Engineer, you will independently design and lead experiments that connect process or component‑level changes to cell outcomes, and apply rigorous statistical methods to investigate root causes of performance variation. You will partner closely with automation engineers, metrology engineers, and technicians to drive improvements in the prototype line and ensure critical to quality metrics are met.

This is a hands‑on technical role for someone with electrochemical expertise, strong experimental rigor, and a collaborative approach to problem‑solving. Because this is a prototype line rather than a mature production system, you'll help define and refine processes as we scale toward volume production and new commercial products.

Responsibilities:

• Independently design and lead experiments to optimize ION's solid‑state cells, anodes, and assembly processes


• Investigate root causes of performance variation or failures using rigorous analytical and statistical methods, connecting findings to actionable design or process changes


• Define and execute on validation plans for new materials, components, and process changes


• Maintain clear documentation and process tracking. Communicate specific gaps in prototype line build tracking and monitoring for continuous improvement.


• Contribute to current hiring with the growth of the team. Mentor junior cell engineers on experimental design, analysis techniques, and lab best practices.


• Follow safety guidelines for handling and ensuring proper disposal of cells and chemicals


• Complete hands‑on training on the prototype line, to understand its operation at a deep level

Experience and Qualifications:

• B.S. or Masters degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field with 4+ years of relevant industry or research experience or Ph.D. with relevant industry or research experience


• Strong foundation in electrochemistry, electrochemical systems, and battery test methods


• Demonstrated experience independently leading experiments or projects from design through completion


• Strong \"soft skills\" including: Strong attention to detail, excellent technical communication and organizational skills, and ability to mentor and collaborate effectively across disciplines


• A passion for creative problem solving in a fast‑paced prototype environment

Preferred:

• Proficiency in Python or similar tools for data analysis and visualization; or comfortable using A.I. tools to develop code for automated data analysis


• Experience with failure prediction and investigation methods, such as Root Cause Analysis and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis

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


• Pass a respirator fit test and be able to wear respiratory protection on a periodic basis


• Ability to stand, bend, and move around equipment and lab benches for extended periods

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

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.